Gridlock in Springfield over the next state capital plan threatens the prosperity of Illinois and metropolitan Chicago. Many residents are so turned off by political infighting that they’re not sure there’s a way out.
As has been true throughout our 74-year history, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is not giving up. By going back to the drawing board on a state capital plan, Illinois can put itself back on the map. We’re offering a path to prosperity through a package of innovations and investments that can keep Illinois moving toward a brighter future.
Getting There from Here
MPC has previously proposed that some of the ideas
listed within the pages of "Putting Illinois Back on the Map: Prosperity through Innovation
and Investment"
be included in a state capital bill under consideration in 2008
and a federal surface transportation reauthorization bill in 2009. While all of
the recommendations summarized here have merit, some of the ideas are so new and
“outside the box” that lawmakers and the public need to be educated on potential
benefits before they will be publicly accepted. Therefore, some actions can be
implemented in the very near future, while other ideas will need months and
likely years of research, outreach and advocacy before being politically viable
solutions to regional and state transportation problems.
Read the "Putting Illinois Back on the Map: Prosperity through
Innovation and Investment" issue brief here.