February 2004 Media Tips

An occasional list of story ideas from the Metropolitan Planning Council.

February 23, 2004

MPC Roundtable Examines New Tool for Stimulating Economic Development

On Thursday, Feb. 26, an MPC Roundtable will offer case studies of how the federal New Markets Tax Credit is working in low-income communities in the Chicago region. Trinita Logue, president of the Illinois Facilities Fund, will talk about how the Fund uses the credits as part of its regular loan process to nonprofit organizations. Steven McCullough, chief operating officer of Bethel New Life, Inc., will explain how Bethel used them to create a revolving loan fund to develop affordable housing.

This is the first Roundtable in MPC’s spring series. The second, on March 22, will assess prospects for education funding and quality reform in 2004, with Ill. Sen. Miguel del Valle (D-Chicago); Arne Duncan, of the Chicago Public Schools; Brenda Holmes, of the office of Gov. Rod Blagojevich; and Ill. Lieut. Gov. Pat Quinn. The final Roundtable in the series, on March 30, will examine regional examples of sustainable development, and feature John McCarron, of Northwestern University; Jason Navota, of the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission; Kesenia Rudinsuik, of the Blackberry Creek Watershed; and Ellen Shubart, of the Campaign for Sensible Growth. All Roundtables are generously sponsored by LaSalle Bank, and will be broadcast on CAN-TV following the event.

MPC Roundtables are free to members of the working media, and lunch is provided.

Contact: Hannah Leiterman, Communications Associate, at 312.863.6018

MPC Applies Zoning Solution to Grand Avenue Challenge

It’s a growing problem in Chicago, as new housing crops up: conflicts arise between the historic neighborhood users and newcomers. The Industrial Council of Near West Chicago asked MPC for help in making peace between the Kinzie Planned Manufacturing District to the south of Grand Avenue, and an increasingly residential neighborhood to the north.

The solution was in the Mayor’s Zoning Reform Commission’s proposed Chicago zoning ordinance. “In the new text there are tools designed to resolve just this type of conflict,” said Peter Skosey, MPC vice president of external relations. “The C3 district will be a buffer zone between noisy, truck-filled manufacturing areas and the sidewalks, parks, and slower streets you want in a residential area.”

The fifth and final module of the new zoning ordinance, dealing with the Central Area, was introduced to the City Council in mid-February, and will be voted on by the Zoning Committee March 4, 2004. MPC has been working in partnership with aldermen and community groups in Lawndale, Logan Square, Rogers Park, South Chicago, and West Town on a Zoning Change Strategy to prepare for remapping neighborhoods when the complete ordinance is passed, expected within three months.

Contact: Peter Skosey, Vice President of External Relations, at 312.863.6004

MPC 2004 Policy Agenda Focuses on Economic Recovery through Better Planning and Strategic Investments

Like many states and the federal government, Illinois continues to work against a bleak budget picture. MPC released a 2004 Policy Agenda in February that is cost-efficient, highlighting ways state government can save money by planning better for the future.

“Sustaining an economic recovery requires strategic investments today,” said President MarySue Barrett. “Quality schools, for example, are the bedrock of a solid economic future. Without a well-educated workforce, Illinois will not be prepared for the increasingly knowledge-based economy of the future. That is why the education reform work of A+ Illinois is our top priority for 2004.” MPC helped launch A+ Illinois — a broad-based, statewide campaign to improve education quality, raise minimum per-student funding, and enact lasting property tax reform.

MPC’s policy agenda, available online, also sees improving roads and transit as important engines for job growth, and seeks a new and innovative five-year state infrastructure spending program. It also calls for funding the Local Planning Technical Assistance Act, to maximize the impact of state investments by preparing for future growth where it is appropriate and most needed.

Contact: Peter Skosey, Vice President of External Relations, at 312.863.6004