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If current development trends continue, inefficient land consumption, the degradation of natural resources and overloading of the transportation system will affect our quality of life. To successfully manage these changes, officials at the regional and local levels must actively work together to make planning decisions for the benefit of the region as a whole. Rather than set forth prescriptive solutions, the 2040 Regional Framework Plan is a guiding structure to integrate regional and local plans, policies and goals. Our diverse region requires differing approaches to realizing the vision, but with local/regional coordination and the involvement of all segments of the population in community planning and design, the vision can be achieved.  Regional Role NIPC will continue to be an active resource to help with 2040 Plan implementation, including facilitating meetings, providing technology tools and conducting statistical forecasts and other research, while coordinating agencies and local governments. NIPC also will develop a Report Card of performance indicators aligned with the plan's five core themes. Published annually, this will help establish accountability for implementation progress, growth, development and redevelopment.  Local Role Land use is primarily in the hands of local governments. Every decision at the local level is important to building a better regional community. The 2040 Plan will unfold one step at a time through careful, deliberate and coordinated action. By using the resources NIPC offers, proactively updating local comprehensive plans and regulations, and using a collaborative process, local action can lead to a healthy and vibrant Chicago region in 2040. To realize the vision, we must invest in and plan for adequate land, infrastructure and service capacity. NIPC's 2040 Plan framework informs the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), which guides transportation planning and investment in the region. As such, it is critical that local initiatives fit within the plan framework if federal funding is to be apportioned for them. We must all strive for convergence and consistency in planning so our region has the capacity to embrace growth. ^top |