Where We Stand

Just as the Big Box defined suburban and exurban growth for the last 30 to 40 years, these same retailers’ new emphasis on urban areas will effect economic development in Chicago, its suburbs, and other regions. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, we all need to understand the ramifications of this economic shift on the built environment, community development plans, and the regional economy.

That’s why we’re pleased to feature Tom Mars, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, Walmart U.S., as the keynote speaker at MPC’s 2011 Annual Luncheon, “What, Where and How? Rethinking the Retail Landscape,” on Monday, June 27, 2011, at noon, at the Hyatt Regency. Through a moderated discussion, Mars will provide unique insight into the changing retail landscape.

While Target, Best Buy and other major retailers have wide footprints in Chicago, Walmart’s recent announcement that it plans to open its first “Walmart Express” in its hometown of Bentonville, Ark., and its first in an urban location on Chicago’s South Side, is a clear indication the company is leading the retail pack in Chicago. What’s more, Walmart is the largest private employer in the United States, and has 178 stores and five distribution centers in Illinois alone. We invite you to join us on June 27 for a rare chance to get a firsthand perspective on what these changes mean for our city, the suburbs, and our region as a whole.

Purchase tickets or become a sponsor of MPC’s 2011 Annual Luncheon, “What Where and How? Rethinking the Retail Landscape.” >>

Read what MPC President MarySue Barrett hopes to learn at our luncheon. >>

Learn how MPC is supporting retail planning in Bronzeville. >>

Project Progress Report: Homes for a Changing Region

Four south suburbs – Hazel Crest, Lansing, Olympia Fields and Park Forest – will host community forums June 14 and 15, 2011, inviting local residents to weigh in on Homes for a Changing Region, an intensive planning initiative through which each local community will chart future demand and supply trends for housing, and develop housing policies and plans to meet current and forecasted needs.

In recent years, building on momentum with various interjurisdictional efforts, Homes for a Changing Region has collaborated with leaders in Aurora, Blue Island, Gurnee, Libertyville, Montgomery, Northlake, Oak Forest, Plainfield, and Woodstock. In 2011, Homes for a Changing Region will work with clusters of communities in three areas of the region, including South Cook County, the West Cook County Housing Collaborative (Bellwood, Berwyn, Forest Park, Maywood, Oak Park), and Northwest Suburban Housing Collaborative (Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Rolling Meadows). Homes for a Changing Region is led by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s Local Technical Assistance Program, in partnership with local communities, and with support from MPC. Through data, trend analysis, and local input, the Homes team will work with each community to develop a plan to support a balanced mix of housing types, serve the needs of existing and future residents and workers, and enhance livability in each community.

If you live, work or play in the south suburbs, consider attending one of the interactive community meetings in Hazel Crest, Lansing, Olympia Fields, or Park Forest. Visit MPC’s web calendar for details. >>

Learn more about Homes for a Changing Region. >>

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MPC in the News

Lake Zurich dips into water supply planning
IISEA.org, 5/20/2011

Gary, Ind., struggles with population loss
USA Today, 5/19/2011

A sunny day as Mayor Rahm gets started
Crain’s Chicago Business, 5/16/2011

Census Shows African Americans Leaving High-Priced Suburbs
Chicago Magazine, 4/27/2011

Youngstown mayor urges communities to diversify
The Times, 4/28/2011

News of Interest

Good News From the Senate: Transit Operating Assistance and Much More
Streetsblog, 5/19/2011

Study to assess benefits of economic cooperation between Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin
Chicago Tribune, 5/18/2011

Emanuel names panel to revamp city’s TIF empire
Crain’s Chicago Business, 5/18/2011

Four guidelines on taking public markets to the next level
Project for Public Spaces blog, 4/28/2011

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