Metropolitan Planning Council

Chicago Alderman Daniel La Spata's attempt to reduce the citywide speed limit from 30 to 25 mph caught the attention of news sources late last month. MPC Senior Director Audrey Wennink commented on the connection between high speeds, aggressive driving and increased fatalities. Read all of her remarks in the full article here: https://ow.ly/2hgO50SYRaW

Mayor Brandon Johnson made three major announcements on July 9, 2024 as part of his signature Cut the Tape initiative to streamline and expedite housing and commercial development. One of the announcements was the creation of a Task Force made up of 50 development leaders, including MPC Vice President Kendra Jackson Freeman. We are honored to have a continued role in this initiative. Read the official press release here: https://ow.ly/w5nf50SzXF3.

MPC Interim President & CEO Chris Conley joined other sustainability advocates in asking for a pause to the current planning process for North DuSable Lake Shore Drive in order to reimagine it in a way that supports a broader climate vision and is committed to a plan that emphasizes sustainable transportation. Read their full letter to the Chicago Tribune here: https://ow.ly/zQvQ50SYSCc

MPC Senior Director Audrey Wennink echoes Amtrak's concerns over plans to expand a bus hub across from Union Station, citing issues that could result from the proposal and calling for the vital need for more transportation options, not fewer. Read the full WTTW article here: https://ow.ly/OhmI50SZKyU Photo credit: Addam Hardy, via Wikimedia Commons

How we build is as important as what we build. To learn about the areas we believe must be centered in megadevelopment decision-making, check out the recent opinion piece in Crain's Chicago Business written by MPC Vice President of Programs Kendra Jackson Freeman.

We are seeking to expand our team with someone who works collaboratively and seeks to affect meaningful change by managing and implementing stormwater and green infrastructure initiatives. Read the full job description and apply here: https://ow.ly/mnXq50Sy9IF

In a recent blog post (https://lnkd.in/g2Tg6Vnj), MPC Senior Manager Justin Williams provided his perspective and expertise on some of the research needs facing equitable lead service line replacement. This blog emerges from discussions at a convening hosted by The Joyce Foundation – Great Lakes Lead Service Line Replacement: Framing Economic Research Inquiry. This blog is referenced in a report that reflects the key takeaways from the convening, just released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/g5wqVWkX

As part of our 90th Anniversary Year celebration, MPC proudly presents a public event on July 24, 2024 from 10-11:30 am at Harold Washington College, Chicago (and online via Zoom) that explores the impact of zoning and land use on residents’ lives from a local and national perspective. Register today for this panel discussion featuring esteemed thought leaders and presenting new research frameworks for analyzing land use and zoning. Tickets are available in-person and virtual: https://ow.ly/JuCp50SrIR5

Thanks to The Executives' Club of Chicago for hosting an informative panel discussion on June 11, exploring the interplay between infrastructure, safety, and social inclusion as part of Chicago's journey toward sustainable growth. MPC Senior Policy Advisor Thomas Bamonte spoke about the importance of transit as vital for our region's growth and public safety. Thomas was in conversation with Garien Gatewood (Deputy Mayor of Community Safety, City of Chicago), Beatriz Ponce De Leon (Deputy Mayor of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights, City of Chicago), Larry B. Snelling (Superintendent of Police, Chicago Police Department), and moderator Jeff Korzenik (Chief Economist, Fifth Third Bank). Photo credit: Executive Clubs of Chicago

Join our team! MPC is a values-driven workplace, and we are seeking candidates with a demonstrated commitment to creating a Chicago region that is equitable, prosperous, sustainable and engaged. Find out more about our open roles: https://lnkd.in/gD-a4qxX