Opinion: Illinois’ Lead Pipe Crisis Presents a Workforce Opportunity
A student works with pipes at Chicago Public Schools’ Skill Trades Fair supported by HIRE360 and hosted by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130UA.
By Alaina Harkness, CEO of Current; Anne Evans, CEO of Elevate; Jay Rowell, executive director for HIRE360 and Dan Lurie, president and CEO of Metropolitan Planning Council.
Published March 24, 2026, Crain’s Chicago Business
A joint commentary published in Crain’s Chicago Business put forth the message that “Illinois has a chance to turn lead service line replacement into a powerful engine for job creation and economic opportunity in the very neighborhoods most affected by lead exposure.”
This opinion piece follows the publication of a report, “Leveraging Lead Service Line Replacement for Workforce Growth” prepared by MKM Consultants in collaboration with four partner organizations—Metropolitan Planning Council, Current, Elevate, and HIRE360.