More than sixty professionals and graduate students attended our annual symposium with the DePaul Real Estate Center - a tradition that has been continuing for more than 15 years. This year's event, entitled Earth, Wind & Fire: Extreme Weather in Planning and Development, featured an expert panel comprised of Mary Ludgin, Sr. Managing Director - Head of Global Research, Heitman; Lisa Dickson, Associate Principal & Director for the Americas, ARUP; Josh Ellis, Vice President, Metropolitan Planning Council; and Michael Berkshire, Green Projects Administrator, City of Chicago.
TRANSPORTATION ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
Members of the Transportation Research Forum joined us for a lively roundtable discussion with Mark Walbrun, Senior Consultant – Rail & Transit, at Quandel Consulting, on cutting-edge technologies now in use or soon to be deployed on rail systems. Mark covered a variety of transportation technologies, including autonomous trains and battery-powered transit services. Erik Cempel moderated the event.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY RECEPTION CELEBRATION
We reflected on another successful year of research and events with new and old friends at our annual holiday reception on December 19. Professor Joe Schwieterman gave brief remarks to the group about the team's milestones in 2019, including moving into the new Chaddick space to completing the fourth installment of the Illinois Municipal Policy Journal. He also presented six first-year Sustainable Urban Design graduate students with awards for their 3-D model and neighborhood map submissions for the Chaddick Institute's inaugural Urban Design Award Program.
- Sweta Amatya, Winner. To see submission, click here.
- Scott Dobson, Runner-Up. To see submission, click here.
- Kyle Acevedo, Certificate of Excellence.
- Alex Asta, Certificate of Excellence.
- Isabella Downes, Certificate of Excellence.
NOVEMBER 2019
MDRN NETWORKING AND IDEA EXCHANGE
Chaddick's Municipal Design Review Network (MDRN) held its annual fall idea sharing and brainstorming event. More than two dozen municipal planners from around the region traveled to DePaul's Loop Campus to discuss strategies for addressing emerging planning and design problems, including the design implications of present, pending and potential casino, cannabis and vaping rules. Roundtable discussions focused on digital sign codes and designing for climate adaptation.
NEW STUDY ON PARKING APPS
The institute released a widely circulated study, Driving Toward Efficiency, that explores the role of parking booking intermediaries such as Parking Panda, ParkWhiz and Spothero. This study was commissioned by SpotHero to allow for a rigorous statistical assessment of the changing parking ecosystem. Click here for our blog post.
MILWAUKEE STUDY TRIP
A delegation of 20 took part in the Chaddick Institute's 18th bi-annual study trip. This day trip to Milwaukee included roundtrip travel on Amtrak and visits to the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Building, Fondy Farmers Market, and Westlawn Gardens. We thank all our graduate students and professional advisors who took part in this brisk Autumn trip, which was organized by Assistant Director C. Scott Smith.
OCTOBER 2019
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH FORUM LUNCH & LEARN ON TRANSPORTATION ISSUES IN NY, NY
Adam Lomasney, Assistant Vice President of the
New York Economic Development Corporation (NYEDC) presented to a group of DePaul students and industry professionals on contemporary transportation issues in New York, including: a look at the enormous difficulty of moving freight through the city; strides toward congestion pricing in Lower Manhattan; electrification of freight movements; and the new NYC Ferry system that connects waterfront communities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Thanks to Chaddick Senior Research Advisor Chris Kopp of HNTB for moderating this lively discussion.
SEPTEMBER 2019
CHADDICK SUPPORTS MEGAREGION CHICAGO
Six graduate students served as volunteers and
Chaddick director Joe Schwieterman spoke at this Chicago "Think Tank" event that explored the future of Chicago Megaregion. Joe reviewed the evolution of air, bus and rail service in our region, including some of the new developments at Chicago Union Station, O'Hare International Airport, and downstate. We thank Matt Jacques for coordinating our volunteer delegation, which helped facilitate activities at this widely attended event, which was part of the Chicago Architectural Biennial.
AUGUST 2019
WEBINAR: TWO ANALYSES OF SHARED MOBILITY IN CHICAGO
Over 35 tuned in for our late summer webinar on shared mobility in Chicago. First, Chaddick's C. Scott Smith presented findings from the new study he co-authored, "A Day in the Life of Chicago's E-Scooter Pilot Program," which includes a sophisticated analysis of real-time data (made available via operator-specific API feeds) to explore how and where people are scooting. Next, Elizabeth Irvin, Transportation Director, Center for Neighborhood Technology, shared her fascinating new analysis illustrating ways that shared rides and pricing policy affect the affordability of using Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft in Chicago. She will draw upon official data provided by ridesharing providers (TNCs) to the City of Chicago. Chaddick Senior Research Advisor Chris Kopp, Transportation Practice Planning Leader, HNTB, served as discussant.
