Get a sneak peek at MPC’s 2009 agenda by reading staff members’ New Year’s resolutions.
No question, 2008 was a
roller coaster: increasing unemployment and foreclosures, wavering gas prices,
decaying infrastructure, and the rising cost of living made it a difficult year for
many Americans.Whereas hope became the buzz word on the nation’s
political stage,
in
Illinois, public distrust and uncertainty
continues to loom large.
One thing is certain: change is
coming in 2009. For 75 years, MPC has been a dynamic force for balanced growth
and positive change throughout Chicagoland and beyond. In that tradition, MPC
staff members have set bold resolutions for the new year.
Karin Sommer, Associate
In 2009, I will continue to
work for community-generated public places that enhance the quality of life for
all residents. With the economy faltering, it is more important than ever for
people to take ownership of their communities in any way possible. Often, the
smallest contribution can open the door for big changes. MPC’s Placemaking Chicago
initiative addresses this issue through projects that
originate with residents and are led by their vision. In 2009, I will continue
to manage Placemaking Chicago by providing direct technical assistance on two
community efforts, as well as collaborating with government agencies and local
elected officials to bring all stakeholders together early in the planning
process. My hope is this holistic approach will infuse Placemaking principles
throughout Chicago.
Joanna Trotter, Manager, Community Building
Initiative
While we are all grappling on a personal and professional
level with how to face the financial crisis, I hope to be involved in the
development of tangible solutions that will help our region continue to move
ahead and stay competitive. Whether it is identifying ways to maximize the use
of our limited fiscal, infrastructure, and natural resources, or developing and
promoting on-the-ground solutions to the housing crisis, I will be involved in
helping communities demonstrate that with good and responsive planning, there is
a way to get ourselves out of this mess.
Dominic Tocci, Manager, Workforce Housing Collaborative
In my first year at MPC,
I hope to help communities see the value of working together on their shared housing challenges. Whether
the task is increasing the amount of housing affordable to local workers or
dealing effectively with the foreclosure crisis, a collaborative approach can
help neighboring communities build capacity and operate more efficiently. In
this difficult economic period, working together to maximize limited resources
becomes even more critical.
Josh Ellis, Community Development Associate
I
resolve to do my best to make 2009 the year Illinois finally adopts a
comprehensive water supply plan based on sound science, regional decision
making, and a conservation ethic.
All
the excitement and opportunity surrounding the Obama administration and the
various economic recovery proposals could all be for naught if we continue to
invest public dollars in the same old way (i.e. ignoring urban centers, not
measuring outcomes, and failing to coordinate transportation, housing, economic
and environmental goals). I resolve to work with partner groups in
Chicago
to develop a united front for long-term
public investment reform so that the
Chicago
region, other metro areas, and the
U.S.
as a whole get more from their
tax dollars.
Emily Tapia, Associate
My New Year’s
resolution is to advocate for sound public policies that improve our livability
and create smarter choices for a healthier, cleaner future. I will challenge
myself to be inventive to help us tackle the issues that threaten our ability to
build smart government. I hope to help develop greater understanding of
innovative transportation policies from around the world and identify aspects
that would help Chicagoland meet
its
goals.
Mandy Burrell Booth, Asst. Communications
Director
MPC’s Web site has long been a great resource for policy
makers, planners, students, teachers, reporters, and concerned residents. It’s
time for an update, though. In partnership with my colleagues on the
communications team – and the rest of the MPC staff – I look forward to
revamping MPC’s Web site in 2009, to make it easier and more enjoyable for
people to find the information they need and want. Also, stay tuned as MPC
delves into the ever-evolving world
of
social
media.
Kristi DeLaurentiis, Manager, Local Government
and Community Relations
With so many newly elected state and federal
office-holders throughout the region — and potentially any number of local
mayors changing seats following the April elections — my 2009 New Year’s
resolution is to build relationships with our new leaders and look for ways to
connect them to our work. Critical issues are looming for Illinois ’ residents,
as is the need for prudent investment that responds to regional needs. I will
help meet the charge of quickly familiarizing dozens of newly elected officials
with MPC’s mission and agenda, and our history of forging consensus to
find
solutions.
Peter Skosey, Vice President, External
Relations
I resolve to work better and communicate more clearly with
the Illinois General
Assembly.
Marc Garcia, Asst. to the
President
This year, I’d like to be more resourceful in identifying
prospects and linkages between MPC’s goals and external partners that will
provide greater opportunities for the
organization.
Kirsten Powers, Development
Director
I will continue to work in 2009 to raise the
financial resources necessary to keep MPC strong, and stay a leader on issues
related to affordable housing and infrastructure investment – despite the
challenging fundraising climate. The return-on-investment for a gift to MPC is
tremendous in the long-run, in terms of substantive policy change, empowered
local decision-makers, and a more competitive, sustainable and equitable
region.
Samantha DeKoven, Housing
Consultant
Employer-assisted housing initiatives have proven
to be a powerful tool in engaging the private sector in support of
workforce housing. In recent years, we have seen the success that can be
achieved when business leaders align their voices with housing advocates and
elected officials to advance housing policy solutions. In 2009, I resolve
to communicate nationally what is possible, and provide assistance to
local housing organizations, communities, and businesses as they create
new employer-assisted housing programs. With home foreclosures and destabilized
neighborhoods continuing in crisis proportions, more employers are seeing their
self-interest in helping employees with stable housing. In 2009, I will assist
employers connecting their employees to foreclosure prevention counseling, which is one
component of employer-assisted housing. In addition, recognizing new
opportunities on the federal horizon, I will connect local partners – both
housing groups and businesses – to national efforts to link housing,
transportation and
workforce
policies.