The product of the Regional Growth Strategy project will be an integrated set of recommended policy actions addressed to the needs of communities in all stages of development. NIPC has worked with the Areawide Advisory Committee to develop a list of proposed policy tools for further study. They are listed below, grouped in major subject categories. Some are quite specific, while others designate broader policy areas within which specific tools will be identified.

For each tool, we will identify (1) examples of where and how the tool has been used effectively, both in northeastern Illinois and in other regions; (2) ways of estimating the impacts of implementing the tool and of measuring success; and (3) specific actions which would be needed to implement the tool, such as local ordinances or new state legislation. We will then develop strategies for pursuing a prioritized list of tools and create a coalition to advocate those implementing actions.

Certain of the tools listed, notably some of those in the social policy area, do not fall within NIPC's traditional areas of interest or expertise With respect to these tools, we will make our expertise and information resources available to other regional organizations developing policy recommendations and will consider endorsement of those recommendations as components of the Regional Growth Strategy.

Brownfields and Redevelopment

• Liability limits and tax credits to reclaim contaminated lands
• Brownfield recovery initiatives
• Infrastructure grants to support redevelopment, infill and contiguous development
• Tax credits for adaptive reuse of obsolete or abandoned industrial or commercial sites proximate to transit
• Increased focus of state and federal economic development programs in mature communities
• Tax credits to rehabilitate older and historic buildings
• Tax increment financing

Water Resources and Open Space

• Implementation of the Regional Greenways Plan
• Adequate open space in new development and redevelopment areas
• Increased maintenance and restoration of wetlands and floodplains
• Stormwater management plans for all parts of the region
• Adoption of NIPC model environmental ordinances to achieve environmental objectives
• National air quality standards
• Agricultural protection districts
• Better availability of natural resource information

Transportation and Infrastructure

• Improving transportation between existing housing and job centers
• Protect rights-of-way for adopted transportation projects
• Priority for funding to maintain the existing transportation system
• Wastewater facility expansion only when consistent with regional plans
• SRA and transit-oriented development and design to achieve land use-transportation coordination
• Shift wastewater treatment authority from IEPA to IDNR

Social Policy

• School funding, quality and equity across the region
• Crime and public safety
• Fair housing ordinances
• Tax structure/taxes as revenues
• Racial diversity

Neighborhood Planning and Site Design

• Site design regulations to achieve proper drainage and stormwater management
• Promote traditional neighborhood design, including mixed uses and multiple transportation modes
• Affordable housing accessible to jobs
• Promote sustainable community programs (e.g., establish sustainable community awards)

Planning and Intergovernmental Cooperation

• Intergovernmental cooperation for good transportation project planning and implementation
• Incentives for more routine use of improved inter-local land use agreements
• Preparation of joint subregional impact studies
• County review of annexation agreements

Last modified 7-28-00