Former MPC South Suburban Coordinator Kristi DeLaurentiis will expand her role to collaborate with local leaders and councils of government across northeastern Illinois
(Chicago)…..In an effort
to establish new and reinforce existing partnerships throughout the growing
region, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is pleased to announce that
Kristi DeLaurentiis, formerly MPC south suburban coordinator, has stepped into a
newly created role at the Council: manager of local government and
community relations. In this position, DeLaurentiis
is strengthening partnerships with stakeholders
in
Chicago’s
inner suburbs, collar counties, and exurban counties, and working with
community, business and government leaders to address the region’s growth
challenges.
MPC President MarySue
Barrett said DeLaurentiis’ extensive
knowledge
of regional and statewide development trends makes her uniquely qualified to
reach out to local leaders as they work to revitalize mature communities and
guide new development.
“Over the last six years, Kristi has been enormously effective in cultivating
trust and forging political partnerships with leaders throughout south Cook and
Will counties,” said Barrett. ”Her knowledge of sensible growth strategies and
how they can benefit local communities will win over mayors and county
officials throughout the growing metropolitan area of
northeastern
Illinois and
northwestern
Indiana.”
DeLaurentiis, a
resident
of
Frankfort,
Ill., joined MPC as south suburban coordinator
in 2000, working to bolster the Council’s partnerships in southern Cook and Will
counties. She is a strong advocate for sustainable development efforts that
revitalize and invest in established communities; make efficient use of existing
infrastructure, land, and capital; conserve natural areas; expand economic
opportunity; and serve as models for the region, state and nation. As manager of
local government and community relations, she will serve as a catalyst,
energizing both her colleagues and partners across Chicagoland by aligning
resources and efforts to expand opportunities for Chicago-area residents and
businesses.
“This
is an exciting and opportune time for our region as more and more of our leaders
understand we must have a collective vision for the future,” DeLaurentiis said.
“Many of the issues – how to improve the economic climate and business
environment, make good development decisions, protect regional assets and
natural areas, create healthy communities, and meet the needs of a growing
region – are not unique to one locale. MPC has built a track record of
assistance and consensus building around solutions, and I’m looking forward to
working with others throughout the region on many of these challenges.”
DeLaurentiis,
who holds a master’s degree in environmental biology, frequently
speaks before business, civic and community groups to promote the creation
of livable communities through sensible planning
and
development practices. She is a
member
of
Governors
State University’s Board of
Trustees
and
Illinois’ Digital Divide Elimination Advisory
Committee and has served on several other state boards and commissions,
including just finishing a term as an Illinois Nature Preserve
Commissioner.
She is also a
volunteer member of the Illinois Board of Directors for the American Cancer
Society.
Founded in 1934,
the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan group
of business and civic leaders committed to serving the public interest through
the promotion and implementation of sensible planning and development
policies necessary for an economically
competitive
Chicago region. MPC researches and
develops policy recommendations and conducts outreach and advocacy in partnership
with public officials and community leaders to enhance equity of opportunity
and quality of life throughout
metropolitan
Chicago.
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