Rebuilding and Renewing America: Highlights from a day of forward thinking

Investment in our nation's water, energy, and transportation infrastructure will be one of the first priorities of the new Obama administration. At MPC's recent conference on the subject, experts from throughout the Great Lakes megaregion identified priorities and outlined a better process for making investment decisions. | » More

You say you want a Rail~Volution

Annual conference brings together transportation and land use experts from around the country.

Lessons Learned from Stockholm

To continue to compel policy makers to move the region's transportation system forward, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) has entered into a two-year partnership with Bombardier to bring together the world's brightest transit and land use minds to explore new approaches that reduce gridlock and improve mobility and livability in our region.

Putting Illinois Back on the Map: Prosperity through Innovation and Investment

Gridlock in Springfield over the next state capital plan threatens the prosperity of Illinois and metropolitan Chicago. Many residents are so turned off by political infighting that they’re not sure there’s a way out. As has been true throughout our 74-year history, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is not giving up. By going back to the drawing board on a state capital plan, Illinois can put itself back on the map. We’re offering a path to prosperity through a package of innovations and investments that can keep Illinois moving toward a brighter future.

A Look at Bus Rapid Transit: Los Angeles Orange Line

LA’s BRT Orange Line improved passenger travel times by 15-25 percent over existing express bus service.

MPC testimony to the Ill. House Committee on CREATE Rail Program

On April 9, 2007, Michael McLaughlin, MPC Transportation Director, gave testimony to the Illinois House Railroad Committee regarding federal financing of CREATE and other rail needs. According to McLaughlin, completing the CREATE program is essential to hosting a successful 2016 Olympics.

Analysis of Gov. Blagojevich’s 2008 transportation budget

On March 7, 2007, the governor released his plans for the State of Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2008 budget. While his public remarks did not delve into transportation funding for next year, the budget document, “FY 2008 Capital Budget” did provide details on his proposed transportation budget.

Guiding Principles for the Next State Transportation Capital Program

Chicago Metropolis 2020, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and the Metropolitan Planning Council -- co-leaders of Business Leaders for Transportation -- have collaborated on principles to guide discussion of a new state transportation capital program.