Spring Newsletter 2026

ACEC Engineering Achievement Awards

Metro Strategies Group is proud to share that our team was recently recognized with multiple honors from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois, celebrating our continued commitment to advancing transportation and infrastructure across the state!

Among this year’s recognitions, we received a Special Achievement Award for our work with the Blue-Ribbon Commission on Transportation Infrastructure Funding and Policy for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). This effort brought together leaders from across Illinois to identify long-term strategies to strengthen and advance our transportation system. Our team conducted over 150 interviews, supported 5 working groups and developed and promoted a workforce survey that resulted in a 30% response rate.

We were also proud to accept a Merit Achievement Award in the Public Engagement and Communications category for our engagement work during the Planning and Environmental Linkages Study (PEL) and Phase I of the Village of Elmwood Park’s Grand Gateway Project. This transformative initiative focused on improving safety, mobility and connectivity at one of the state’s most complex and dangerous rail crossings. Through thoughtful outreach and community engagement, our team helped ensure that residents, businesses and stakeholders had a meaningful voice in shaping project recommendations.

These awards reflect not only the quality of our work, but also the dedication, creativity and collaboration that define our team. We are grateful to our partners and clients for the opportunity to support projects that make communities safer, more connected and better prepared for the future. It was a wonderful night celebrating excellence across the industry!

Blue Ribbon Commission's (BRC) Final Report

In January, we had an exciting day at the City Club with the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Secretary Gia Biagi, as she shared how IDOT is activating major initiatives across the State.

Secretary Biagi announced the Blue Ribbon Commission’s (BRC) adoption of their Final Report that outline recommendations for future Department improvements. Our team is honored to have supported the BRC over the past year, collaborating with IDOT staff, legislators and transportation experts to assist IDOT in achieving their mission of providing a safe, accessible and reliable transportation system for all users.

We are excited to see all that Secretary Biagi and the IDOT team continue to accomplish!

Cook County Board Meeting Award Presentation

It was an honor to join the recent Cook County Board meeting and present the Golden Trumpet Award recognizing the County’s outstanding stakeholder engagement efforts for its Climate Resiliency Planning Program. This effort supported five municipalities across Cook County in developing climate resiliency plans and beginning implementation. Our team engaged with over 800 community members through 13 pop up events, 20 municipal workshops, 10 focus group meetings and 19 stakeholder interviews to ensure these plans were shaped by the people they’re designed to serve.

Today, each community is breaking ground on priority projects identified through this process. Congratulations to Cook County, Villages of Bellwood, Franklin Park, Justice, Lynwood and the City of Markham!  

Upcoming Grants & Funding Deadlines

May 4, 2026 - Illinois EPA Public Water Supply Energy Efficiency Grant Program

May 26, 2026 - US DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)

October 5, 2026 - IDOT Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP)

Until funds are expended - Illinois EPA Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Program

2025 Year In Review

Every spring, we take a moment to reflect on the past year and the incredible contributions of our team. Our mission is to amplify the voices of community members and stakeholders, ensuring that project recommendations and initiatives align with local needs and goals. We are proud of the impact we have made and look forward to sharing the positive changes shaping our region.

Winter Retreat

We started the year refreshed from a full day of fun at our Winter Retreat. Led by Josh Ellis, Executive Director of SUM, we enjoyed a day of team building, outdoor exploration and goal setting for the new year ahead! Our outdoor adventures included a walk along the trails at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve. Located in Oak Brook, this hidden gem helped our team to disconnect from our busy schedules and focus on reconnecting with each other and ourselves.

Route 47 Kick-off: An All-Around Success

Recently, our team celebrated two major milestones in the launch of the Route 47 Widening Project, welcoming the community to a construction open house and officially kicking off construction with a groundbreaking ceremony!

These events brought together an incredible group of partners and leaders, including representatives from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), McHenry County, the City of Woodstock, Congressman Bill Foster and over 100 community members. Our team’s efforts highlighted the strong collaboration and shared commitment driving one of the region’s most significant infrastructure investments forward.

This project will expand the existing two-lane roadway to four lanes, install roundabouts at three critical intersections, replace storm sewers and water mains and enhance streetscape improvements.



As construction progresses, Metro Strategies Group will provide communication services including clear and consistent real-time traffic updates, sharing construction progress and supporting local businesses every step of the way.

Staff Spotlight

We are excited to share some wonderful news and celebrate the well‑deserved promotions of two outstanding team members.



Please join us in congratulating Jordan Rogalski, who has been promoted to Project Director, Outreach and Engagement. Jordan’s strong project management skills, experience leading engagement initiatives and genuine commitment to our partners and clients have made a lasting and positive impact across our teams and projects. We are grateful for Jordan’s thoughtfulness, collaboration and contributions.

We are also delighted to announce the promotion of Brenda Tlapa to Creative Director. Brenda’s exceptional creativity, artistic vision and commitment to creating accessible materials consistently elevates our work and helps us deliver designs that exceed client expectations. Her passion and talent are greatly valued by both our team and our clients.



We sincerely appreciate Jordan’s and Brenda’s continued hard work and dedication and look forward to the creativity and impact they will bring in their new roles.

KEEP IN TOUCH!

Email Us: info@metrostratgroup.com

We're located in the western suburbs:

1901 Butterfield Road, Suite 260

Downers Grove, IL 60515