JULY 2019
TRF-CHICAGO INSIDE LOOK AT CHICAGO UNION STATION
Members of the Transportation Research Forum were treated to an inside look at Chicago Union Station led by Len Koroski of Goettsch Partners, Inc. Koroski led the restoration work in the station's magnificent Great Hall. The group also got to hear from Erik Cempel, Amtrak's Infrastructure Planning Manager for Chicago Union Station. Over 20 were in attendance for this behind the scene tour that included stops in the Metropolitan Lounge, the Burlington Room, and the Great Hall.
MDRN SUMMER WALKING TOUR TO GLENCOE
We were pleased to have a highly successful and fascinating walking tour of the Village of Glencoe. Despite heavy rain, over 30 local professionals turned out for a timely presentation on how design cultivates the community. MDRN Founder John Hedrick delivered opening remarks before turning the floor over to the organization and Glencoe's very own Dudley Onderdonk who took attendees through the fascinating history of this North Shore community. Central to the theme of the day, longtime Plan Commissioner Caren Thomas and 20 year Village Planner, Lee Brown offered insights on the unique process Glencoe utilizes to maintain design standards that the community desires, including its broad and inclusive stakeholder engagement. Later, attendees traveled back in time with Peter Van Vechten of the Historical Society, who gave a sweeping presentation at the Village Library from Glencoe's earliest days to the present. Jon Faris, Executive Director of Writers Theatre offered a behind-the-scene tour and discussed the process of the Theatre's new LEED Gold certified Jeanne Gang-designed home.
MAY 2019
GRADUATE STUDY TRIP TO GARY, GRADUATE STUDY TRIP TO GARY, INDIANA
Last Friday, May 10, Professors Schwieterman and Smith led a study trip to Gary, Indiana for SPS and SUD graduate students. SUD student and Chaddick Scholar, and former AmeriCorps Vista in Gary, Conner Rettig, helped arrange a visit with many of the city's department heads at the forefront of the Gary comeback story. Students also had the opportunity to hear directly from current Vistas working hard on the street front the Gary comeback story. Students also had the opportunity to hear directly from current Vistas working hard on street front improvements. The group also spent time in Miller, the bustling neighborhood challenging Chicago residents to "rethink Gary" with its shoreline dunes and burgeoning arts district. Of course, the trip would not be complete without a focus on transportation, as Joe offered en route insights aboard the famous South Shore Line, one of the country's last interurban railways.
TRANSPORTATION CAMP 2019
On Saturday, May 4, the Chaddick Institute hosted Transportation Camp 2019 in the newly dedicated Chaddick Hall. The forum focused on transit and transportation topics, including a guest appearance by the Institute's director, Professor Schwieterman.
MEASURING MOBILITY BENEFITS OF NEW "SHARED MOBILITY" OPTIONS
Professors Schwieterman and Smith and 4 Chaddick scholars traveled to Washington DC to attend the Transportation Research Forum's annual conference at the Capital Hilton in Washington DC. The special session included panels that explored the degree to which "shared mobility" modes are enhancing mobility. Remarks were given by Professor Smith, Dana Yanocha (former Chaddick Scholar), and many other transportation experts.
APRIL 2019
NEW LOOK, BIGGER SPACE, SAME MISSION!
Over the past few weeks, the Chaddick Institute moved into a brand new space at DePaul, which includes Chaddick Hall (an attractively decorated lecture room capable of seating 90), a reception area with hardwood flooring, and several offices. We now have greater visibility – and elbow room! – as we continue to serve our mission of promoting effective planning, transportation and community development. Better yet, our entire team is now situated within DePaul’s new “Urban Studies Cluster”. Check out our recent ribbon-cutting event with Mayor Emanuel, and be sure to stop in for a personal tour if you are near 14 E. Jackson, Suite 1600, our new address.
RECOGNIZING JOHN HEDRICK, JD FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OF MUNICIPAL DESIGN STRATEGIES
John R. Hedrick, JD, who received a Chaddick Institute Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding leadership of research, programming, and advocacy in the area of effective municipal design. Well deserved John! The award was bestowed at our Grand Opening celebration. Check out some of the recent publications and events for our Municipal Design Review Network, all a testimony to John’s insights and dedication. When he is not helping Chaddick, John lends his talents to improving the downtown district in Glenview, Illinois.
THE SKY IS THE LIMIT FOR CHICAGO AVIATION
What better way to dedicate the new Chaddick Hall than to welcome two “Blue Demon” legends who are making enormous contributions to transportation. Jamie Rhee, the City of Chicago’s Commissioner of Aviation, and Rosemarie Andolino, Chairman & CEO of Manchester Airline Group USA and past aviation commissioner, recently treated a packed Chaddick Hall to an evening discussing trends in aviation. Ms. Rhee and Ms. Andolino, both DePaul alums, offered insights on O’Hare and other global airports. We are extremely grateful for the many sponsors who made this event possible, including Ricondo (Presenting Sponsor) and United Airlines and O’Hare Interface Partners (both Gold Level Sponsors).
