On Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, former Ill. Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn was sworn in as the state’s 41st Governor. Quinn and state lawmakers have much to do, including preparing an investment plan for Illinois’ portion of the $800 billion economic recovery package Congress is expected to approve in the coming weeks.
Where We Stand
Stimulus funding will help, but it will still fall far short of meeting Illinois' infrastructure needs. This highlights how crucial it is that the state get its own house in order. Fiscally, Illinois must deal with its deficit, so that it can make much-needed investments that have been put off as a result. What’s more, perhaps nowhere in the nation are voters more distrustful of their government than in Illinois. A statewide, criteria-based approach to prioritizing infrastructure investments (in tandem with federal criteria) would help restore voter trust, as well as ensure taxpayer dollars go to coordinated projects that achieve statewide goals. The state has not passed a capital investment plan since 1999, and a criteria-based selection process would identify projects that deliver a return and mark a new era of transparency.
MPC recently released a statement urging Illinois and other states to make the most of this unprecedented opportunity through investment strategies that target and empower metropolitan regions, which account for 85 percent of U.S. gross domestic product and 80 percent of population. By focusing on repairing and preserving infrastructure near where most people live, the nation's economy will reap the benefits of more jobs, reduced oil dependency, cleaner air and water, and expanded choices for shopping, schools and getting around. Read the statement here.
Keep up-to-date on the federal stimulus package, currently being debated by the U.S. Senate, with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s new Web site devoted to recovery package news and analysis.
Project Progress Report
MPC’s Placemaking Chicago initiative continues to move forward; its first Placemaking technical assistance project began in January. The project - to transform the Polish Triangle at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue, Division Street and Ashland Avenue into a great public place - is co-sponsored by the WPB, the Wicker Park Bucktown Special Service Area. To become a part of the action, join the Polish Triangle group on the Placemaking Movement network site.
MPC Headlines
Make a contribution to MPC today and demonstrate your commitment to livable neighborhoods and sensible development that will remain attractive and viable long-term.A sampling of new articles on MPC’s Web site.
Current shifting for Illinois water
With change afoot in Washington, D.C., and Springfield, the opportunity for MPC to help ensure a long-term sustainable water supply in Illinois has never been greater.
Arlington Heights leads the way on housing again
The Village of Arlington Heights recently became the first northwest suburb to approve MPC’s interjurisdictional housing strategy.
Suburban mayors and developers can’t “go it alone” in today’s housing market
With limited state and federal resources, and growing demand for leadership and investment, suburban leaders gather at a MPC sponsored forum to explore how to work together to stabilize neighborhoods weakened by foreclosure.
The Metropolitan Planning Council has moved to a new home in Chicago’s historic Marquette Building.
Please update your address book with our new address, 140 S. Dearborn Street, Suite 1400. Chicago, Illinois 60647
Support Our Work
Re-connection is generously sponsored by:
John and Kathleen Buck
In the News
MPC in the News
For the latest news and reports from MPC, visit our online Newsroom.
Municipal collaboration will help address foreclosure crisis
Letter to the Editor submitted to The New York Times by Riverdale Mayor Zenovia G. Evans and Palatine Mayor Rita L. Mullins, 2/2/09
How Should Illinois Spend Stimulus Money?
Chicago Public Radio, 1/28/09
Getting the Stimulus Right
Newstips, 1/28/09
Illinois eager to claim Obama money for infrastructure
Daily Herald, 1/26/09
News of Interest
Rider Paradox: Surge in Mass, Drop in Transit
The New York Times, 2/3/09
Chicago-area home sales down 26% last year
Crain’s Chicago Business, 1/26/09
Pension reform a step toward helping state regain public's trust
Crain’s Chicago Business, 1/26/09
Blago's parting gift: Illinois deficit on pace to reach $9 billion
Chicago Sun-Times, 2/4/09
Stimulus News
An Ode to the Stimulus Bill
The New York Times, 2/4/09
White House still seeking GOP votes
Politico, 2/2/09
Summary of the $888 Billion Stimulus Bill Under Debate in the Senate
U.S. News and World Report, 2/2/09
A Stimulus Plan With Dual Goals: Reform and Recovery
The New York Times, 1/31/09
Chicago-area home sales down 26% last year
Crain’s Chicago Business, 1/26/09
Re-Connection past issues
February 2008 Vol 1 Issue 1
March 2008 Vol 1 Issue 2
April 2008 Vol 1 Issue 3
May 2008 Vol 1 Issue 4
June 2008 Vol 1 Issue 5
July 2008 Vol 1 Issue 6
Sign up for Talking Transit
With policy debates, legislative changes, and similar issues being tackled in other parts of the world, it is difficult to stay on top of current events in the transportation field. To help, MPC publishes Talking Transit, a useful online resource of important local, national and international news from various sources, whcih highlights significant evenst in transportation and land use. Sign up for Talking Transit.
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