Metropolitan Planning Council

Metropolitan Planning Council. The Metropolitan Planning Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that aims to shape a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Chicagoland region, in collaboration with University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, and University of Chicago. It works closely with Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Regional Transportation Authority, and Chicago Transit Authority to address regional challenges. The organization's efforts are guided by the principles of sustainable development, social equity, and fiscal responsibility, as outlined by United Nations, World Bank, and U.S. Department of Transportation.

● History

The Metropolitan Planning Council was founded in 1934 by a group of Chicago business and civic leaders, including Daniel Burnham and Charles H. Wacker, with the goal of promoting comprehensive planning and development in the Chicagoland region. Over the years, the organization has played a key role in shaping the region's growth and development, working with Chicago City Council, Cook County Board, and Illinois General Assembly to address issues such as transportation infrastructure, housing affordability, and environmental sustainability. The organization has also collaborated with Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and National Association of Counties to advance regional planning efforts. Notable milestones in the organization's history include the development of the Chicago Area Transportation Study in 1955, which was influenced by Robert Moses and Le Corbusier, and the creation of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning in 2006, which was supported by Barack Obama and Richard M. Daley.

● Organization

The Metropolitan Planning Council is governed by a board of directors composed of leaders from the business, civic, and philanthropic communities, including The Chicago Community Trust, MacArthur Foundation, and Polk Bros. Foundation. The organization is led by a president who oversees a staff of professionals with expertise in urban planning, transportation engineering, and public policy, including American Planning Association, Urban Land Institute, and National League of Cities. The organization is headquartered in Chicago and has a budget of over $10 million, supported by Knight Foundation, Kresge Foundation, and Surdna Foundation. The Metropolitan Planning Council also has partnerships with University of Michigan, Carnegie Mellon University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to advance research and innovation in the field.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The Metropolitan Planning Council's mission is to shape a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Chicagoland region by addressing the interconnected issues of transportation, housing, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The organization's objectives include promoting affordable housing options, improving public transportation systems, and supporting inclusive economic growth, as outlined by Biden Administration and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The organization also seeks to enhance regional cooperation and collaboration among local governments, businesses, and community organizations, including National Association of Regional Councils and International City/County Management Association. The Metropolitan Planning Council is guided by the principles of social justice, environmental stewardship, and fiscal responsibility, as promoted by United Nations Development Programme and World Health Organization.

● Policy_Initiatives

The Metropolitan Planning Council has launched several policy initiatives to address key regional challenges, including the Transform Illinois campaign, which aims to promote government reform and fiscal sustainability, supported by Illinois Governor, Illinois State Senate, and Illinois House of Representatives. The organization has also launched the Chicagoland Mobility initiative, which seeks to improve public transportation options and reduce traffic congestion, in partnership with Federal Transit Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation. Additionally, the Metropolitan Planning Council has developed the Our Great Rivers plan, which aims to revitalize the Chicago River and promote waterfront development, supported by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Chicago Park District. The organization has also worked with American Public Transportation Association and National Association of City Transportation Officials to advance policy initiatives.

● Regional_Planning_Efforts

The Metropolitan Planning Council is actively engaged in regional planning efforts, working with Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Regional Transportation Authority, and Chicago Transit Authority to develop and implement comprehensive plans for the Chicagoland region. The organization has also collaborated with Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission and South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association to address regional issues such as transportation infrastructure, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The Metropolitan Planning Council has also partnered with Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission and Federal Railroad Administration to advance regional planning efforts. The organization's regional planning efforts are guided by the principles of sustainable development, social equity, and fiscal responsibility, as outlined by U.S. Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency.

● Research_and_Publications

The Metropolitan Planning Council conducts research and publishes reports on a range of topics related to urban planning, transportation, and public policy, including housing affordability, transportation infrastructure, and economic development. The organization's research is guided by the principles of objectivity, rigor, and relevance, as promoted by National Academy of Sciences and American Association for the Advancement of Science. The Metropolitan Planning Council has published reports on topics such as The Future of the Chicago Region, The State of the Region's Housing, and The Economic Benefits of Transportation Investment, supported by Brookings Institution and Urban Institute. The organization's research and publications are widely cited by policymakers, business leaders, and community organizations, including Chicago Tribune, Crain's Chicago Business, and WBEZ. The Metropolitan Planning Council has also collaborated with University of California, Berkeley and Harvard University to advance research and publications in the field.

Category:Urban planning