On Aug. 3, the Chicago Dept. of Transportation (CDOT) celebrated the launch of “Make Way for People,” which is transforming underused parking spaces, cul-de-sacs and plazas around the city into vibrant public spaces. 

Where We Stand

This new "people spot" on Clark Street in Andersonville creates a public space in an on-street parking spot.

“Make Way for People” is an awesome example of the power of Placemaking, something cities around the world, including Chicago, are embracing. Placemaking is all about creating public places that naturally attract people –  and by serving as magnets for people, these places also generate economic and quality of life benefits for their communities and regions.
 
When MPC and Project for Public Spaces partnered in 2008 to create A Guide to Neighborhood Placemaking in Chicago, this idea was just starting to take root in our region. We are thrilled that today Placemaking is embedded as a preferred approach to planning at city agencies like CDOT and the Dept. of Cultural Affairs, which recently released its draft Chicago Cultural Plan, replete with Placemaking opportunities MPC is excited to support.
 
Through our Placemaking Chicago initiative, MPC is advancing the care and creation of great public spaces across the tri-state region, through policy advocacy, collaboration with local planners, and partnerships with communities. We’re also promoting Placemaking through our “Space in Between” contest to reward creative individuals and organizations that have temporarily transformed a vacant space into a community asset in the greater Chicago/Gary/Milwaukee area.

• Enter the Space in Between contest by Aug. 31 to compete for $3,500 in cash prizes and a Groupon Grassroots campaign!
• Read more about CDOT’s "Make Way for People" initiative.
• Download A Guide to Neighborhood Placemaking in Chicago to create a great place in your neighborhood.
• Find out how the Chicago Cultural Plan can lead to Placemaking that revitalizes Chicago neighborhoods.

Fall MPC Roundtables

From stormwater to Placemaking to transit funding, MPC has a number of engaging roundtables planned for this fall. Roundtables often fill to capacity, so register now to reserve your seat. Unless otherwise noted, roundtables take place at lunchtime at MPC's conference center, 140 South Dearborn, Suite 1400, Chicago. 

Getting our Money’s Worth: Using Value Capture to Fund Transit – Sept. 11
Experts from around the country discuss new and alternative ways to invest in transportation.

Rain Check: Regional Solutions to Stormwater Management – Sept. 13
Officials from Chicago, Milwaukee and Cleveland address solutions and strategies for regional stormwater management. Sponsored by ComEd; lunch generously provided by Hannah’s Bretzel.

Plugging in to Placemaking: Technology’s Role in Community Planning – Oct. 9
How is technology being used by urban planners, developers, and community leaders to engage with and impact people? Sponsored by Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Intelligent Transportation Systems – Oct. 11
Experts from Stanford University and IBM discuss the importance and value of implementing Intelligent Transportation Systems. Sponsored by BMO Harris.

Neighborhood Solutions to Wetter Weather: Local Approaches to Stormwater Management – Nov. 27 at the Centre in Elgin
What local strategies can complement region-wide solutions to stormwater management?