CMAP’s Future of Economic Opportunity forum

How can metropolitan Chicago adapt to ensure that the American Dream is obtainable here, and that our economy is thriving between now and 2050?

That was one of the overarching questions discussed July 19 at Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s workshop, “The Future of Economic Opportunity.” It was co-sponsored by the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, Cook County, Southwest Conference of Mayors and the Will County Governmental League, and hosted by Homewood.

Panelists included Illinois Community College Board Chairman Dr. Lazaro Lopez, Skills for Chicagoland’s Future President and CEO Marie Trzupek Lynch and Senior Economist and Research Advisor and Director Bhash Mazumder of the Chicago Census Research Data Center at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Metropolitan Planning Council’s Director of Research and Evaluation Alden Loury moderated it. CMAP Executive Director Joseph Szabo provided opening remarks, and Monee Economic Development Director Kevin Daly closed.

CMAP also wants public feedback on exploring a future where the economy has been transformed by technological and other changes in 2050. Please take a quick online survey about Transformed Economy, July’s Alternative Future, to tell them how the Chicago area economy and workforce can thrive in this future, but also how to ensure this prosperity is shared by all. The survey is here.

In addition, there’s an ON TO 2050 Preview Report available for public comment until August 3 . This document previews ON TO 2050 recommendations organized by the three overarching principles of resilience, inclusive growth, and prioritized investment. CMAP will incorporate feedback and release the final version of this preview report in October 2017. Click here to read it. More photos are here.