FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Metropolitan Planning Council
(MPC) is urging Chicagoans to take an active role in helping guide the city of
Chicago
’s
effort to expand its wireless broadband network to all neighborhoods. In early
May, the City plans to post on its Web site a draft request for proposal (RFP),
allowing the public time to comment on the draft before a final RFP is released
in late spring, soliciting bids from private companies for the financing,
installation and management of the network.
“MPC is
encouraged the city is providing the public with the chance to help shape
the effort to expand Chicago’s wireless broadband network,” said MPC Vice
President
of Policy
and Planning Scott
Goldstein, who serves on the city’s wireless
task
force. “Chicago’s commitment to expanding
wireless broadband delivery recognizes high-speed digital infrastructure is a must
for today’s businesses and residents, too. We urge Chicagoans to comment on the
city’s draft RFP to create a network that meets everyone’s needs, including
those in underserved areas.”
The city’s effort
comes two years after MPC issued “From Broad Shoulders to Broadband,” a
study that demonstrated many neighborhoods lack high-speed infrastructure (3 megabits
and higher). Yet broadband technology is needed to allow businesses of all types
and sizes to sustain their
operations
and
maintain Chicago’s competitiveness with cities
such
as
Philadelphia, San
Francisco
and
Milwaukee, all of which are building public
wireless networks.
The city’s draft RFP will be available soon at www.cityofchicago.org/wirelessrfp, and the public may send
feedback on the draft to wirelessrfp@cityofchicago.org
.
MPC contact: Scott Goldstein, Vice President of Policy and Planning,
Metropolitan Planning Council, 312.863.6003, sgoldstein@metroplanning.org
Let’s Plan for Public-Private Partnerships Before We Spend ‘Monopoly Money’
If the Metropolitan
Planning Council (MPC) had a mantra, it might be “Plan before you spend.” The
maxim certainly applies to a debate bubbling up among state leaders and on
editorial pages as to whether or not the State
of
Illinois should lease its tollway system
– and, if so, how it should spend the theoretical windfall after any
deal is sealed.
“MPC
believes
Illinois leaders
are right to explore the terrific potential of public-private partnerships to
help fund transportation infrastructure improvements,” said MPC Vice President
of
External Relations
Peter Skosey.
“However, until the state enacts well-thought-out legislation
lifting
Illinois’ current ban on
public-private partnerships, engaging in talks about specific dollar amounts is
like playing with Monopoly money. The focus right now needs to be on lifting the
ban on public-private partnerships and creating parameters to guide future
implementation.”
Skosey added that the financially strapped state does not
have the resources it needs to maintain Illinois’ current transportation
network, much less expand it, a situation that threatens to weaken our economic
competitiveness if left unaddressed. In conjunction with the passage of a
much-needed new state capital investment package – one that is well-planned,
well-funded, and balanced – public-private partnerships could help deliver
quality multi-modal transportation infrastructure statewide, allowing Illinois to keep business moving forward.
That was the message sent in February 2006 by Business Leaders
for Transportation, a coalition of Chicago-area employers advocating
for transportation planning and funding, co-led by MPC, Chicago Metropolis 2020,
and Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. Business Leaders released “Making the Case
for Public-Private Partnerships in Illinois,” setting the stage for the introduction
of legislation allowing the state to enter into public-private
partnerships. To read the report, visit www.businessleadersfortransportation.org.
MPC contact: Peter Skosey , Vice President of External Relations,
312.863.6004, pskosey@metroplanning.org
Contact:
Thomas H. Morsch, Jr., Senior Vice President, Marsh, Inc., 312.627.6352, thomas.morsch@marsh.com
Two Key Housing Bills Pass Illinois General Assembly, Head to Governor’s
Office
There may be little wiggle room in the state’s 2006 budget, but housing
advocates, including the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC), continue to pursue
policy advances to help get quality homes affordable to Illinois’ working
families built near jobs and transportation. During the 94 th General Assembly,
MPC pushed for passage of the Comprehensive Housing Planning Act (SB 2290) and
the Business Location Efficiency Incentive Act (SB 2885 – also known as
“Location Matters”). Both bills passed the state Senate and House and are on
their way to the governor.
“Throughout Illinois,
working families are among those struggling to find homes they can afford in
desirable communities,”
said Robin
Snyderman,
MPC housing director. “Business, municipal and community leaders are calling for
tools and policies that support affordable and workforce housing so that
employees can live near their jobs, and these bills are answers to those calls.”
The Comprehensive Housing Planning Act transforms Illinois' first housing
policy, created in 2003 by executive order of Gov. Blagojevich, into a law that
will continue momentum to preserve and create more affordable, workforce housing
by linking state spending in key areas, such a economic development,
transportation, and human services. "Location Matters" is just one example of
how the Comprehensive Housing Planning Act will align state spending to promote
the availability of quality, affordable homes near jobs, in this case offering
incentives for employers to consider and invest in housing options for the local
workforce.
For more information on employer investments in workforce housing, visit www.reachillinois.org. For
background on these bills and other efforts to expand housing options in
Illinois, visit MPC's Web site, www.metroplanning.org/articleDetail.asp?objectID=3220.
MPC contact: MarySue
Barrett, President, 312.863.6001, msbarrett@metroplanning.org
Contact: Man Yee
Lee, IHDA Communications Manager, 312.836.5234, manyeel@ihda.org
Contact: King Harris, Senior Executive, Chicago Metropolis
2020, 312.332.2020, kharris@hhicap.com