Re-Connection - July 2009

July 2009

www.metroplanning.org

On Monday, July 13, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed the state's first major construction spending bill in a decade. Dubbed “Illinois Jobs Now,” it is a $31 billion public works program that is expected to create 439,000 jobs across the state and infuse much-needed capital into Illinois’ aging infrastructure.

Where We Stand

After five years without a capital plan in Illinois, the Metropolitan Planning Council sees Gov. Quinn’s signing of the legislation as a mixed bag. The plus side: the package includes $160 million for water projects, about $18 billion for transportation, and, for the first time in any capital plan in Illinois, $130 million for housing. These investments will help leverage approximately $4 billion in federal funding and are paid for in part by transportation user fees.

The downside: unfortunately, money allocated by the new capital plan is not coupled with spending reforms to evaluate the merits of projects against state goals. HB2359 - now HB4590 - outlines a process by which transportation projects should be selected and evaluated. The bill should have been passed in tandem with the Illinois Jobs Now program. Since it was never called for a House vote, lawmakers did not have the opportunity to approve these critical reforms that would change the way we spend limited capital dollars.

Illinois can’t afford to spend unwisely. MPC is working hard to ensure Illinois is leveraging capital dollars to provide the greatest benefits, generate the most returns, and fund the types of infrastructure improvements that give this state a competitive and prosperous future.

Read about the Transportation Investment Accountability Act (formerly HB2359) >>

Project Progress Report

Earlier this year, MPC’s Placemaking Chicago led its first technical assistance project, at the Polish Triangle in Wicker Park. More than 700 residents participated in an open house, online survey, and online networking group to share their ideas for turning the Polish Triangle, located at the intersection of Division Street, Ashland Avenue, and Milwaukee Avenue, into a well-used public space. Suggestions have ranged from calming the traffic around the Triangle to planting flowers in the space – and everything in between. MPC is now working with a steering committee comprised of local aldermen Manny Flores (1^st Ward) and Scott Waguespack (32^nd Ward), WPB (the Special Service Area for the Wicker Park and Bucktown Neighborhoods), and other local stakeholders to put some of the ideas in action.

MPC Headlines

MPC launches Logan Square Corridor Development Initiative
MPC is teaming up with 35th Ward Ald. Rey Colón this summer to engage residents in the future development of Logan Square.

Robbins forges new interjurisdictional partnership to redevelop Metra stop
Consistent with the recommendations of MPC’s Community Building Initiative Task Force, Robbins plans to collaborate with Blue Island to commit federal funds to the acquisition and development of the area around the Robbins Metra station.

Support Our Work

Make a contribution to MPC today in honor of its 75^th anniversary and demonstrate your commitment to livable neighborhoods and sensible development that will remain attractive and viable long-term.

Re-connection is generously sponsored by:
John and Kathleen Buck

Upcoming events

Jul24	The Creative City: Keeping Chicago Vibrant and Viable - Cablecast Info 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Aug11	Pay the Freight: Rail Infrastructure Investments in Canada and U.S. 12:00 PM–1:30 PM
Aug17	Reinventing Public Investment: Better Choices for a Better Chicagoland series Sustainable Choices for a Greener Chicago Region 12:00 PM–1:30 PM

More events »

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, which highlights significant events in transportation and land use. Sign up for Talking Transit.

Become a Fan of MPC on Facebook

Invent the Future

How should the region plan for the year 2040? This summer, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) will hold dozens of free public workshops called GO TO 2040 "Invent the Future". Information you contribute at these meetings will help CMAP develop a preferred scenario that will best reflect the region's desired future. Visit goto2040.org for more information.

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Where We Stand

Project Progress Report

MPC Headlines

Support Our Work

Upcoming events

In the News

Re-Connection past issues

MPC leadership

Sign up for Talking Transit

Become a Fan of MPC on Facebook

Invent the Future