It's 1/11/11, a fortuitous day to make a resolution (if you believe in that sort of thing.) Around here, not all of us are superstitious, but we are all planners at heart. Here are some of the professional goals MPC staff members plan to achieve in 2011.
As 2011 begins, I resolve to make more creative use of my network of relationships to move our region forward. On a personal level, that means avoiding the trap of filling my schedule to the brim, so that there’s no time left for reaching out. With elected officials, this means MPC doing everything it can to help newly (re)elected officials be effective. With the private sector, this means convincing more business people that making time for civic participation is worthwhile. And with MPC’s staff and volunteers, it means taking time out to celebrate successes and learn from setbacks!
MarySue Barrett, President
In 2011, I resolve to work closely with the mayors of Chicago and Gary, Ind. Chicago’s next mayor must advance aSustainable Transportation Platform and Green Growth Platform to keep Chicago on its path as a global city. Gary’s mayor must continue to work broadly across Northwest Indiana to advance the priorities identified in the collaborativeGary and Region Investment Project. Only by partnering with local government can MPC realize our vision of a economically competitive, environmentally sustainable, and socially equitable region.
Peter Skosey, Vice President
With all the turnover in office holders at the state and federal levels, I resolve to get busy meeting many of the newly seated legislators—both in Illinois and Northwest Indiana! Lots of changes in leadership and with committee posts, so scheduling many one-on-ones soon is a must, especially if we want to build support for our key initiatives in 2011. And then there will be mayoral elections this spring across the region—although all but eclipsed by Chicago’s change at the top—which will mean more new leaders to engage in our work.
Kristi DeLaurentiis, Government Relations Director
Due to some exciting new incentives MPC is working on in 2011, I look forward to helping employers enrich their current and future Employer-Assisted Housing programs with more options for employee benefits—including energy efficiency retrofit matching grants and reducing employee commutes through multiple possible transit, transportation and housing programs.
Lillie Sellers, Project Manager
My New Year’s resolution is to explore 10 Chicago neighborhoods I’ve yet to truly discover. As an avid viewer of WTTW Geoffrey Baer’s documentaries, I’ll actively use them as my guide to learn the history, visit the landmarks, and dine at the local restaurants that make up Chicago’s great neighborhoods.
Chrissy Mancini Nichols, Project Manager
In 2010, the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Dept. of Transportation awarded millions in joint grants to communities around the country to plan and implement livable communities. This unprecedented cooperation has the potential to build stronger, more vibrant, more equitable communities by ensuring that communities and regions plan for jobs, homes, and transportation investments in concert. In 2011, I resolve to work with colleagues around the country to help engage employers as partners in these efforts, for the greatest success will be achieved through public-private partnerships.
Samantha DeKoven, Project Manager
When it comes to water, we’re entering an era of infrastructure replacement. Old pipes mean steady leaks and periodic failures. That’s waste we can’t afford. I resolve to help the Ill. Environmental Protection Agency reform state funding to prioritize fix-it-first projects that improve water and energy efficiency. I also resolve to work with communities and individuals to understand the true cost of water. If water rates don’t generate enough revenue to pay for the system now and down the road, we’ll have to just keep relying on government loans, and that’s not a sustainable path.
Josh Ellis, Project Manager
We all work hard at MPC. In 2011, I resolve to continue to work just as hard, but also make a point of stepping back, walking away from my desk, and not thinking about work for even just a few minutes each day. As one of our 2010 roundtable events demonstrated, personal health greatly influences professional performance and wellbeing. Sometimes it is difficult to unplug from the phone and e-mail, but I plan on making a “wellness break” a daily occurrence.
Terri Scales, Assistant Development Director
MPC's web traffic grew by more than 35 percent in 2010, and I intend to keep that trend on an upward trajectory. I'd like to invite more of MPC's community to share their ideas with us through our blog, including through guest posts, and through our Facebook page.
Mandy Burrell Booth, Assistant Communications Director
My New Year’s resolution is to improve in every aspect of my professional abilities. As a young professional, achieving this will help me move closer to the kind of urban planner I wish to become.
Mark O'Brien, Research Assistant