2024 Highlights
November 2024
Sixty Attended Symposium on Transit Sustainability An audience of sixty attended our first-of-a-kind afternoon symposium, Strategies for Electrification and Alternative Fuels. Our panel featured, James Derwinski, Executive Director of Metra; Melinda Metzger, Executive Director, Pace Suburban Bus; Jim Harper, Chicago Transit Authority; and Samantha Bingham, City of Chicago. We would also like to thank Phil Hanagraaf, Chaddick Advisor, and Craig Cipriano from STV for moderating this fascinating event, which was followed by a catered reception.
Milwaukee Study TripTwenty students and staff participated in our annual Study Trip to Milwaukee, most traveling together on Amtrak. The group met with the local nonprofits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee, the Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, and the Historic Third Ward. City of Milwaukee staff presented transportation planning and infrastructure updates. The trip concluded with a scenic ride on Milwaukee's streetcar and a visit to Milwaukee Public Market. We thank Professor Euan Hague for joining us on this year's trip.
October 2024
Urban Design Winners 2024Congratulations to the winners of the annual Urban Design Program. Mayra Shujua won the Best Poster and Design Award, with MaryAnn McGovern as the runner-up. Alex Laner won the Best Site Plan and Vision Award, with Ranuel Urquiza as the runner-up. These talented graduate students will be formally recognized at a Chaddick event this autumn.
September 2024
Rollin’ on the River Session at APA ConferenceChaddick sponsored a special session at the American Planning Association – Illinois conference in Champaign, IL. Our panel was comprised of Joe Schwieterman and William Kling (both Chaddick Institute) Julie Wilkerson (City of Morris) and Brendan Lynch (Public Land Advocate, Charleston, IL). The session attracted 75 participants and was attended by four communities featured in our forthcoming paper on municipal best practices. Eight DePaul students made a day trip to the conference venue to participate.
Municipal Design Review Network Tour of WilmetteOur fifteenth annual mobile workshop (walking tour) hosted by the Village of Wilmette attracted 38 attendees from throughout the metropolitan region. The tour focused on the village's downtown district, exciting transit-oriented residential developments, and streetscape enhancements, and was followed by an informal lunch. We thank the entire Wilmette team for arranging this fascinating outing. Check out this insightful
blog post "Transforming Public Spaces" on Wilmette by John Hedrick.
August 2024
Our Policy Brief Draws Attention to Difficult Intercity-Bus Issues
We released a Policy Brief warning that Chicago could become the largest city in the Northern Hemisphere if action isn’t taken to preserve the Chicago Intercity Bus (“Greyhound”) station. Our analysis required a review of the status of intercity bus stations in more than 150 cities worldwide. The study attracted attention in the
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Sun-Times, and several national media outlets. To review the brief,
click here.
July 2024
Chaddick Co-Sponsors Important Zoning Event with MPC
Numerous Chaddick alumni attended, and institute director Joe Schwieterman presented at the Metropolitan Planning Council’s “Untangling Zoning Impacts and Promoting Equity Through Reform” symposium. The event explored the zoning challenges that drive up rents and housing prices. Professor Schwieterman’s presentation included perspectives on Harry F. Chaddick’s pioneering work on the City of Chicago’s landmark 1957 Zoning Ordinance, much of which is still in place today. Welcoming Guests from Pakistan
Our meeting space, Chaddick Hall, springs to life as we greet guests from Islamabad, Pakistan, and their hosts from DePaul’s Steans Center for Community-Based Service Learning. As part of their Chicago immersion, the group took part in a knowledge and cultural exchange and "living-learning experience," focusing on green urban development and discussing ideas for relationship-building between universities. Congrats to the Steans Center team for making this visit possible, and thanks to Professor Euan Hague for his presentation!
June 2024
Exploring the Changing South Loop Cityscape
Twenty-eight individuals attended our walking tour, “Evolving Transportation in the Loop,” led by Chaddick Urban Program Advisor and Community Fellow Patrick Steffes with support from Forgotten Chicago. The Sunday afternoon tour encompassed the South Loop, rapidly changing areas along the Chicago River and Chicago Union Station’s vicinity. Attendees also learned about Chaddick’s analysis of municipal riverfront strategies.
Email chaddick@depaul.edu to be informed of upcoming tours.
Celebrating Those Making 2023-24 Academic Year of Success