MARCH 2019
CREATING LOCAL CHARACTER: TOOLS TO FIND AND ENHANCE COMMUNITY DESIGN
Chaddick's MDRN hosted its fourth collaboration with the American Planning Association-Chicago Metro Section (APA-CMS) on March 14 for a session focused on discussions about community design. This session was intended to give planners ideas and tools to engage stakeholders, including residents, boards, commissioners, and policymakers, in conversations about design. Participants discussed how establishing a shared language and vision for the character of a corridor, a downtown, or a streetscape can result in community pride, political support, and a stronger end product. Speakers included Lesley Roth, AIA, AICP Associate Principal and Director of Urban Planning at Ratio Design, and Scott Freres, PLA, ASLA President and co-founder of The Lakota Group.
THE PLACE NATIVE AMERICANS CALLED CHICAGOUA
On March 7, The Chaddick Institute together with the Windy City Historians hosted a special event about the early history of the land that Native Americans called "Chicagoua" and the story of Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet as they set out to find it. Guests heard about how historian John Swenson dug into original French documents and early maps to leverage his strong understanding of indigenous cultures in order to identify a second “Chicagoua” portage and ancient Indian mound – in suburban Olympia Fields.
WALKING, BIKING AND TAKING THE BUS: STRATEGIES TO REDUCE CAR DEPENDENCE IN FOUR DOWNSTATE CITIES
On March 6, The Chaddick Institute hosted a Lunch & Learn highlighting the work of four downstate Illinois communities that are doing exemplary work promoting alternatives to private automobile travel. Guest experts shared visuals and discussed the successful strategies of Charleston and Urbana to promote bicycle travel, Rock Island to create pleasant walking environments, and Peoria's work to promote transit use. Representatives of these four communities were formally recognized for their efforts. The symposium offered highlights from "Promoting Alternatives to Private Vehicle Travel in Illinois: Five Case Studies of Excellence", published in the latest volume of the Illinois Municipal Policy Journal. Check out this fascinating article!
FEBRUARY 2019
CHADDICK PUBLISHES 2019 INTERCITY BUS REPORT
On February 5, Chaddick released New Directions: 2019 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry in the United States, the latest edition in the annual bus report series. Notable findings from this year's research include the expansion of e-ticketing, an increase in public-private partnerships at the state level, and the widespread roll-out of premium bus offerings on heavily traveled corridors throughout the country. Dozens tuned in for the research team's webinar on the new report, including a handful of regularly scheduled operators from across America. Be sure to check out the interactive map of premium bus services!
DEPAUL MEN'S BASKETBALL OUTING
Over a dozen SPS & SUD students joined the Chaddick team for an afternoon at DePaul's brand new Wintrust Arena in the South Loop. Students had the chance to trade notes on their ongoing research and Professor Joe gave the group a little history lesson of the facility and the process that led to the state-of-the-art new home of DePaul basketball. Plus, the Blue Demons beat Providence!
INAUGURAL URBAN PROGRAMS LUNCH & LEARN
Professor William Sampson, Professor, and chair of the Public Policy department delivered the first presentation for the newly-created Urban Programs in the soon-to-be-unveiled new Chaddick Hall (formerly the Dublin Room). Professor Sampson discussed the research findings for his in-progress forthcoming book, which will be the largest study to date on the subject of student discipline in charter and regular schools.
CHADDICK SCHOLARS SOUTHSIDE OUTING
The Chaddick Scholars braved the cold for an outing to Bronzeville, the Hyde Park Arts Center, and capped off the day with a dinner at the South Shore Cultural Center.
JANUARY 2019
IMPJ VOL. 3 WEBINAR SERIES KICKOFF
Chaddick kicked off its webinar series for the third installment of the Illinois Municipal Policy Journal with a presentation entitled "Innovative Municipal Strategies to Promote Economic Development" featuring DePaul's Nick Kachiroubas and Norm Walzer & Andy Blanke of NIU. The second webinar in the series took place on February 5, with a presentation from co-authors Alice Davis and Wes LeBlanc that focused on the life, work, and home buying preferences of Millennials and the implications for Chicago's suburbs.
CHADDICK SCHOLARS CHINATOWN DINNER
Before the end of the year, the incoming class of Chaddick Scholars met with Professor Joe for a meal in Chinatown. The ten newest Scholars represent the various degree programs in the School of Public Service as well as the Sustainable Urban Development program. It was a great opportunity to learn about one another's research interests, and we're looking forward to a great year ahead!