The Urban Institute and the Metropolitan Planning Council studied the social and economic impacts of segregation in the Chicago region.
Racial and economic segregation costs Chicago about $8 billion in annual GDP, according to a report from the Metropolitan Planning Council and the Urban Institute.
The high degree of segregation in Chicago is "not new information" in itself, a researcher told Chicago Tonight. But its effects—as felt in the areas of economic growth, educational attainment, and crime rates—have now been more thoroughly quantified.
For example, the report notes that the Chicago region could earn $4.4 billion more in income if it were only as segregated as the current national median. But without a change in course, even that level of desegregation could take until the year 2070. Researchers at MPC and the Urban Institute will now begin studying potential policy actions that could accelerate that pace.
FULL STORY: Report: Segregation Costs Chicago, Residents Billions Annually
Mapped: Chicago's Shrinking Middle Class
In 1970, half of the city's census tracts were middle-income. Now, only 16 percent of them remain so. Polarization between the well-off and the poor essentially splits the city in two.
Opinion: To Overcome Segregation in Dallas, Look to the Past
A frank assessment of past policy wrongdoings is necessary to overcome inequality in the city.
Addressing 'Reverse White Flight' in Chicago
A new report from the Urban Institute and the Metropolitan Planning Council looks at ways to fight perpetual segregation as Chicago's affluent white population booms.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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