Chicago Universities Commit to Bolstering Growth

Eight Chicago universities have agreed to engage with the city and local communities as they invest in their neighborhoods. The hope is to increase opportunities for employment and economic growth.

1 minute read

January 2, 2016, 1:00 PM PST

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


University of Chicago

Henryk Sadura / Shutterstock

A piece from the Urban Institute details how Chicago "anchor institutions" are working with the city to promote neighborhood economic opportunity. The schools include the University of Chicago, DePaul University, the Illinois Institute of Technology, Loyola University, Northwestern University, Rush University, the School of the Art Institute, and the University of Illinois-Chicago.

From the article: "The universities each entered into separate Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) that outlined anticipated investments in local neighborhoods and a mutual commitment for universities to further engage with city leadership and local communities to bolster economic growth and opportunity." A press release from the City of Chicago further outlines the specific private investments each university plans to make.

The Urban Institute has prepared a related report entitled Striking a (Local) Grand Bargain. According to the authors, the paper presents the "best ways to align cities and local anchors—universities, hospitals, and medical centers—around shared interests and large scale economic and community development."

Tuesday, December 22, 2015 in Urban Institute

Black and white Rideshare Pick-Up Zone sign

The Slow Death of Ride Sharing

From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.

June 1, 2023 - Human Transit

Red on white 'Room for Rent, Inquire Inside' sign

In Most U.S. Cities, Archaic Laws Limit Roommate Living

Critics argue laws preventing unrelated adults from living in the same home fail to understand the modern American household.

May 24, 2023 - The Atlantic

Vancouver Chuck Wolfe

Ten Signs of a Resurgent Downtown

In GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe continues his exploration of a holistic and practical approach to post-pandemic urban center recovery, anchored in local context and community-driven initiatives that promote livability, safety, and sustainability.

May 24, 2023 - GeekWire

Vacant storefront in historic building on Powell Street in San Francisco, California

Few Landlords Pay San Francisco Vacancy Tax

Less than 3 percent of properties potentially subject to a new vacancy tax were filed as vacant in the last year, but empty storefronts in the city persist.

3 hours ago - San Francisco Chronicle

Aerial view of manufactured home being dropped off or moved by red truck in mobile home park

In Spite of Affordability Crisis, Richmond Rejects Manufactured Housing Plan

After declaring a housing crisis, the Virginia capital’s city council voted against a proposed manufactured home warehouse that would distribute replacements for aging manufactured housing stock.

5 hours ago - Greater Greater Washington

Graphic for '1000 Joys of Planning' with The Planning Commission Podcast

A Planning Commission Podcast Journey: The 1,000 Joys of Planning

The Commissioners explore the facets of the planning profession that fill their cups with joy.

7 hours ago - The Planning Commission Podcast

Project Manager III

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

UDO Transportation Planner

City of Charlotte - Charlotte Area Transit

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.