Common Ground's effectiveness in creating real change in our region has depended on its success at engaging citizens and community leaders in every step of the process. Common Ground has worked with local decision makers and their constituents to ensure that they feel truly involved in the process and make commitments to act upon the consensus reached by the region.

Common Ground has impacted the region by:

Developing a comprehensive land use plan for the region that will provide northeastern Illinois with an unprecedented road map to guide public and private actions and resource expenditures in for both immediate and long-term benefits.

Shaping the development of the Regional Transportation Plan in accordance with regional land use priorities. NIPC recently signed an interagency agreement with the Chicago Area Transportation Study, the Regional Transportation Authority, and the Illinois Department of Transportation stating that the comprehensive plan will guide transportation planning and investment for the region.

Increasing regional cooperation and collaboration across municipal, county and state borders. Common Ground will work with local governments to ensure their active participation in the development of the regional plan. Common Ground will also form partnerships with the various public, private and civic sectors to ensure that they participate in the development of the region's shared vision and identify their respective roles in reaching it.

Introducing to northeastern Illinois a better way to plan and make public decisions with the support of state of the art technology. The development of computer-based systems will provide a practical laboratory for the region to develop, evaluate and reach decisions in ways that have, until now, been too technical or costly for public review, deliberation and comment.