Where We Stand

Sustainability advocates have a lot in common with holistic doctors. We understand that the “leg bone’s connected to the knee bone,” and that diagnosing any problem requires evaluating the entire system. Much like our bodies, our communities are comprised of interconnected parts, each working in partnership with others to support a stable whole. When one or more element is weak or absent, the others must bear a greater load — creating an unbalanced situation.

Creating truly sustainable communities requires investments and policies that are right-sized, goal-driven and coordinated and that meet the six livability principles at the foundation of the Obama administration’s Partnership for Sustainable Communities:

MPC is working with the public and private sector, as well as with communities across metropolitan Chicago, to be a region that embraces these principles (as well as a seventh principle we would add, “Conserve natural resources.”) By doing so, Chicagoland will emerge from the recession more sustainable in the truest sense of the word —  “dynamic, high-performing and efficient;” more resilient to climate change, prolonged drought, and other environmental challenges; and less at risk from oil crunches, economic downturns, and security risks. 

One way you can do your part for a more sustainable, greener region is to make a donation to support MPC's vital agenda.  

And, in April and May, we invite you to “tune in” to an MPC blog series to learn more about our work to support a sustainable region. Check back tomorrow for the first post in this series, Josh Ellis’ look at the energy-water nexus.

Project Progress Report

Regional leaders across Chicagoland, in coordination with the state, have joined forces to create new programs, policies and opportunities in line with the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) new Sustainable Communities Initiative. Since MPC and our partners released a 2009 report Advancing Livability Principles: Federal Investment Reforms Lessons from the Chicagoland Experience, both HUD and the U.S. Dept. of Transportation have made available funding and support for livable communities. MPC is proud to be partnering with local municipal and business leaders, public agencies, and the philanthropic community to pursue interjurisdictional solutions.

Learn more about local momentum in metropolitan Chicago and Illinois >>

Headlines

'Affordable living' still elusive for many
Two reports released in late March by MPC's partners show there's still more work to do before affordable living is truly within reach for most American families.

Voice Your Support

MPC’s new online Advocacy page allows you to contact your lawmakers to ask them to vote in favor of legislation that will contribute to a stronger region. Make your voice heard today by taking action to support:

• Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act SB 3482
• Livable Communities Act S 1619 and HR 4690
• Rainwater Harvesting for Non-Potable Uses SB 2549

Principles of Placemaking

Each month, Placemaking features 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. Check out this month’s story about the Co-Prosperity Sphere!

From the Blog

Al fresco dining as Placemaking
MarySue's Midweek Links
Living downtown...in the 'burbs
Find fresh ideas for housing solutions in an updated Home Grown publication
Walkable areas have higher home values
Another try at BRT in Chicago

Upcoming events

More events »

In the News

Subscribe to MPC's feeds for fresh content daily

 MPC in the News

New tollway head reaches out to community to set agenda
Chicago Daily Herald, 4/21/2010
Rainwater Toilets Caught in Red Tape
The Environment Report, 4/21/2010
Water and privatization
Community Media Workshop, 4/19/2010
Chicago modeling livable communities
Chicago Tribune, 4/13/2010
Getting Bus Rapid Transit Right the First Time
Chicago Now, 4/9/2010
East Chicago rolls out second phase of North Harbor project
The Times of Northwest Indiana, 4/8/2010
Chicago’s New BRT Push Will Be Linked to “Livability”
Streetsblog Capitol Hill, Apr 6 2010
Bursting the water bubble
Mindful Metropolis, 4/1/2010
IDOT road work kicks into gear Thursday
Daily Herald, 3/28/2010
Get Your Building STACKD
Gapers Block, 3/25/2010
Some Green News Out Of Springfield
Progress Illinois, 3/24/2010

News of Interest
Toll hike to fix, extend roads not a done deal
Daily Herald,  4/19/2010
Indiana near bottom of heap for 2010 earmarks
The Times of Northwest Indiana, 4/17/2010
Ill. preservation group to list endangered sites
The Times of Northwest Indiana, 4/20/2010
Supreme Court leaves Asian carp issue hanging
Chicago Tribune, 4/19/2010
Final vote expected this week on pedestrian safety
Active Transportation Alliance blog, 4/19/2010
The Rise of YIMBY Environmentalism: a Personal Journey for Earth Day
The Congress for the New Urbanism, 4/19/2010
Daley open to wind turbines off Lake Michigan
Clout Street, 4/14/2010

MPC leadership
Board of Governors
Executive Advisors

Sign up for Talking Transit

MPC's Talking Transit is a useful online resource of important local, national and international news from various sources, which highlights significant innovations in transportation and land use. Sign up for Talking Transit.

Re-Connection Archive

Past issues of Re-Connection are available on MPC's web site.

Become a fan of MPC on Facebook

Follow MPC on Twitter

Re-Connection is MPC's monthly e-newsletter. Tell us what you think. Email reconnection@metroplanning.org with feedback in the subject.

To subscribe, visit our website at metroplanning.org/signup.html.

To stop receiving this newsletter visit metroplanning.org/unsubscribe.html?
EmailMsgId=85
&email=

Email design by Webitects