Q&A with Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse
2024 marks an important milestone for the Illinois Tollway with the launch of its first Stakeholder Advisory Team (SAT). The SAT consists of more than 40 community and industry leaders who represent a cross-section of organizations ranging from non-profit, civic, business, labor, environmental, transportation and advocacy organizations in Chicago and the surrounding 12-county region. SAT members are tasked with providing feedback and recommendations that will serve as the framework to advance the Illinois Tollway’s long-term capital priorities.
In this conversation, Illinois Tollway Executive Director, Cassaundra Rouse answers 5 questions about the importance of community outreach.
Why is the Stakeholder Advisory Team important?
“The Illinois Tollway is more than just a collection of highways. The tollway connects so many communities… where we shop, where we do business, where we go to school, where we live. A stakeholder is anyone who uses the tollway. When our neighbors in Chicago’s south suburbs sought improved access, we partnered with the Illinois Department of Transportation to fix the problem. The solution was one of our major construction projects – the new I-294/ I-57 interchange. New ramps and access are helping commuters save money and time. That’s why I believe so strongly that we need to work together with our community and industry stakeholders because the tollway impacts all of our lives. That’s what makes the tollway such a critical aspect of our economy.”
Can you talk about a specific solution you are currently working on?
“Chicago O’Hare International Airport is another good example. For many years, we’ve known that western access to the airport is a challenge. This summer, we’re working on some of the most complex construction projects along I-490 to support Move Illinois, our $15 billion, multi-year capital improvement plan. The completion of this phase of work will allow folks to drive to and from O’Hare airport from the west – and it will relieve traffic congestion. This is an example of listening to the community, identifying a big problem, and committing the resources to fix it. The new Stakeholder Advisory Team reinforces our agency’s on-going commitment to be solutions oriented.”
How would you describe the stakeholder meetings so far?
“The enthusiasm and quality of ideas coming from the members of our Stakeholder Team continues to surpass our expectations. The discussions have been thoughtful and are challenging us to think outside the box. I have so much respect for our members who are volunteering their time. You can feel a sense of pride when you walk into the room because they care deeply about our communities.”
What will happen to the feedback you receive?
“In addition to our on-going Stakeholder Advisory Team meetings, the Illinois Tollway continues to seek feedback and ideas through additional avenues, including our online survey of tollway drivers. Collectively, the ideas will help shape a set of recommendations and priorities that will be presented to the Strategic Planning Committee of the Tollway Board of Directors. And let me just say, I’m so proud of our Tollway colleagues who have managed to take on this challenge of engagement and outreach for the future - while simultaneously demonstrating a strong focus during this current, peak year of the Move Illinois projects.”
How do you measure successful community engagement?
“In 2024, we’re facing an incredible opportunity to continue transforming this agency into one that solves some of our biggest infrastructure challenges in the region. We see how Move Illinois fuels investment by providing jobs and growth opportunities for small and diverse businesses. The community feedback we’re getting now will build on that success. As Executive Director, it’s my responsibility to make sure everyone has a seat at the table and ensure those voices are heard. In that sense, engagement and outreach does not have an end date. It should always be part of the Illinois Tollway DNA – that’s success to me.”
Cassaundra Rouse is a veteran of the transportation industry having served more than a decade at the Illinois Tollway. Rouse was appointed Executive Director in 2022.
Learn more about the Illinois Tollway Stakeholder Advisory Team