Infill development is a strategic way to grow and strengthen our region, by giving new life to land within existing cities and suburbs. By creating new residential and job opportunities in places that already have quality transportation options, infrastructure and amenities, we can mitigate traffic congestion, municipal costs and air pollution, all while improving people’s lives: Indeed, new research by Smart Growth America and the University of Utah shows how residents of more compact regions have lower household costs, live healthier, longer lives and more easily build wealth and social capital.
So why are metropolitan regions increasingly growing outward? Between 2000 and 2010, Chicago lost 200,000 residents while the outer suburbs added more than 500,000 people. At the same time, Illinois jurisdictions issued twice as many new residential building permits as there were new people to use them.
Join MPC and leading experts on suburban and regional development for a discussion about how infill development can benefit people, neighborhoods and the Chicago region’s economy. What policies have proven to strengthen the spaces we already have? How can we redevelop existing downtowns to create vibrant and walkable places? Where are the best opportunities for infill development that will grow our region’s population, attract jobs and improve quality of life?
Speakers include:
Rolf Pendall, Director, Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center, Urban Institute
George Van Dusen, Mayor, Village of Skokie
Tom Weisner, Mayor, City of Aurora
Mary Ellen Martin, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Morningside Group