In this weakened economy, one thing is clear: It is time to rethink, retool and reinvent. In partnership with new leaders in Washington, D.C., and Springfield, Ill., the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is ready to intensify its efforts to develop and advocate for federal, state and regional policies that will make this globally significant region more competitive, equitable and sustainable.
For 75 years, MPC has been a dynamic force for balanced growth and positive change throughout Chicagoland and beyond. Working in a nonpartisan and inclusive manner, we’ve built an impressive track record of developing sound policies and identifying solutions to strengthen the tri-state region.
In 2009, as MPC celebrates its own milestone anniversary, Chicagoland commemorates the centennial of Daniel Burnham’s historic Plan of Chicago. In the spirit of that era – and in acknowledgement of the breadth and enormity of challenges facing the nation today, from a deep recession to climate change – we recommit to Burnham’s charge to "make no little plans."
MPC's 2009 Policy Agenda, Planning for Prosperty lays out new investment strategies and priorities that will brace our region against the harsh economic headwind, and ensure we invest our limited resources wisely – netting short-term economic gains and building a foundation for long-term sustainability.
We invite you to join us: If you are an employer or a worker, please contact your local mayor, legislators, and members of Congress to tell them you support these changes. If you are an elected or appointed official, we hope you will champion these ideas. Together, we can put our region on the path to prosperity.
Sincerely,
MarySue Barrett
President
Metropolitan Planning Council