For Release: November 6, 1997

NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS PLANNING COMMISSION INITIATES STRATEGY TO DEAL WITH UNPRECEDENTED POPULATION, EMPLOYMENT GROWTH

Having today affirmed its forecasts that the Chicago area population will jump 25 percent over the next two decades, the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission is proposing development of a long-range strategy to accommodate that growth.

The Regional Growth Strategy will encourage local governments to implement policies which will ensure that the projected growth occurs in ways that protect and enhance the economic, social and environmental resources of the six-county area. It will take about three years to develop.

The newly-endorsed forecasts are available for the region and counties, municipalities, and townships.

"In initiating the development of the Regional Growth Strategy, the Commission is attempting to ensure that the projected growth benefits the entire region," said NIPC Executive Director Phil Peters. "The Commission's intent is not to impede growth, but to help guide growth with an eye toward the long-term health of the six-county area."

NIPC's population and employment forecasts for the next couple of decades are markedly different from what the region experienced between 1970 and 1990, when the population of northeastern Illinois increased by only 4 percent.

Even with moderate population growth from 1970 to 1990, the region had trouble accommodating that change, noted Peters. During that time, more than 450 square miles of agricultural and vacant land were converted to residential and employment uses. The overall pattern of development was of decentralization and dispersion. People and jobs moved outward, taking with them incomes, purchasing power and tax dollars.

"Stated simply," said Peters, "we housed and employed a few more people on a lot more land."

Many of the region's residents during that period earned more and had wider residential, employment and recreational opportunities. But workers in older communities often saw their jobs move to distant suburbs not accessible by public transportation and without affordable housing. Communities which lost population and jobs had to sustain public services with a shrinking tax base. At the same time, growing communities stretched their dollars to provide infrastructure and services for new residents and employees. Anyone familiar with Chicago's expressways knows the impact this shift in residence and employment had on traffic. Double the current congestion levels and you'll have some idea of the challenge that the first 20 years of the next century presents.

"The projected increase in jobs represents great economic opportunity for all parts of the region," said Peters. "But with a 25 percent increase in population ahead, we must be better stewards of our land, our public infrastructure and of the old and new communities whose fates will be determined by our actions and the actions of others."

The forecasts show every sector of the region ­ the city of Chicago, suburban areas of Cook County, and the five outer counties (DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane and McHenry) ­ growing in population, households and employment. The highest rate of growth will be in Will County, where population and jobs will more than double. McHenry County's population will increase by 90 percent. In Kane and Lake counties, residents and jobs would jump by 50 percent. Even Chicago, which for years declined in population and employment, will get in on the act, with a 5 to 7 percent population increase and job growth of between 15 and 17 percent.

"Deliberate public policy actions will be required if we are to achieve the more balanced growth reflected in the forecasts," said Peters.

NIPC's objective is to work with local and state governments, the private sector and other interests to develop incentives for growth that enhance the region's identity and resources. To that end, NIPC is encouraging new development meeting high environmental and planning standards in areas where it can be accomplished in a cost-effective way; substantial investment within existing communities; and increased redevelopment in communities which now have underused residential and industrial properties and public infrastructure.

NIPC staff will be reaching out in coming months to civic organizations and governmental entities throughout the region to lay the groundwork for the Regional Growth Strategy.

"In the past year, we have launched a public debate about what the future of the region will be," added Peters. "The Regional Growth Strategy will expand and focus that debate. We need and welcome the participation of elected officials, neighborhood organizations, residents and everyone else concerned about the future of northeastern Illinois."

Also today, NIPC adopted the 2020 Regional Transportation Plan, the long-range guide for major investments in northeastern Illinois' ground transportation system. The RTP recommends major projects, systems, policies and strategies designed to maintain existing transportation investments and serve future travel needs.

The Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission is the comprehensive planning agency for the six-county metropolitan area. In addition to planning, the agency provides technical and research assistance and reviews state and federal grant requests for local governments.

For additional information, call Sandi Radtke, 312/454-0400