March 2005 Media Tips

• March 21, 2005

A+ Illinois Urges Watchdogs to Monitor EFAB’s Proceedings

A+ Illinois encourages media and other watchdogs to keep a close eye on the proceedings as the state’s Education Funding Advisory Board (EFAB) prepares to release its draft recommendation for a minimum per-pupil funding level on Friday, March 18.

“The state created EFAB to provide a fair and accurate assessment of the amount of funding it will take to ensure that each child in Illinois receives a quality education,” said Bindu Batchu, A+ Illinois campaign manager. “A+ Illinois is monitoring the process to ensure that the board seeks statewide public participation, employs sound and comprehensive methodology, and identifies revenues to ensure that Illinois meets the foundation level.”

EFAB (whose members are appointed by the governor) was to make its recommendation in January. A+ Illinois member the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund issued a demand letter to Gov. Blagojevich in February, and he finally made board appointments on March 7. A+ Illinois is concerned that the shortened process will not allow EFAB to seek adequate public input. In addition, this year’s recommendation must reflect the fact that education costs have risen further due to inflation and new No Child Left Behind mandates.

EFAB will meet March 18 at 2:30 p.m., at the James R. Thompson Center , Room 9040, Chicago. Media and the public may attend the meeting and also may dial in at 800.640.0097, passcode 11148371. Learn more at http://www.aplusillinois.org/media/articles.asp?pressReleaseID=102< /A>.

Contact: Art Berman, Legislative Policy Advisor, Chicago Public Schools ; and EFAB member
773.553.1644 or aberman@csc.cps.k12.il.us

MPC Urges Regional Approach to Transportation Funding, Planning

MPC President MarySue Barrett provided input at a recent Coordinating Committee Meeting to urge that the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission and Chicago Area Transportation Study be merged into a streamlined regional planning agency charged with addressing the full range of planning issues, including transportation, land use, and economic development. Barrett also recommended that the committee provide its input on a fair and representative appointment process by the April 15 deadline set by legislators. Meanwhile, in the wake of the Chicago Transit Authority’s release of its “doomsday scenarios,” MPC has communicated to Rep. Julie Hamos’ Mass Transit Committee its support for a long-term solution that provides increased transit funding for all three service providers.

MPC contact: Peter Skosey, Vice President of External Relations
312.863.6004 or pskosey@metroplanning.org

Contact: Thomas H. Morsch, Jr., Vice President, Marsh, Inc., and member, MPC Transportation Committee, 312.627.6352 or
Thomas.morsch@marsh.com

Mechanical Parking May Hit Chicago as Council Considers Draft Ordinance

In an age when it’s possible to watch TV, talk on the phone, and send an e-mail – all at once, in an elevator – it should be no surprise that the way we park our cars may soon become obsolete.

MPC’s Urban Development Committee has been working with the Chicago City Council to produce a draft ordinance that would permit mechanical parking in the city. Operated by attendants, mechanical parking devices allow two cars to occupy one space. The first car is driven onto a pallet and locked into position. Then, at the touch of a button, a hydraulic mechanism lifts the pallet off the ground, allowing the second car to park underneath.

“After evaluating the safety, effectiveness, and cost of mechanical parking devices, we recommended that the City Council allow them,” said Peter Skosey, MPC’s vice president of external relations. “With downtown space at a premium, these devices can help reduce the size of parking structures, allowing for more commercial or residential development. Plus, the savings from not having to produce additional parking structures makes them cost-effective.”

MPC contact: Peter Skosey, Vice President of External Relations
312.863.6004 or pskosey@metroplanning.org

Contact: Christine Ludwiszewski, Government Relations Director, Attainable Housing Alliance
630.404.7171 or christinel@attainablehousingalliance.com .

MPC Helps Shape Creative Incentives for Developing Affordable Housing

To promote the creation and preservation of affordable homes in mixed-income communities near jobs and transportation, MPC is partnering with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and regional housing authorities (Chicago, Cook and Lake) to provide financial incentives in the form of operating subsidies to affordable housing developers. The partnership, known as the Regional Housing Initiative, or RHI, also provides extra points on IHDA’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit application for developers using both programs.

“The Regional Housing Initiative provides meaningful tools for mayors and housing providers working to advance the governor’s new Comprehensive Housing Plan and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Housing Action Agenda,” said Robin Snyderman, MPC’s housing director. “It has a simple goal: helping developers leverage needed resources to provide quality rental housing for the people – and in the locations – needing it most.”

A new rolling application process allows owners and developers to submit proposals any time through 2005. However, those interested in applying simultaneously for IHDA tax credits should submit their RHI application on or earlier than the day the tax credit application is due to IHDA. The next tax credit application deadline is April 4. For more information, including RHI applications and answers to frequently asked questions about the program, visit www.metroplanning.org/articleDetail.asp?objectID=2366< /A>.

MPC contact: Robin Snyderman, Housing Director
312.863.6007 or rsnyderman@metroplanning.org

Contact: Jennifer Wood, Public Information Officer, Illinois Housing Development Authority 312.814.0776 or jennifer_wood@cms.state.il.us

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