In June 2011, CMAP’s Policy Updates blog covered efforts by the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago to support efficient governance by improving access to information and coordinating across government bodies, helping to save money and improve service delivery.  In the months since, progress has been made by all three units of government to further those efforts.

On June 21, 2011, the State...

In tough economic times, finding cost efficiencies with limited resources is becoming more and more essential for all levels of government.  One of GO TO 2040’s primary recommendation areas focuses on strategic, coordinated investment in government.  In allocating nearly $50 billion annually across a variety of program areas, the State of Illinois has many challenges, but also great opportunities, to...

The State of Illinois plans to transform education by coordinating programs related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at all stages, from pre-school through adult. In 2010, the State identified STEM “Programs of Study” as a key reform when it sought funding from the federal Race to the Top program, which provides competitive grants to states for developing and implementing education...

Two significant bills supported by CMAP passed both houses of the General Assembly. The Freight Mobility Plan Act will support freight planning by assessing the state's current system. And the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act will give Illinois the authority to enter into public-private agreements for transportation investments. Both bills await Governor Pat Quinn's action.

While the geography of metropolitan life best reflects economic life, most federal investment decisions are made usually the delivery systems of states, which sometimes have a powerful incentive to disburse investments widely rather than pursue a metro-oriented focus.  GO TO 2040 recommends taking a more “regional approach” to federal and state investments.   Our mayors tend to agree,...

GO TO 2040 supports efforts, where practical, to coordinate and consolidate local services.  Especially in this fiscal environment, it may prudent for some local governments to consider sharing or consolidating services, where appropriate.  At the extreme, some local governments may find it in their fiscal interest to fully consolidate all government functions. 

However, GO TO 2040 also...

On May 10, Chicago Mayor-elect Emanuel released a 72-page transition report, which he said the public should use as a “scorecard” for his mayoral term.  The report outlines major initiatives -- grouped in categories of government, communities, children, and growth -- that the City will undertake during the first 100 days, first year, and first term of Mr. Emanuel’s administration.  Its emphasis...