Where We Stand

At MPC, we know numbers rarely tell the whole story.

That’s why we kept track of some numbers of our own this year. Our spreadsheet of accomplishments tells a different side of the story; one of innovation in the face of adversity and success in spite of setbacks. These numbers have inspired us to set ambitious goals for 2010. We hope they also inspire you, our volunteers and friends, to continue to work with us to shape a more sustainable and prosperous greater Chicago region.

Check out MPC by the numbers >>

Project Progress Report

MPC launched its e-mail newsletter Re-Connection in early 2008, to provide more timely updates on its work. We’d like to know how we’re doing, and how we can improve this monthly communication.

Please complete the brief survey below by January 12, 2010. It should take about 5 minutes. We welcome additional comments via email to feedback@reconnection.org. We will respond to each comment as promptly as possible.

Re-Connection survey >>

MPC Headlines

More must be done to preserve water supply

MPC, Openlands and Aurora Mayor Weisner’s letter to the editor ran Dec. 7, 2009, in Crain's Chicago Business. Crain's recent coverage of projected water shortages in Northeastern Illinois drove home a fact many of us living near Lake Michigan are just beginning to realize: This region's water supply is valuable and limited.

MPC supports new federal incentives to leverage business investment in workforce housing

As the economy and housing market begin to show signs of recovery, strategies proven to encourage homeownership and community stability are smart investments worthy of additional public and private support.

It's in business's best interest to back affordable housing

This op-ed by MPC President MarySue Barrett ran in Crain's Chicago Business on Nov. 16, 2009. In Lake Forest and across the Chicago area, local government officials are increasingly hearing from employers that maintaining homes affordable to their workers isn't a maybe — it's a must.

New MPC and Openlands report tackles Illinois water supply concerns

MPC and Openlands, both longtime advocates for sustainable water supply management, have released Before the Wells Run Dry: Ensuring Sustainable Water Supplies in Illinois, a joint report with recommendations for improving local and regional water supply planning and conservation strategies.

Why privatize?

This letter ran in the Chicago Tribune on Nov. 23, 2009, in response to the Nov. 16 article, "Leasing water system could be a risky move for Chicago." The most important question to ask about privatizing public assets is, “Why?”

Dispatches from Berlin: What American Cities Can Learn

At a time when the Chicago region is studying high speed rail, bus rapid transit, and congestion pricing, it is essential that we look closely at the successes and challenges of other transportation systems around the world, and learn from their experiences.

Principles of Placemaking

Each month, Re-Connection will feature an inspiring true story of people making a changes in their communities. These profiles embody the 11 Principles of Placemaking, and show that working with people who share your passion and vision can make anything possible. Read the latest story, “Logan Boulevard Skate Park” >>

From the Blog

Dream Big: What would you do to improve Chicagoland’s transit?
Gov. Quinn appoints innovative leader to Tollway board
MPC's EAH initiative celebrates 10 years of accomplishments
Illinois' financial situation among worst in the nation
What's missing in discussions about leasing Chicago's water

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

In the News

Subscribe to MPC's feeds for fresh content daily

MPC in the News
More must be done to preserve water supply
Letter to the editor, Crain's Chicago Business, 12/07/2009

How much is your 'other mortgage'?
Sun Times Media, 11/26/2009

Why privatize?
Letter to the editor, Chicago Tribune, 11/23/09

West suburbs to receive more than $3M from Cook County to rehab, redevelop foreclosed homes and multi-family buildings
Oak Park Journal, 11/18/2009

Ten months in, Obama housing officials are paying more in attention than cash
Medill, 11/17/2009

It's in business's best interest to back affordable housing
Op-ed, Crain's Chicago Business, 11/16/09

Reaching across state line to offer help
The Times of Northwest Indiana, 11/13/2009

News of Interest
Ill. reaches agreement with capital on fast trains
Chicago Sun-Times, 12/10/09

Asian carp raises fear and loathing on Great Lakes
Daily Herald, 12/10/09

Stimulus II? Stop.
Chicago Tribune, 12/9/09

Moody's knocks down Illinois' bond rating
Crain’s Chicago Business, 12/8/09

Taxpayers in 29 states hit with hikes
Stateline.org, 12/4/09

Report: How The States Fight Climate Change
Progress Illinois, 12/4/09

Intermodal dreams slow to take shape in NWI
The Times of Northwest Indiana, 12/4/09

Chronicling The TIF Blowback - Progress Illinois (blog)
Progress Illinois, 12/1/09

MPC leadership

Board of Governors

Executive Advisors

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.

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