Where We Stand

Based on an extensive history of work related to the HCV program, MPC has always recognized that the program’s ultimate success - its ability to help families become self-sufficient and live in quality neighborhoods near good jobs and good schools - largely depends on the commitment of local and state policymakers to ensure that housing, workforce development, and social service strategies support public housing authorities and the families using vouchers.  In other words, the rent subsidy is the essential backbone of the program, but participating families also need quality housing options in viable neighborhoods.

In February, at MPC’s most recent Building Successful Mixed-Income Communities forum, “Revisiting the Rehabs,” Dr. Thomas Boston, a professor of Economics at Georgia Tech University, highlighted 10 years of data from Atlanta that tracked employment, income, education, and other indicators, and linked them to such statistics as crime rate, poverty level, and school quality. Dr. Boston found that families with access to service and community networks fare better than those without. "When families have access to quality housing and neighborhoods, Boston explained, “they have drastically different socio-economic outcomes." Dr. Boston is currently engaged in a similar study of Chicago Housing Authority residents.

To learn more about what’s happening with Chicago’s Housing Choice Voucher program, we invite you to attend MPC’s June 24^th forum Building Successful Mixed-Income Communities: An Update on CHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program.  

For additional background information about the HCV program, visit MPC’s Public Housing in the Public Interest Web page.

Project Progress Report

Gridlock in Springfield over the next state capital plan threatens the prosperity of Illinois and metropolitan Chicago. Many residents are so turned off by political infighting they’re not sure there’s a way out.  As has been true throughout our 74-year history, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is not giving up. By going back to the drawing board on a state capital plan, Illinois can put itself back on the map among other states. We’re offering a path to prosperity through a package of innovations and investments that can keep Illinois moving toward a brighter future.

MPC has compiled a menu of ideas entitled Putting Illinois Back on the Map: Prosperity through Innovation and Investment  that should be incorporated into a state capital bill to be considered in late 2008 and federal surface transportation bill in 2009. Fortunately, MPC’s ideas resonated well with the state legislators we met with in May, as well as editorial boards – the Daily Herald ran one supportive editorial and the Chicago Tribune ran two (May 19 and May 27). 

Read the "Putting Illinois Back on the Map: Prosperity through Innovation and Investment" issue brief >>

MPC Headlines

A sampling of new articles on MPC’s Web site

Chicago named Candidate City for 2016 Olympics; let the race begin
MPC congratulates City of Chicago and Chicago 2016 for clearing latest hurdle. At MPC's 2007 Annual Meeting Luncheon, keynote speaker the Rt. Hon. Tessa Jowell, MP, minister for the Olympics and London, described the key to London's winning approach.

Listen to Jowell's keynote speech in its entirety. >>

Funding shortfall threatens future of Chicago-area paratransit services
Pace estimates it will provide more than 3 million ADA trips on regional paratransit services by 2010 – a 5.8 percent increase from 2007.

This article was featured in Talking Transit, MPC's bi-weekly e-newsletter.>>
To receive the newsletter, email talkingtransit@metroplanning.org with ‘Subscribe' in the subject line.

Mayor Daley hosts over 65 top business leaders to promote employer-assisted housing, introduce new guidebook
Four business leaders from Chicago-area companies showcased in the guidebook received awards.

For more information about how EAH can work with your company. >>

Calling all visionaries: MPC seeks nominations for 2008 Burnham Award for Excellence in Planning
The Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is calling for nominations for the Burnham Award for Excellence in Planning, which for 19 years has recognized superior plans that have resulted in sensible growth and development in the Chicago region.

Complete guidelines are available by downloading the 2008 Burnham Award Nomination Form. >> 

After Showerheads and Sprinklers
As Illinois moves toward a state water supply plan, MPC and Openlands co-hosted a May 16 conference to generate news ideas for protecting and sustaining our water resources.

The conference white paper, speaker presentations, and more, are available on the conference's online discussion forum, Glass Half Full.>> 

MPC and CMAP at the Chicago Green Festival
The Metropolitan Planning Council and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning hosted a booth at the Chicago Green Festival the weekend of May 17-18 to spread the word about sustainable growth in the Chicago region.

Check out some pictures from the fun weekend! >>

Chicago's Proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Routes
Chicago received $153 million grant from the federal government to begin the first phase of a 100-mile network of bus rapid transit.

See the proposed BRT routes for Chicago here.>>

'Smart Cards' in Transit
In Hong Kong, 95 percent of the population between the ages of 16 and 65 possesses the touch-and-go ‘Smart Card’ transit pass to board the region’s public transportation network.

This article was featured in Talking Transit, MPC's bi-weekly e-newsletter.>>
To receive the newsletter, email talkingtransit@metroplanning.org with ‘Subscribe' in the subject line.

CMAP, integrating MPC’s expertise, reaches regionally for its planning commissioner educational programming
CMAP’s new Planning Commissioner Workshop series taps MPC publications and know-how to help educate planning commissioners around the region.

Click here for information about upcoming Planning Commissioner Workshops.>>  

Support Our Work

Owning a home… it’s the American Dream.  But current housing market trends are making it much tougher for most individuals and families to own a home.  That is why MPC continues to pursue policies that support workforce housing, affordable housing choices, and incentives to allow people to purchase homes close to their jobs.  MPC’s work makes a real difference in people’s lives. Please support these efforts by making a donation to MPC today.>>

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

Upcoming events

More events »

In the News

Available on MPC's Web site:

Chicago Mulls Olympics Costs as It Makes 2016 Final Four
Christian Science Monitor, 6/6/2008

Editorial: The capital cookie jar
Chicago Tribune, 5/19/2008 

Editorial: Watch your wallets
Chicago Tribune, 5/27/2008

Employer-assisted housing some relief during downturn
Crains Chicago Business, 6/16/2008

Available online for a limited time:

Driving less can help ease pain
Chicago Sun-Times, 6/8/2008

Highland Park discusses joint venture in affordable housing
Highland Park News, 6/12/2008

I Spy “Signs” of Bus Tracker Expansion
Red Eye Chicago, 6/11/2008

A Mission to Make Suburbs, Well, More Like the City
New York Times, 6/9/2008

In June, Chicago Matters will examine water programs.

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

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