Illinois

As one of the highest ranking federal officials to take on the role of city mayor, newly elected Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel could provide a boon to his city and others.

March 19, 2011 - Governing

Blair Kamin says that Chicago's new master plan for the Lakeview neighborhood is full of big and "audacious" ideas, including a park under the El and many pedestrian improvements.

March 17, 2011 - The Chicago Tribune

The Lake View neighborhood in Chicago will unveil a new master plan for a completely redesigned community, including a "Low Line" park walkway.

March 15, 2011 - WLS

The LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) guidelines have existed for some time now, but are getting a new focus with an exhibit in Chicago and the launch of the first comprehensive city plan to include LEED-ND guidelines.

March 14, 2011 - New Urban Network

The foreclosure crisis and economic meltdown have left many American cities struggling to cope with thousands of properties being abandoned -- not just by owners, but by lenders as well.

March 3, 2011 - Huffington Post

With the Second City experiencing a 7% decline in the population over the past decade, the newly elected Mayor Rahm Emmanuel must adapt to a suburban-dominated environment.

March 2, 2011 - Chicago Tribune

The city of Chicago is planning to build a network of 280 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city by the end of the year.

March 2, 2011 - Grist

Officials in DuPage County, Illinois are considering creating zoning tailored specifically at banning large religious facilities that they say are not in keeping with neighborhood character.

February 28, 2011 - Daily Herald

The migration away from the city was accelerated by the recent recession, as explosive growth of suburbs far outside of Chicago resulted in some counties growing by as much as 35%.

February 17, 2011 - The Wall Street Journal

Regional water issues are of major concern in many parts of the world. The Chicago area is especially sensitive to water. New efforts are underway there to help preserve a threatened resource.

February 15, 2011 - Citiwire

A study conducted in Illinois has found no correlation between rates of obesity to suburban sprawl, as was previously believed.

February 10, 2011 - US News

Building owners in downtown Chicago are hoping to push forward a project aimed at creating a "smart grid" of energy-efficient and energy-producing buildings.

January 25, 2011 - The Architect's Newspaper

While Gov. Walker's rejection of $810 million of federal stimulus funds for the Milwaukee-Madison rail upgrade has received much publicity, he has not ruled out using funds to upgrade the existing Milwaukee-Chicago Hiawatha Line pushed by businesses.

January 19, 2011 - Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Columnist Jon Hilkevitch writes that a new public-opinion poll on mass-transit issues found that the Chicagoans care deeply about them. Though the candidates haven't taken sides yet, it could be a deciding factor.

January 17, 2011 - The Chicago Tribune

Lawrence Avenue in Chicago's Lincoln Square ballooned over the years to 4 lanes. Putting the street on a "road diet" will make it friendlier to pedestrians.

January 10, 2011 - The Chicago Tribune

Sounding very much like the new OH and WI Republican governors, a key state Republican legislator wants to avoid the ongoing state subsidy for Iowa City to Chicago trains. At stake is $230 million in a Federal rail grant to build 110 mph trains.

January 10, 2011 - Des Moines Register

Blair Kamin reflects on the soon-to-be-ex-mayor Richard Daley's legacy, his "passion to build," and how Chicago might be shaped without his influence.

January 4, 2011 - The Chicago Tribune

American City & County Magazine picks 6 "crown communities" for 2010, which it says "exhibit the qualities that build strong communities: cooperation, creativity and leadership."

January 2, 2011 - American City And County

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill re-designed the former U.S. Steel plant site, which will eventually house almost 50,000 people.

December 30, 2010 - The New York Times

"Give a Minute" is a program that seeks ideas for fixing cities directly from the people who use them, using ads in newspapers and displays in public spaces to ask a big question, such as "What would get you to walk, bike or take transit more often?"

December 25, 2010 - Urban Omnibus