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northeastern illinois planning commission |
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northeastern illinois planning commission |
NEWS RELEASE from the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission For more
information call: Alexandra A. Radtke For Immediate Release
NIPC’s initial role in partnership with the Mayors Caucus would be to develop a comprehensive database of business location information responsive to the needs of firms seeking to locate or expand in northeastern Illinois. "Information is an essential commodity in building our shared future," President Firfer said. "The mayors want to partner with NIPC to use the valuable resources you have already developed and to go beyond those to meet the private sector’s needs." In response, NIPC President Herbert Schumann said, "It is important that we seize the opportunity presented by this proposal. This is another step in building a region that works together. We can take what we’re good at and merge it into a truly innovative effort." The Commission also heard from Eric Rinehart, manager of the Office of Program and Policy Development of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA). The Department has worked closely with the Caucus in response to Governor George Ryan’s directive to develop a state and regional development strategy. NIPC recently assisted that effort by providing staff for a series of public issue-identification forums. Commenting on the Caucus’ invitation, NIPC Executive Director Ron Thomas said, "This is one of the most important proposals NIPC has received in the recent past. Economic development is integral to community development and to assuring a sustainable future for the region’s citizens. This challenges us to forge a connected partnership with the critical leadership which the Caucus is providing." The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus was initiated in December 1997 by an invitation from Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley to the 268 suburban mayors to work together on issues of mutual concern. In addition to economic development, the Caucus has task forces addressing issues of clean air, legislation, deregulation of electric utilities, and sustainable growth. At its meeting, the Commission also received several awards for planning projects completed during the past year. The Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association presented its annual planning award to NIPC and the Chicago Region Biodiversity Council for their Biodiversity Recovery Plan. APA representative Michael Blue said the plan represented "an unconventional planning endeavor" which had produced "clear statements of goals on very complex issues." The APA also honored the Commission’s water trails plan and the Campaign for Sensible Growth’s report on Sensible Growth in Illinois. NIPC is a co-chair of the Campaign. The Commission’s Subarea Residential Planning pilot project was recognized as a "local best practice" winner by the Illinois office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. NIPC’s project has been carried out in support of the communities of Algonquin, Carpentersville, Cary, Crystal Lake, East Dundee, Elgin, Fox River Grove, Gilberts, Lake in the Hills, Sleepy Hollow, and West Dundee, along with Kane and McHenry Counties. In her award letter, HUT) Secretary’s Representative Rosanna Marquez said that NIPC and the communities "are proving that providers, housing authorities, and local governments can, in partnership with HUD, find new and innovative ways to address old problems."
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Posted 7/06/00
