A decade ago, the Metropolitan Planning Council was
one of the few organizations convening elected officials, community leaders and
business executives to discuss their interdependence and identify topics of
joint concern.
We have taken a
quantum leap forward.
Today,
regional cooperation is widespread and deep.
Every day, partners come together across
key sectors to work on practical solutions.
The Council is often either initiating such efforts
or is recruited by others to help with problem solving.
We’ve long been known for our thoughtful
analysis, but over the past decade, we’ve become known for our effective
advocacy.
The power of connecting
good ideas with the right champions has resulted in many
achievements.
Now is the right time to build on this momentum and
intensify our efforts to tackle our region’s toughest challenges — from
affordable housing near jobs to a fairer tax system to better transportation
options.
That’s why we were so
gratified to receive an unsolicited $4 million endowment gift from the John D.
and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
MPC’s board immediately saw this as a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to
create an even stronger foundation for our work.
An almost 70-year-old organization that
has proven its value to the community deserves to have some financial
security!
Through the Bold Plans, Bright
Future campaign
, the
Council plans to raise an additional $4 million in endowment and programmatic
funds to match MacArthur’s gift, while at the same time we raise our annual $3
million budgets for 2003 and 2004.
More predictable funding from this campaign will allow us to maintain our
independence and integrity, which amplifies our power as an
advocate.
What opportunities are we excited about? We could launch
a full-scale effort to reform school funding, education accountability, and
taxes. New resources could expand our capacity to assist municipalities in
actually implementing sensible growth strategies. We could expand our use of
interactive technology to promote cutting-edge design solutions that improve
community livability and individual health. And, responding to the concerns
expressed by Speaker Hastert at our Annual Meeting
, we could step up our
advocacy for increased transportation resources for Illinois.
With
your help, we look forward to crafting a bright future for all
residents.