Background
Peter joined MPC as urban development director in 1996. For the past 16 years, he has played a lead role in expanding MPC’s capacity to produce quality research, develop sound policies, and advocate for sensible development in Chicagoland. He was promoted to Vice President of External Relations in 1999, Vice President in 2009, and Executive Vice President in 2013.
He has led several major policy initiatives, including the 1999 rewrite of the Illinois Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Act, massive overhaul of Chicago’s zoning ordinance in 2004, and passage of Illinois’ Public Private Partnerships for Transportation Act in 2011 and is actively working on bringing Bus Rapid Transit to Chicago's west side. He staffed Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Transportation and Infrastructure transition committee and currently co–chairs the Mayors Pedestrian Advisory Committee with Gabe Klein, commissioner of the Chicago Dept. of Transportation and he Chairs the Midway Advisory Panel overseeing the proposed long term lease of Midway Airport. He is also a member of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Transportation Committee and University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) Campus Advisory Board.
Prior to joining MPC, from 1994 to 1996, Peter worked for the Chicago Park District as area manager on the southeast side. He also founded and served on the UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs Alumni Association from 1997 to 2003. Peter has received several awards and honors, including the 2005 City Partner Award for outstanding contribution to UIC and the Chicago metropolitan area; and the 2007 Lou Liay Spirit Award for Extraordinary Alumni Service from the University of Illinois.
Peter received a master’s degree in urban planning from UIC in 1993, and a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from the University of Chicago in 1990. He was born and raised in Chicago’s Hyde Park community and lives on the North Side in the city’s 47th Ward with his wife and children.
Articles
Senate releases MAP-21 transportation bill proposal-
- Chrissy Nichols co-authored this article.
Late last Friday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) released Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), which is the Senate highway portion of the next federal surface transportation bill. While we’re still a long…
Illinois approves Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act-
- The Elgin-O’Hare Express, West Loop Transportation Center, a bus rapid transit corridor, the CTA Red Line extension, and on and on: These projects represent just a sliver of the billions of dollars in transportation projects Illinois has put on the back burner because funds for building new…
Keepers and Seekers: MPC's briefing book for Chicago mayoral, aldermanic candidates-
- MPC has provided all of Chicago's mayoral and aldermanic candidates with a briefing book on policies and positions that will keep Chicago—and the entire metropolitan region—competitive, equitable and sustainable. The guide is also useful for voters, as they prepare to elect leaders with…
- MPC's response to 'Privatize Illinois' tollways? Voters say no'
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- Update: This letter to the editor ran in the Chicago Tribune on Feb. 9.
The Jan. 26 cover story, “Privatize Illinois tollways? Voters say no,” identified several important issues related to privatizing existing public assets. While private operators may raise tolls, a fair lease…
- Transportation for America hiring Illinois field organizer
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- Transportation for America is seeking a smart and motivated individual to grow an active field operation in Illinois, as part of a national campaign. The Illinois Field Organizer will direct the day-to-day development of a diverse coalition of prominent state and local organizations working in key…
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Areas of expertise
- Legislative affairs
- Transportation policy
- Community development
- Innovative financing
- Chicago zoning
Education
B.A., Behavioral Science, University of Chicago
Masters of Urban Planning and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago