College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences > Centers & Institutes > Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development > News, Events, and Podcasts > Recent Highlights

Recent Chaddick Highlights

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2024 Highlights

November 2024

Transportation Leaders
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.​

MKE 2024 Trip
Milwaukee Study Trip​
​Twenty 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​

Mayra Shujua Poster Winner
Urban Design Winners 2024
Congratulations 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​​

APA Chaddick Session
Rollin’ on the River  Session at APA Conference
Chaddick 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.

Village of Wilmette Walking Tour
Municipal Design Review Network Tour of Wilmette
Our 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​​​

Chicago Greyhound Intercity Bus Brief
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 P
lanning 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 Urb​an 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
Our End of Academic Year Reception, marking the end of a busy 2023-24 school year, included the welcoming of three new Municipal Design Review Network advisors, recognition of individuals who contributed to our programs and our journal, Issues in Aviation Law & Policy, and updates from our alumni and fellow. Nine graduate students also earned the prestigious Chaddick Scholar designation. We also said “goodbye” to graduating students, including Emily Hamilton, our program manager.​

May 2024​​

study cover
Brief on Chicago's Greyhound Terminal Attracts Policymaker Attention

Chaddick releases Intercity Bus Blues, a policy brief outlining the urgent need for governmental action to preserve the Chicago Greyhound Terminal, which could be sold within months for redevelopment.  It also points out the growing number of gaps in Illinois's bus network.  Intercity Bus Blues is the product of much geographic analysis of the region's bus network, makes the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times print edition, and is a top Crains Chicago Business story.​



students
Annual Chaddick Study Trip through Chicago's Neighborhoods​

A group of 15 students attended our spring study trip, which included stops in numerous neighborhoods like Hyde Park, the Loop, and Little Italy. We toured the Near West Side, with stops at a neighborhood comic book shop and the University of Illinois Chicago campus, before meeting with the Illinois Realtors and riding the Metra Electric. We thank Professor Timothy Elliot for the excellent tour of Taylor Street.

April 2024​​

Award winners
65th Annual Transportation Research Forum in D.C.

Seven graduate students (Blythe Chesney, Akshara Das, Mayra Shuja, Neil Sherman, Janson Busby, Ola Klimczak, and Emily Hamilton) traveled to Arlington, VA,​​​​ with Professor Schwieterman for the 65th Annual Transportation Forum. Students learned about a wide range of transportation topics in poster and paper sessions, and two of our own, Ola Klimczak and Emily Hamilton, presented their research!

March 2024

river and researchers
Fact-Finding Trip to Central IL River Communities
A Chaddick team, comprised of Emily Hamilton, Anna Clissold, and Joe Schwieterman, travel to mid-state Illinois to visit Joliet, Oglesby, and Ottawa to explore their strategies to enhance river development. These cities will be featured for their best practices for thoughtful and comprehensive planning.  Chaddick has cataloged the activities of more than two dozen communities outside metropolitan Chicago​

February 2024

ThePlantImage
Chaddick Outing to The Plant

Our Chaddick Scholar nominees took the train to the Back of the Yards neighborhood to take a tour of The Plant, a research and production facility that focuses on collaboration in communities and small food businesses. Led by John Edel, students were able to learn about the unique practices employed by this converted meatpacking plant! Photo credit to our Chaddick scholar nominee Dajoin!​

Group for Round Tables
Urban Research Exchange Lightning Talk Roundtables
This interdepartmental event hosted by the Center for Community Health Equity, School of Public Service, Master of Public Health, Master of Social Work, and Chaddick Institute brought in a group of 21 students to participate in fascinating discussions, ranging from public health research to housing research and sustainable agriculture. A special thank you to our six presenters: Codey Zurek, Emily Funk, Mariam Zaki, Rana AlSheikh, Caleb Haydock, and Carrie Craig.​

January 2024

chaddick scholars
Chaddick Scholars Reunion Banquet 

A gathering of 45 scholars came together to commemorate the rich history and promising future of the Chaddick Institute. The event highlighted the diverse achievements of our alumni, each contributing to the institute's legacy in unique and impactful ways. We thank all those who attended, especially those from further destinations. ​

Toni
Special Delivery from Europe: An Evening Presentation on European Aviation
A group of 30 joined us for this evening's presentation featuring distinguished guests from Germany's Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences. Professor Benjamin Bierwirth, Ph.D., provided insights into Frankfurt Airport's innovative responses to the complexities of global cargo movement. His graduate student Toni Jahn provided an analysis of Amazon Air's growth across Europe

2023 Highlights

December 2023

                                                       Twenty-eight attend our Design Review "Idea Exchange"
People at table
Twenty-eight professionals and graduate students took part in our Municipal Design Review Network's sixth annual "Idea Exchange", which featured group discussions on vexing design, planning, and administrative issues.   Representatives from a dozen municipalities, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, and three area consultancies took part in the conversations. We thank Angela Mesaros, Kate Portillo, Clara Gable, Consuelo Arguilles, and Diane Gormely-Barnes for their assistance with the event. 

                                                      Chicago Central Area Plan Feedback Session & Celebration

Flyer fot event
Led by Chaddick Scholar Mayra Shuja, a group of six students took part in this festive event held at the Chicago Cultural Center to learn more about the history and future of the Central Area Plan. Attendees mixed with senior officials at the City of Chicago and expressed their preferences for different long-range scenarios in the Central Area. The plan serves as a guide for the sustainable development of downtown Chicago.​

​November 2023

                                                      End-of-Term Outing to Chinatown for DePaul Students

Chinatown
A group of 15 students celebrated the end of the fall quarter with a lively trip to Chinatown. The gathering took place at the end of the final weeks and the beginning of winter break. Students dined at the Triple Crown Restaurant and enjoyed a walking tour around the neighborhood that included a stop at the neighborhood's cultural center.​

                                                      Milwaukee Study Trip

Group photo
A group of 24 took part in Chaddick's annual study trip to Milwaukee, WI to explore urban innovations. This day trip via Amtrak's Hiawatha Service included conversations with leaders of the Milwaukee Redevelopment Authority, Center for Veterans Issues, Menomonee Valley Partners (an environmental organization), and a Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s waterway restoration unit. The study trip culminated in a pizza dinner at a downtown restaurant.  We thank Bridget Henk for adeptly organizing our dynamic program. ​

October 2023

                                                      Young Professional Outing with Kendra Johnson

Metra
A group of seven headed west along Jackson Boulevard to the Regional Transportation Authority headquarters to discuss public transit issues with DePaul alum Kendra Johnson, Government Affairs Associate at the RTA. This is part of Chaddick's popular after-work series that introduces students and recent graduates to local professionals in planning, community development, and transportation.   

                                                       Young Professional Outing with Allison Woodward

Chaddick Professionals
After a four-year hiatus, Chaddick resumes its popular “Young Professional" outings, giving graduate students and recent alumni opportunities to meet with area professionals during after-work hours. This month, a group of five headed north along State Street to meet Allison Woodward, a DePaul alum, and discuss her work at the Illinois Housing Development Council to provide support to struggling homeowners. Allison served as Chaddick's program manager prior to her graduation.

                                                      O'Hare 21 Terminal Initiative Tour 

Row of Attendees
Chaddick teamed up with the Union League Club for a guided tour of O'Hare International Airport to learn about the latest improvements and the massive O'Hare 21 terminal initiative. The Chicago Department of Transportation (DCA) took our group of 28 around in a full-size bus while giving attendees the opportunity to exit the bus on the statRow of Attendeese-of-the-art declining areas on the airport's western edge. We thank the DCA team, Chaddick advisors, and Union League transportation committee member Erik Cempel for helping us coordinate this event.​ 

September 2023 

​                                                       Move America Conference

Line of students
Seven graduate students join Professor Schwieterman at the Move America conference at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. The group attended sessions on technological advances in mobility and transport and had several small-group discussions with startup CEO's. This was followed by a tour of Austin's transit network and dinner in the famed 6th Avenue entertainment area. We thank Namatama Kapika, an International Public Service student, for helping manage the event.

August 2023 

                                                      Cargo Airport Study Released

Air Cargo Study

Our new study "The Expanding Role of Cargo-Oriented Airports in the United States since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic​​" is released, showcasing remarkable growth in traffic at airports specializing in freight, including Chicago-Rockford International, San Bernardino International, and Ohio’s Wilmington Air Park. Several prominent outlets cover the study, including Yahoo Finance/Freightwaves and Loadstar. The study also generated interest from researchers in Europe. We thank Chaddick Scholar and graduate student Janson Busby, who co-authored this study.

Air Cargo StudyIntercity Bus E-News: New and Improved

Bus on street
Chaddick unveils a new and expanded Intercity Bus E-News, our newsletter covering schedule lines such as FlixBus, Greyhound, and Megabus. Starting this month, E-News editions were sent to more than 5,000 transportation professionals. researchers and advocates around the world.  Our latest issue featured on-the-ground analysis from Las Vegas, NV, where a flurry of new services is rapidly changing the travel scene.  Check out this article in Metro featuring Chaddick's research.  You'll be surprised at how much is happening in the sector.

July 2023 

Intercity Bus Analysis Draws National Attention.

Bus
​Our Intercity Bus E-News release attracts national attention, with articles in Governing Magazine and other sources. The release features an analysis of the problems posed by the closing of Greyhound stations around the country, noteworthy news from Virginia on the expansion of its Virginia Breeze service, and case studies of innovation from Fort Wayne, IN, and other locations. Would you like our Intercity Bus Listserve to receive our E-News? Email chaddick@depaul.edu​​

​June 2023

Student Worker team
Welcome, Chaddick Scholars Class of 2023
Eight talented graduate students receive certificates to recognize completion of their Chaddick Scholar requirements at our reception, marking the end of the 2022-23 academic year. Each took part in an intensive six-month program and made formal presentations showcasing their research and analysis. Congratulations! Our student worker team (photo) greeted our guests from off campus.​


May 2023

Heading South to Hyde Park & Homewood

Train
Our spring study trip attracted 18 graduate students, who traveled by Metra to the Hyde Park Arts Center, the site of the Obama Library (now under construction), and the Homewood Science Center.  Each stop included a discussion about the cultural and civic role of profit organizations, capped off with a pizza dinner in Flossmoor.​

Studying River Ecology in Alton, IL

Boat
Five graduate students traveled on Amtrak's Lincoln Service to Alton, IL to explore strategies to promote river ecology at the National Great Rivers Research & Education Center.  The outing, led by Angelia Millsap,  included ​a trip to see the Mississippi River's lock system.  Angelia also delivered a well-received presentation on the spontaneous ecosystems emerging along the Chicago River's North Branch.

​​

​​​​​April 2023

Transportation Conference at Chaddick Attracts an International Audience

TRF 64th Annual
Chaddick was honored to be selected as the host of the 64th Annual Transportation Research Forum. The two-day conference featured 54 presentations, two panels, a poster session, and four technical tours. Scholars from across both the Atlantic and Pacific traveled to our space to take part as presenters, discussants, and panelists. Thank you to the sponsors of this event, including the US Department of Agriculture, the Transportation Research Forum Foundation, the University of Illinois Chicago, Northwestern University, and others.

Brief on Chicago Bus Travel Issues Attracts Widespread Attention

Bus station on the brink
The Chaddick Institute released “Bus Station on the Brink: City Action is Needed to Prevent the Loss of Chicago’s Greyhound Station” to raise awareness of critical issues facing our city’s intercity bus sector. The policy brief was covered by the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business, the Chicago Sun-Times, WBEZ, planetizen.com, and two local television stations, NBC5 and ABC7. To read the brief, click here.


March 2023

Amazon Air Flying High, our New Report Shows

Daily Double
Chaddick’s bi-annual brief on the expansion of Amazon Air attracts much interest, with coverage appearing in numerous periodicals and trade publications. The brief explores the expanding synchronization of flight schedules at the online retailer’s emerging “superhub” at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and its recent launch of service in India. Co-author Carrie Craig, a graduate student at DePaul, supported our technical analysis of how Amazon Air has grown relative to the familiar air-cargo integrators FedEx and UPS.​​

​​​February 2023

New Study and Webinar on Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry
Bus in DuPont Circle
The Chaddick Institute releases its 13th annual outlook on scheduled long-distance motorcoach travel. New Destinations: 2023 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry in the United States was featured in Mass Transit, Metro, and Bus & Motor Coach News. Several weeks later, a national audience of 86 people attended the webinar featuring our report, at which Zach Trogdon of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transit provided updates on the Virginia Breeze service and Professor Schwieterman summarized current trends and prognostications within the report.

Civic Energy: Cultural Collaborations in the Loop Community

Cultural Collab

Our community gathered for a special event celebrating the donation of important archive material by Susan Aaron, a Chaddick senior advisor, and alumnus of DePaul’s School of Public Service. The event featured an interview between Ms. Aaron and Professor Schwieterman that explored the remarkable civic energy between the 1980s and early 2000s, which laid the groundwork for the transformation of many parts of the Loop district. Patrick Steffes, our community fellow, delivered a custom presentation on the recent history of the South Loop.




January 2023​

Chaddick Scholars Explore the City’s South Side

Chaddick Scholars outing to
Our nine Chaddick Scholar candidates bundled and braved the frigid weather for a day trip to Chicago’s South Side. The contingent checked out DePaul’s Wintrust Arena, the Illinois Institute of Technology’s historic S. R. Crown Hall Building, and several of the small businesses housed at The Plant, which is a center focusing on sustainable food production on 46th Street. The Saturday outing, conducted entirely on Chicago Transit Authority and Metra buses and trains, ended with a group dinner in Chinatown, which sparked a lively conversation.


Mixer at the Transportation Research Board Conference 
TRB 2023
A group of twelve students and professionals from around the United States attended our Transportation Research Forum mixer at the Transportation Research Board annual meeting in Washington, DC organized by the Chaddick team.  The DePaul delegation included students Abby Mader, Allison Woodward, and Carrie Craig, and recent alumni Trevor Roberts, as well as Professor Schwieterman. 

December 2022

River Talk: Transformative Development Trends along the Chicago River 
Our widely anticipated annual conference with DePaul’s Real Estate Center, held at the DePaul Conference Center, attracted an audience of 95, and offered a rich contemporary perspective on major developments along the Chicago River. The half-day program covered Lincoln Yards, Southbank, and “The 78”. Speakers included Brian Atkinson, Michael Ellch, John Law, Dean Marks, Angelia Millsap, Bradley Roback, Joseph Schwieterman, Rick Sinkuler, and Theodore Weldon III. Check out our media coverage! Thank you to everyone who participated in this dynamic forum

Winter Walk with Graduate Students 

Winter in the Loop

Despite the chilly winter weather the Chaddick Team led a small group of graduate students for a walking tour of urban development sites in the Loop. Students were able to experience Chicago's history and cityscape, while partaking in conversation about recent innovations in the Windy City. 

 

 



Chaddick Holiday Party 

Holiday Party

To celebrate the holiday season, the Chaddick Institute team hosted the annual holiday party at the Exchequer Pub. Professors William Kling and Joseph Schwieterman made a few remarks about exciting projects currently underway and future directions. With 45 attendees present, there was no absence of lively conversation or holiday cheer. 

 




November 2022

 

MKE Group

Milwaukee Study Trip
A group of 21, including two alums, take part in Chaddick's fifth annual study trip to Milwaukee, WI to explore urban innovations.  This daytrip via Amtrak's Hiawatha Service featured visits to nonprofit organizaiton, a presentation by the Milwaukee Department of Public Works, a group dinner, and an evening stop at the Milwaukee Public Market.  Cities around the county have much to learn from this vibrant neighbor to our north.



October 2022

Globe

Global Learning Exchange
Chaddick holds a Global Learning Exchange session taking the form of a conversation between university students in Curitiba, Brazil, and DePaul graduate students. The session is hosted by Brandon Bordenkircher, a DePaul Alum, and Chaddick Research Fellow. The conversation focuses on e-government and tech-related innovation that can enhance citizen participation.

 

 


September 2022

 

cover

The latest installment in our bi-annual review of Amazon’s cargo airline, Takeoff in Northern Kentucky: Big
 Moves at "CVG" Lift Amazon Air's Delivery Capabilities, is featured in a pair of Bloomberg articles, Loadstar, and numerous other outlets. The brief, co-written with graduate students Carrie Craig and Abby Mader, gains attention by providing previously unavailable information about Amazon’s rapid expansion at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport.




 

 

 

MDRN
Our Municipal Design Review Network begins its well-deserved 15th anniversary celebration! Activities began at a special session at the American Planning Association – Illinois conference that included remarks by John Spoden, Village of Libertyville; Consuelo Arguilles, City of Warrenville; and longtime Chaddick advisors John Hedrick and Dudley Underdonk. This was followed by the rollout of Creating Community: The Municipal Design Review Network, a printed booklet created with the assistance of Marisa Schulz and Mallory Livingston. Email mdrn@depaul.edu for a complimentary booklet or to join the listserv.
 

 

walking tour
A three-hour Sunday walking tour led by Patrick Steffes, a Chaddick urban program advisor and fellow, attracts 32 attendees, making it our third consecutive sold-out weekend tour. This tour, covering an area we dubbed “River North – West”, began at the Merchandise Mart and covered the area along the North Branch of Chicago River.  Patrick conducted extensive research at various archives prior to the tour, allowing him to provide a great deal of insight into this rapidly changing area.  

 

August 2022

 

podcast
Our team launches the Talking Transportation podcast, which features conversations between guest experts and Professor Joseph Schwieterman. Taking Transportation brings you up to date on fascinating aspects of air, bus, and train travel and other methods of moving people and goods. For our first episode, Public Transit’s Ridership Recovery, A Glass Half Full? Chris Kopp, HNTB, came to our study. The podcast has commanded 100+ listens in only a few days. To see our podcast page, click here
 
 
The latest installment of Chaddick’s Intercity Bus E-New newsletter, focusing on our fact-finding trip to
 Denver, hits the inboxes of 750 professionals on our listserv devoted to scheduled motorcoach travel. This edition outlines several remarkable activities in the Mile High City while also having a Talking Transportation podcast with Pierre Gourdain, CEO of FlixBus USA. To join our Intercity Bus Listserv (free) to receive our quarterly e-newsletter, email chaddick@depaul.edu.
 

July 2022

 

airport blues
Chaddick releases a widely circulated bulletin on holiday transportation, Airport Blues:  The Potential Difficulties from Disrupted Fourth of July Travel, that receives widespread attention.  Our coverage included features on CB2 2 Chicago and NBC 5 Chicago television news, and National Public Radio’s All Things Considered. The review the bulletin, click here.

 

 

 

Downers Grove

MDRN's Summer walking tour at the Village of Downer's Grove

A group of 32 takes part in our Municipal Design Review summer walking tour hosted by the Village of Downers Grove, which features new downtown residential developments, innovative development guidelines, and zoning strategies that create buffer zones between the downtown district and residential homes. We thank Stanley Popovich, Director of Community Development, and his team for arranging such a dynamic and timely tour. The tour was followed by a great lunch at an outdoor venue in the heart of the village. Photo courtesy of the Village of Downers Grove.

June 2022

 

Cityfront Center / River East Summer Walking Tour
 
Riverwalk
Twenty six attended our special tour hosted by the Chaddick Institute and Forgotten Chicago of Cityfront Center / River East, the area along the north bank of the Main Branch of the Chicago River and east of Michigan Avenue. Our tour guide, Patrick Steffes, Editor, Forgotten Chicago, shared many fascinating insights. 
 
 
 
 
Celebrating the End of a Successful Academic Year  
 
Scholars
Forty people attended our reception to mark the culmination of our programs during the 2021-22 academic year.  We offered our congratulations to our nine new Chaddick Scholars and introduced Professor William Kling as our new Project Director.  Professor Kling will lead several of our environmental and planning initiatives.
 
 
 
Lunch & Learn with Professor Lauren Fischer
 
Lunch and Learn
Chaddick and DePaul’s Urban Collaborative welcomed Lauren Fischer back to the campus for a “lunch & learn” gathering. Lauren Fischer is a professor at the University of North Texas and formerly served as our associate director. Dr. Fischer discussed a sustainable infrastructure initiative that she leads in the Dallas-Ft. Worth region. An audience of twenty took part in the Q&A that followed. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Fischer as an Alumni Research Fellow at Chaddick through August 2022.
 
 
 
Summer Mixer at the Chicago Riverwalk
Riverwalk Group

A dozen students and alums involved in Chaddick activities met at Chicago's famed Riverwalk for a mixer to celebrate summer.   We used the occasion to discuss the remarkable transformation of the Main Stem of the Chicago River since 2010.

 
 

 

 

Chaddick
Our Chaddick Scholars prepare for their presentations to an expert audience, an important step toward completing their requirements. The presentations showcase research conducted by graduate students in the School of Public Service or Sustainable Urban Development program. Completing the requirements for being a Chaddick Scholar usually lasts six months. Congrats to this year’s delegation, which is nearing the finish line!

 

May 2022

 

DePaul Logo
The Centers & Institute Committee of DePaul's College of Liberal Arts & Social Science, of which Chaddick is a member, recognized exemplary student contributors for the 2021-22 academic year at a brief ceremony.  The event drew attention to those who have gone "above and beyond" supporting the programs and research of the School's centers and institutes.   Congratulations to these remarkable students!  Click here for brief bios. 

 

 

Chaddick Logo
Our Institute is honored to begin a partnership with the National Great Rivers Research & Education Center, a nonprofit dedicated to the study of great river systems and the communities that use them.  Our work includes both policy analysis and public education to foster effective planning along Chicago's vast waterway system. National Great Rivers Research & Education Center, a division of Lewis and Clark Community College, is based in Alton, IL

 

 

 

 

Train at Station
Thirteen graduate students took part in the Chaddick Institute's Spring Study Trip to Chicago Union Station, the Old Post Office (for a meeting with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning), and the Hatchery Chicago, a nonprofit in the Garfield Park neighborhood focused on local food entrepreneurship. This was the 26th installment of the Institute's popular bi-annual series of study trips.  Many of the attendees of this May event also took part in our autumn trip to Milwaukee.

 


 

April 2022

 

Prof Schwieterman and Students at TRF
Six Chaddick Scholars, all DePaul students, travelled to Saint Louis, MO, for the 63rd Transportation Research Forum (TRF). Our contingent participated in TRF’s Graduate Student delegation, which was also comprised of students from several other universities. The DePaul group, led by Professor Schwieterman also made presentations during the poster session. All plan to attend the 64th Forum, to be held at the Chaddick Institute in April 2023.

 

 

 

Bus
An audience of 65 attended our webinar featuring Chad Scarborough, executive director of The Jet, a new first-class bus line linking New York and Washington, DC, and the authors of Routes to Recovery 2022: Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry. The latter presentation provided an opportunity to showcase the nine custom maps prepared by Chaddick program manager Abby Mader depicting major industry initiatives across the United States.

 

 

March 2022

Chaddick released its sixth independently produced brief on Amazon’s cargo airline. The brief, Total Package: Amazon Air's Changing Network and Strategic Orientation, was the focus of feature articles in the Wall Street Journal and Air Cargo News . The study team also presented their findings at the Transportation Research Forum conference in Saint Louis, MO in April 2022.

Total Package

 

 

 

 

 

We hosted "Discussion over Drinks" with the Transportation Research Forum’s Chicago Chapter. The

Speakers at mixer
event featured Michael Sussman, Strategic Rail Finance and OnTrackNorthAmerica; Jessica Hector-Hsu, Director of Planning and Market Development at the Regional Transportation Authority (Illinois); and Brandon Bordenkircher, Twelve-Tone Consulting. Erik Cempel moderated this virtual program, which attracted 25 (shown counterclockwise from upper left).

 

February 2022

 

Routes to Recovery
The Institute team released its 12th annual review of scheduled long-distance bus travel, a sector  widely covered by Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, FlixBus, Megabus, and other prominent brands. Our report, Routes to Recovery 2022: Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry, was covered in several national transportation publications, including BusRideMass Transit , and Metro.

 

 

 

 

January 2022

At the American Bus Association’s Marketplace Expo in Grapevine, TX, we unveiled the Intercity Bus

Trailways Bus
Bounceback The 4th Quarter 2021 Brings Optimism to a Struggling Sector. The report showcases dramatic swings in demand facing the industry as a result of a sharp recovery during autumn and downtown pressure on demand from the Omicron pandemic. Check out the article on the brief in Metro, entitled “Intercity Bus Lines Bounce Back in Autumn, Even as Omicron Looms".

 

Informal Mixer at "the TRB"

 

DC event
A group of twelve students and professionals attended our Transportation Research Forum mixer at the Transportation Research Board annual meeting in Washington, DC that was organized by the Chaddick team.  The DePaul delegation included Abby Mader, Borja González Morgado, and Sarah Hallock as well as Professor Schwieterman.   Our delegation also attended Professor Schwieterman's presentation on cargo airports before a TRB aviation subcommittee. 

 

 

 

December 2021

Winners

URBAN DESIGN AWARD PROGRAM WINNERS 

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Chaddick Institute's four annual Urban Design Award Program, a competition for first-year Sustainable Urban Development graduate students. Each student submitted a 3-D model using Sketchup and neighborhood maps prepared using Illustrator and GIS, for a vacant parcel. Their work illustrates the technical skills gains gained by students through the SUD program. We thank Marisa Schulz and Rachael Smith of All Together Studio for assisting in the program. 

Chaddick “Blue Demons” Basketball Outing

Wintrust Arena Basketball game

The Chaddick team brought together students and alumni for DePaul’s Blue Demons vs Duquesne University basketball game. Students and alumni, including recent graduate Matthew Jacques, who helped organize the event, witnessed a convincing victory while bringing each other up-to-date on their courses and careers. The event included an informal tour of the Wintrust Arena led by Joe Schwieterman, highlighting the social and urban significance of both the arena and location.

Design Review Networking & Idea Exchange attracts 28 students and professional

A group discussion

This year’s Municipal Design Review Network “Idea Exchange”, which attracted 28 professionals and students, allowed attendees to share strategies and “best practices” related to emerging planning and design challenges. Hosted city planner, Andy Cross, AICP, City of Highland Park, it featured small-group discussions of current planning issues led by Ryan Franklin, AICP, Village of Schaumburg, Scott Mangum, AICP, Village of Lincolnwood, and Emily Egan, AICP, Village of Brookfield. Students and professionals found the lively Zoom discussions to be both interesting and insightful.

November 2021

"Neighborly Rivals" Conference attracts 85
Chaddick and DePaul Real Estate Center held their jointly sponsored annual conference, entitled Neighborly Rivals: How commercial and residential real estate activity is shifting between Chicago and the Suburbs. The symposium featured Michael Fassnacht, World Business Chicago; Lee Everett, Waterton; Rachael Smith, AICP, All Together; Derek Fohl, Midwest Capital Markets; and Bennett Webster, Paramount Lodging Advisors. The meeting was attended by 85 and continued our highly successful collaboration with our friends at the "REC".

Real Estate Photo

 

 

 

October 2021

Transportation Research Forum - Autumn Professional "Mixer"
An audience of 28 attended our autumn "professional mixer", hosted by the Chicago Chapter of the Transportation Research Forum (TRF). Small group discussions were led by Libby Ogard, Prime Focus, who discussed congestion at the ports; David Tomzik, Pace Suburban Bus, who discussed transit planning; and our own Allison Woodward, graduate student, who discussed mobility in the West African country of Benin.

A train

Sunday Tour of Illinois Center and Lake Shore East  
A hearty group of 24 braved inclement weather for weekend walking tour of Illinois Center and Lake Shore East, including stops on all three levels of the area’s complex street network as well as the new St. Regis tower.   Our tour was led by Patrick Steffes, an editor of Forgotten Chicago and Chaddick Program Advisor.  The event culminated with a networking event at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.  

Walking tour group photo

Autumn Study trip to Milwaukee
A group of 22 graduate students and alumni take part in a daylong trip via Amtrak's Hiawatha Service to this neighboring Wisconsin city. This urban-planning immersion included discussions with leaders of the Historic Third Ward, managers of a streetscape program at the City of Public Works, and senior officers of Revitalize Milwaukee. Our outing was Chaddick's 20th study trip! 

A group of graduate students in Milwaukee Wisconsin

August 2021

Municipal Design Review Network "Walking Tour" in Highland Park

Chaddick Institute
More than two dozen professionals travel to this attractive northern suburb for a technical walking tour hosted by City of Highland Park.  After some gathering and networking time at City Hall, planner Andy Cross commenced with a fascinating tour that featured highlights in downtown redevelopment, examples of design guidelines in effect, and zoning changes responding to current difficulties and challenges.  This is the 13th summer walking tour hosted by “MDRN"

July 2021

Chaddick crosses an Milestone in Annual Scholarship Awards

Chaddick Institute
We are pleased to have awarded more than $50,000 in graduate student scholarships during the 2020-21 academic year, the most the Chaddick Institute has awarded in a single year since its inception.  Congratulations to the diverse group of 17 winners of Harry F. Chaddick and Chaddick Scholar scholarships.  We thank the School of Public Service and Liberal Arts & Social Science teams who help support our award programs. Photographs of our nine Chaddick Scholar appear in our June 2021 posting below.

June 2021

Future of Bus Travel Conference
Intercity Bus

Chaddick co-sponsors The Future of Bus iDigital Conference, hosted virtually by Reservmas-Sass and attended by more than 200. Professor Schwieterman is interviewed about themes in our 2021 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry report. The Conference offered simultaneous translation, a "first" for a Chaddick Sponsored event. 



Showcasing Chicago's Electric Vehicle Pilot

Roman Kuropas
More than two dozen participants attend our summer transportation webinar, a timely interview with Roman Kuropas, CEO of Innova EV, the first company to launch an electric vehicle pilot in the City of Chicago. The pilot consisted of Innova EV's "Dash" cars, small two-seater autonomous vehicles, a partnership with ComEd, and seniors in Bronzeville. Brandon Bordenkircher also shared insights on his new co-authored working paper on autonomous vehicle regulation.  


Congrats to our Chaddick Scholars!

Congratulations to our 2021 Chaddick Scholars, who greatly helped our center achieve its goals during the 2020-21 academic year. This year's class consisted of Reed CapshawHugo Coronado, Kimberly Fair, Sara Frankiewicz, Dylan Haber, Jennifer Hernandez, Mitch Hirst, Casey Lawler, and Valeria Tarka. The Scholars completed their final presentation in early June before an expert audience. Check out their bios here.

Chaddick Scholars

May 2021

 

Illinois Center and Lake Shore East: From Rail to Real Estate

A train in front of the Chicago Skyline

We were joined online by 150 attendees for a special evening webinar by Patrick Steffes, Editor of Forgotten Chicago and Urban Program Advisor for the Chaddick Institute. Patrick shared a new presentation exploring this fascinating and ever changing part of downtown Chicago- which was once covered with railway tracks.  We learned about some of the surprising twists in the gradual transformation of this area since the 1920's.  This event was part of the ongoing collaboration with the Chaddick Institute and Forgotten Chicago.

Spring Study Trip for Graduate Students
We were joined by 15 attendees for our Virtual Spring Study Trip. Valerie Egon, of the Oregon Department

A picture of mountains and a river with a barge on the river and a railroad with a train on it in the foreground
of Transportation and an SPS alum, joined us from Portland, Oregon in to discuss eco-friendly strategies for the Columbia River Gorge.  Andy Cross, City of Highland Park, provided resume building tips and insights about hot development topics in his community.

April 2021

Transportation Research Forum Spring Networking Event 
We were joined by 24 attendees for this virtual networking event. Attendees had the chance to chat with

the letters T R F and arrows pointing in different directions
our guest experts Marni Pyke, Daily Herald reporter; Lindsay Bayley, Senior Planner with CMAP; and Tammy Wierciak, Vice President of Metro Strategies.
Amazon Airplane
2021 Transportation Research Forum Conference
The Chaddick Institute presented two studies at the 2021 Transportation Research Forum (TRF) Conference.  This widely anticipated event attracts research experts from around the world.  Graduate Students Jacob Walls, Borja Gonzalez, and Crystal Bell presented our research into the explosive growth of Amazon Air since spring of 2020.  Crystal Bell, Mitch Hirst, and Kimberly Fair presented our research into the changes in service in the intercity bus industry during and before the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 2021

Amazon Air study
Policy Brief Showcases Growth of Cargo Airports 
A new Chaddick Policy Brief, "The Rise of Cargo Focused Hub Airports:  Pandemic Year 2020", by Joe Schwieterman and Euan Hague, draws attention to dramatic changes underway in retail commerce during the pandemic.  The brief shows that traffic at cargo focused airports grew more than 30% from 2019 to 2020.  The brief also garnered attention in Air Cargo News and Simple Flying.  To access the Brief, click here.
Amtrak Train
Expanding Amtrak's Chicago - Twin Cities Service: New Insights and Updates 
A national audience of 103 attended our Transportation Research Forum webinar exploring plans for an additional train on the Chicago - Milwaukee - Twin Cities corridor. Amtrak's Richard Rogers, Business Planning and Analysis Manager and Derrick James, Senior Manager, Government Affairs, State and Local Legislative Relations, provided the latest news on the inter-governmental collaborations that are creating momentum. Frank Douma, Director of State and Local Policy Program, Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and Erik Cempel, President, Cempel International Transportation Consulting served as moderators.

February 2021

Primed and Positioned: Strategic Moves by Amazon Air Winter 2021
Our most recent study of Amazon Air's evolution, released February 16, 2020, analyzes the carriers recent

Image of Amazon airplane being loaded
domestic and international growth.   We thank our graduate student study co-authors Jacob Walls, Borja Gonzalez Morgado, and Crystal Bell for assisting in this data intensive effort that fills a gap in understanding e-commerce trends.  Our analysis has garnered national attention including coverage from CNBCAir Cargo News, and Freightwaves.

January 2021

On the Brink: 2021 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry in the United States Webinar

image of a computer screen with bus departure times and destinations
The Chaddick Institute released On the Brink: 2021 Outlook for the Intercity Bus Industry in the United Stateson January 29, 2021.  This is the latest installment of its widely anticipated annual review of this vital transportation sector. The study received national attention with coverage in Mass TransitBusRide, and Metro.   An audience of 70 attended our February 19, 2021 webinar featuring co-authors Brian Antolin, Joe Schwieterman, and Crystal Bell.  David Hall, Managing Partner of FleetMotum served as moderator.
The Chaddick Institute offers a heartfelt tribute to Laurie B. Marston, FIACP, who is retiring after
In Celebration of Laurie B Marston, FAICP
more than 20 years as our Technical Advisor. Laurie has astutely led our Plan Commission Training program with the American Planning Association over the past decade while also playing an active role planning our workshops and professional events, including the Municipal Design Review Network. Check out our lighthearted five minute video, prepared in cooperation with the All Together Studio, with reflections from those who have worked with Laurie. 
 
Chaddick Institute/DePaul Real Estate Center Annual Symposium
We were joined by 145 participants for our virtual event. This year we explored how a pandemic driven transformation of employment and commuting patterns could change Chicago's real estate market. Our presenters included Steve Brown, Project Leader, HNTB; Chris Kopp, Transportation Practice Leader, HNTB; Linda Goodman, Principal, Goodman Williams Group; and Debra Moritz, Executive Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield.  Joe Schwieterman, Director of the Chaddick Institute and Charlie Wurtzebach, Douglas & Cynthia Crocker Endowed Director of the Real Estate Center served as facilitators for our program.

December 2020

December Lunch & Learn Webinar

Image of website showing graphs and a map
We were joined by 19 attendees for an informative analysis of the effects of COVID-19 in Chicago

neighborhoods. Graduate students presented case studies that were conducted in part using the DePaul COVID-19 Data Dashboard. Cole Neder and Jacob Walls, School of Public Service, presented the Wrigleyville Case Study.  Preeya Waite and Iqra Hashwani, Master of Public Health Program, presented the Gage Park Case Study.  The event was jointly sponsored by the Chaddick Institute, School of Public Service, and Center for Community Health Equity. 

Chaddick Institute Holiday Reception
44 attendees joined us for our first ever virtual holiday reception. We enjoyed some holiday merriment and took a brief look back at some of the Chaddick activities and happenings of the autumn term.  Brandon Bordenkircher received the inaugural Chaddick Institute Distinguished Alumni Award for his extensive service to the institute's student programs, publications, and professional activities.  We also celebrated the career of Laurie Marston, AICP, our talented Technical Advisor, who is retiring in January 2021.

 

November 2020

Exploring the Issues Facing Chicago’s Future as a Transportation Leader
TRF logo with plane, train, and city skyline

We were joined by 22 participants for this timely Transportation Research Forum members only event.  Attendees had the opportunity to participate in small group discussions with our three experts: Heidy Persaud, Center for Neighborhood Technology; John Pletz, Crain’s Chicago Business; and David Phillips, Transystems. The group also participated in a discussion of the evening’s topics led by Chris Kopp, HNTP.
 

Virtual Walking Tour of Villa Park

Sketch of a house and a tree with the words Villa Park
Chaddick Institute's Metropolitan Design Review Network was joined by 46 participants for a Virtual Walking Tour hosted by the Village of Villa Park. Consuelo Arguilles, Community Development Director, and other staff at the Village took us on a fast-paced tour featuring notable design projects, multi-use trails, and COVID-19 pandemic adaptations throughout the village.

Graduate Student Research Presentation Lunch & Learn Webinar

Chaddick Institute

We were joined by 27 participants for a lunch time webinar featuring graduate student research. Attendees had the opportunity to attend break-out sessions featuring presentations from School of Public Service graduate students Santa Torrijo, Maureen McClellan, and Mandaline Dunne.

October 2020

Virtual Study Trip
Overhead view of Beloit Wisconsin
Chaddick's first every virtual study trip attracted 17 graduate students. Attendees had the opportunity to
converse with experts around city as well as the leader of an innovative transportation program in Columbus, Ohio to gain perspective on timely urban-related topics.   Attendees, together with Professor Schwieterman and Smith, also worked together in small groups using Google Earth to explore noteworthy urban or rural locations. 


Restoring Abandoned and Out-of-Service Railroad Routes for Passenger Service
green train pulls up to station
Chaddick attracted its largest audience ever for a transportation webinar!  An audience of
124 people learned about notable initiatives that reclaimed long abandoned or out-of-service railroad lines for passenger service. Joanne Parker and Matt Stevens of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District in San Rafael, CA outlined how an out-of-service ex-Southern Pacific route was restored for a commuter-rail service in northern California.  Institute director Joe Schwieterman reviewed other prominent examples involving Lakewood, CO; Santa Monica, CA, Corinth, TX; and Scituate, MA.  Click here to see our Back on Track working paper.  Click here for the webinar video, which was co-sponsored with Forgotten Chicago (68 minutes).
 
The Future of Transit Bus Service webinar, cosponsored with FleetMotum
 

We were joined by a diverse audience of 70 from across the country for this exciting evening event cosponsored with TRF Chicago and FleetMotum.  We explored issues and opportunities facing transit agencies throughout the United States with respect to their bus operations using an innovate Q&A-focused format.  Our panel of industry experts included: Adelee Le Grand, Transdev North America; Dan Hibbert, Montgomery County Maryland Department of Transportation; Naomi Klein, Westchester County Department of Planning; Ryan Ruehle, Pace Suburban Bus; and Steven Brown, HNTB.  Brian Antolin and David Hall of FleetMotum served as discussants. Click here to view this webinar.

September 2020

Reclaiming Abandoned Rail Lines for Freight and Excursion Service 

Images of a train and workers repairing railroad tracks

We were joined by 83 attendees for a special autumn webinar co-sponsored by Forgotten Chicago. Patrick Steffes, cofounder of Forgotten Chicago, provided the introduction for a fun virtual event featuring a remarkable phenomenon: a movement to reclaim abandoned or long out-of-service railroad lines for freight or excursion railway service. Professor Joe Schwieterman reviewed “success stories” across the country. Michael Shea, President, Black River & Western Historic Trust, a heritage railway in New Jersey, joined us to present a fascinating case-study example.  Click here for our Back on Track working paper. Click here to watch the webinar.
 
 

Identifying and Mitigating COVID-19 Racial and Income Disparities in Chicago
An impressive group of 63 attendees joined us for a timely lunch and learn webinar to discuss COVID-19 testing disparities in Chicago’s neighborhoods. The event was co-hosted with the Center for Community Health Equity, DePaul University; and Geographic Society of Chicago. Our panel encompassed: Fernando De Maio, PhD, American Medical Association; C. Scott Smith, PhD AICP, our assistant director; and Raj Shah, MD Geriatrician, Department of Family Medicine at Rush Medical College.

 

 

August 2020

Amazon Air’s Summer Surge Policy Brief Released
Chaddick Institute completed work on its "Amazon Air's Summer Surge" policy brief. The brief received widespread attention from aviation analysts and media outlets, including Freightwaves and CNBC.  The brief's co-authors were Joe Schwieterman, Chaddick Institute director; Jacob Walls and Borja Gonzales, both graduate research associates.  Check out the report's cartography and Amazon warehouse location analysis prepared with support from Crystal Bell and Jessica Kupets.  Click here to view our brief.

JULY 2020

MUNICIPAL DESIGN REVIEW NETWORKING & IDEA SHARING EVENT 

MDRN networking event
The Munic
ipal Design Review Network hosted an interactive online networking event for municipal planners and design professionals. The event's fun and focused discussions included small, facilitated breakout rooms that offered opportunities to share strategies for addressing existing and emerging planning and design challenges. Over 30 planners engaged in insightful conversation on the design of indoor and outdoor spaces, public meeting venues and virtual software/plan review options. Thanks to Emily A. Egan, AICP, Assistant City Planner, City of Elmhurst; Scott A. Mangum, AICP, Planning and Zoning Manger, City of Evanston; Tom Farace, AICP, Planning & Economic Development Manager, Village of Carol Stream for leading small group discussions. 

URBAN DESIGN AWARD PROGRAM WINNERS
We are pleased to announce the winners of the Chaddick Institute's third annual Urban Design Award Program, a competition for first-year Sustainable Urban Development graduate students. Each student submitted a 3-D model using Sketchup and neighborhood maps prepared using Illustrator and GIS, for a vacant parcel at 2431 W. Fullerton Ave – Logan Square, Chicago. Their work illustrates the technical skills gains gained by students through the SUD program.

  • Johanna Tuthill, Winner, Best Model Activation. To see submission, click here
  • Borja Morgado, Winner, Best Poster Design. To see submission, click here
  • Casey Lawler, Runner Up, Best Model Application. To see submission, click here
  • Delaney Klundt, Certificate of Excellence Award
  • Hugo Coronado, Certificate of Excellence Award

JUNE 2020

NATIONAL WEBINAR FEATURING NEW RESEARCH: INSIGHTS INTO AMAZON AIR: 2020'S TRANSPORTATION JUGGERNAUT 

Amazon Air PowerPoint
An audience of 66 took part in a special mid-day webinar featuring David Vernon, Bernstein Research in New York, and the DePaul University's research time in the Windy City. The event explored Amazon Air's dramatic growth in recent months and the changing orientation of its flight network. These topics were featured in a Chaddick Institute policy brief available for download here

CHADDICK'S ANNUAL END OF YEAR PARTY 
We celebrated another great year of research and programming with 30+ students, colleagues, and friends, and congratulated our soon-to-be School of Public Service and Sustainable Urban Development graduates, as well as this year's 12 Chaddick Scholars! The Chaddick team provided brief remarks, followed by a virtual toast to celebrate the arrival of summer. We look forward to what 2020-2021 might have in store!

 


HATS OFF TO OUR 12 CHADDICK SCHOLARS! 
As another academic year comes to an end, we would like to offer an informal “congratulations" message to our 12 Chaddick Scholars, who finished their requirements despite the travails of having to do everything online. Each consistently attended our webinars and online outreach programs, social gatherings (pre-COVID), and on-campus events. The 12 students were recognized at Chaddick's End of Year virtual celebration and received scholarship funding.

 

AIR TRAVEL, COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSES TO COVID: VIEWS FROM GAO, PRESENTED BY HEATHER KRAUSE

scholars 2020
Heather Krause, Director of Physical Infrastructure team, General Accountability Office, presented a timely program exploring the federal government's response to COVID-19 for the aviation sector and lessons learned in preparing for future pandemic diseases. She discussed why the GAO warned (2015 study) prior to the present crisis that the country “lacks a comprehensive national aviation-preparedness plan aimed at preventing and containing the spread of disease through air travel" and the status of DOT's efforts to develop a plan. Heather touched on broader issues unrelated to the crisis facing airports explored in a GAO study released in February.

DEPAUL URBAN STUDIES CLUSTER/SPS VIRTUAL LUNCH & LEARN FEATURING STUDENT AND FACULTY RESEARCH INTO COVID-19 IN ILLINOIS 
COVID map
The School of Public Service, Center for Community Health Equity and the Chaddick Institute hosted a joint program on emerging issues faced by Illinois residents due to the pandemic. DePaul Professor Scott Smith and students Josean Amill, Gulden Mukhamejanova and Jordan May, along with School of Public Service alum Brandon Bordenkircher, presented their research and analyses of COVID-19 trends and related social vulnerability assessments of communities in Illinois. Their work evaluates changing 'riskscapes' across Illinois and why integrating public health into urban planning can foster greater resilience.

MAY 2020

A NATIONAL AUDIENCE "HOPS ONBOARD" OUR WEBINAR ON FRANCE AND THE PANAMA CANAL
TRF webinar slide
An audience of 40 attended the Chaddick Institute's special webinar for the national Transportation Research Forum featuring cutting edge research  had been schedule to be presented at the 61st Transportation Forum in New Jersey but was cancelled due to coronavirus. The webinar featured analysis of e-scooters, the Panama Canal, logistics in France and other topics with broad policy implications for both domestic and international transportation. Click here for the presentations. 

APRIL 2020 

SPECIAL WEBINAR: PUBLIC TRANSIT ACCESS IN CHICAGO, FEATURING RESEARCH BY 5 CHADDICK SCHOLARS
webinar student presenters
An audience of 40 graduate students and professionals joined us for an hour-long webinar to learn about cutting edge research scheduled to be presented by Chaddick Scholars at the 61st Transportation Research Forum in New Jersey but was canceled due to coronavirus. The webinar featured two presentations prepared by five Chaddick scholars in DePaul's SPS and SUD programs on the following research topics: 
  • Equity and Transit-Oriented Development in Chicago: Examining Gentrification and Housing Affordability, by Kevin Snyder and Santa Torrijo
  • A Visual Representation of Rail Transit Users in the U.S. Cities, by Kyle Acevedo, Alex Asta, and Isabella Downes

WEBINAR & STUDY: PUBLIC TRANSIT/RIDESHARE PARTNERSHIPS: 21 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM PROGRAMS IN THE U.S. 
21 Key Takeaways Cover
Wewant to thank the 90+ urban professionals from across the country who were able to tune in for our webinar, co-hosted with the Transportation Research Forum Chicago Chapter, covering best practices, evolving practices, and opportunities for agencies to maximize the mobility benefits using public transit/rideshare partnerships. We heard first-hand how planners are refining their programs and evaluating their performance to overcome hurdles in different types of partnerships. Webinar slides can be accessed here.  This webinar also marks the release of the Chaddick Institute’s new study: “21 Key Takeaways from Partnerships between Public Transit Providers & Transportation Network Companies in the United States”, available April 14, 2020. Click here to download the study.  Congratulations for Mallory Livingston, who is the lead author of this new publication.

MARCH 2020


RESPONSES OF AIR, BUS AND RAIL LINES AND SHARED MOBILITY TO COVID-19
COVID-19 PPT Cover
The Chaddick Institute and Transportation Research Forum Chicago Chapter held a timely webinar on the transportation sectors' responses to COVID-19. Joseph Schwieterman discussed responses from major airlines as well as the smaller and ultra-discount companies. Brian Antolin and Erik Cempel highlighted policies adopted by Amtrak and inter-city bus operators while Chris Kopp summarized recent actions taken by public transit agencies within Chicago to stem transmission while continuing service. Lastly, Scott Smith outlined approaches taken by private shared mobility companies including Uber, Lyft, Turo and Lime to address the intensifying challenges posed by coronavirus. Click here for the slides and 5-page matrix.  
 
WEBINAR ON URBAN FLOODING
Image of flooding
The Chaddick Institute concluded their Illinois Municipal Policy webinar series with a discussion on urban flooding and its effects on low-income neighborhoods. C. Scott Smith from DePaul University's Chaddick Institute and Kyle Smith of Metropolitan Mayors Caucus focused on how inclusionary zoning and accessory dwelling unit-related ordinances are helping to increase the supply of affordable housing in municipalities with varying sociodemographic characteristics. Click hereto learn more. Marcella Bondie Kennan of RainReady Home for the Center for Neighborhood Technology discussed her researchon how resident assistance programs, open data portals, and building inspection strategies adopted by municipalities are alleviating urban flooding in the Chicago area. 
 
WEBINAR AND NEW STUDY ON CHICAGO'S 2019 E-SCOOTER PILOT PROGRAM 
E-Scooter study cover
Chaddick Institute’s assistant director, C. Scott Smith, hosted a brief webinar summarizing the results of his recently released study on how e-scooter sharing altered the mobility landscape for Chicagoans during last year’s pilot program. 30 attendees from around the county took part in this session. He highlighted some of the important findings in his study, including the extent to which e-scooters in Chicago’s pilot zone offered time-saving and convenience benefits using real-time data. His analysis builds on the Institute’s “Day in the Life” study. Click here for the slides.
 

FEBRUARY 2020

SPS AND SUD BASKETBALL OUTING 
Basketball outing
DePaul graduate students joined the Chaddick Institute cheer on the DePaul men's basketball team as they took on Georgetown at Wintrust Arena.  The group was treated to an exciting victory.

WEBINAR ON LEAD PIPELINES AND STATE PREEMPTION 

Lead lines PPT slide_issues

The Chaddick Institute hosted two February webinars as part of the Illinois Municipal Policy webinar series and had an audience of over 50 people from across the state. Caroline Pakenham and Roya Alkafaji from Elevate Energy, and Nora Beamish-Lannon and Stephen Beavis of DePaul University discussed their recent articlepublished in the journal regarding lead service line replacement. Nestor M. Davidson from Fordham University School of Law and Carlos Arevalo at Smith Amundsen, examined how state preemptive policies affect municipal policy, including home rule and marijuana legalization. To learn more about this timely topic, click here 

 

 

URBAN CLUSTER LUNCH & LEARN: MOVEMENT ACROSS BORDERS UNDER BREXIT
We had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Sarah Jane Fox, our Chaddick Institute visiting scholar from the University of East London in United Kingdom, for a special lunch & learn event “Movement Across Borders: Freedom, Safety, Security…and BREXIT!" Dr. Fox offered a case-study perspective on the European Union the U.K., in addition to the security challenges related to “Megxit and the Sussexes". The room was packed with twenty-five plus faculty, students, and visiting DePaul alumni. 

SUCCESSFUL ROLLOUT OF OUR 2020 OUTLOOK FOR THE INTERCITY BUS INDUSTRY
2020 bus outlook
Professor Joseph Schwieterman and Brian Antolin at CoTo Travel latest installment of the Chaddick Institute's Outlook for intercity bus travel garnered a great deal of attention, including this article in Mass Transit magazine. We also hosted a webinar depicting the industry at an important milestone, now having – for the first time in its history – three carriers with truly national networks. The webinar also explored the surge of immigrant riders on Greyhound, described by recent DePaul graduate Sofia del Palacio Ugarte. The Outlook report is available for free download here. To learn more about upcoming webinars and to be added to our webinar listserv, email chaddick@depaul.edu.

JANUARY 2020

CHADDICK SCHOLARS CHINATOWN DINNER
The incoming class of Chaddick Scholars met with Professors Joe and Scott for a kickoff dinner in Chinatown's Triple Crown Restaurant. The ten newest Scholars represent the various degree programs in the School of Public Service and 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! 

WEBINAR ON HELPING TO PROMOTE GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY AMID DECLINING POPULATION This webinar, featuring research in the latest issue of the Illinois Municipal Policy Journal, attached more than four dozen professionals. To access the webinar slides, please click here.

DECEMBER 2019

"EARTH, WIND & FIRE SYMPOSIUM" ON CLIMATE CHANGE WITH DEPAUL'S REAL ESTATE CENTER  

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

panelists
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. 

sud design winners

 

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 
mdrn networking event

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

MKE group photo


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
new york
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 
Mega Region logo
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

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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." 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!

DECEMBER 2018

ANNUAL CONFERENCE CO-SPONSORED WITH THE REAL ESTATE CENTER
Once again, Chaddick and the Real Estate Center of the Driehaus College of Business held their annual conference on Friday, December 7. This year's timely topic, "The Return of the Megadevelopment", featured presentations from George Kisiel of Okrent Kisiel Associates, Inc. as well as Alice Davis and Wes LeBlanc of Gensler. Alderman Brendan Reilly offered remarks on the process of development in the Chicago downtown area.

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!

NOVEMBER 2018

TRF-CHICAGO URBAN TRANSPORTATION "LUNCH & LEARN"
Chaddick and TRF-Chicago held a midday "Lunch & Learn" session that featured a two-part program. First off, Audrey Wennink of the Metropolitan Planning Council discussed the organization's new Transit Means Business study. Next, Mark Pitstick and Kevin Stanciel of RTA gave an update on the inter-agency signage improvements across CTA, Pace, and Metra.

MDRN FALL NETWORKING & IDEA SHARING EVENT
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 braved the snow to discuss a range of themes including lighting technology, small wireless facilities (SWF), and building materials.

TRF-CHICAGO MEMBERS-ONLY AFTER-WORK RECEPTION
Chaddick and TRF-Chicago held a special after-work gathering with Beth McCluskey, Director of the Office of Intermodal Project Implementation at the Illinois Department of Transportation at Pazos 311 on South Wacker. Ms. McCluskey led an informal discussion that highlighted her experiences leading different state-wide transportation projects.

SEPTEMBER 2018

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION OUTING

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Wind and rain didn't stop nearly 20 DePaul students and School of Public Service alumni from strolling around downtown Chicago to discuss the city's investments in active transportation. SUD alum and professional transportation consultant Riley O'Neil led participants on a guided walk along Wabash, Randolph, and Dearborn streets which highlighted the transformative design, historical development, and performance of bike lanes, Divvy bikes, protected intersections, and other infrastructure that promote walking and bicycling in the Loop.

AUGUST 2018

BikeRoundtable

TRF WEBINAR: PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES AND PUBLIC AGENCIES
Over 70 transportation experts and urban planners joined us for a webinar on Tuesday, August 28th hosted by the Transportation Research Forum. This webinar featured discussants from the Greater Dayton RTA, Pierce Transit, HNTB, the Shared Use Mobility Center, and the Chaddick Institute, each sharing insights into how cities and transit agencies are engaging in innovative partnerships with TNCs like Uber and Lyft. The presentation slides are available here.

"PARTNERS IN TRANSIT" STUDY RELEASED

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Our latest study, Partners in Transit: A Review of Partnerships between Transportation Network Companies and Public Agencies in the United States, explores innovations underway a cities and transit agencies across the county to build synergy between Lyft & Uber and transit systems. Thank you to CityLab for featuring the study in their recent article, found here.

JULY 2018

URBAN DESIGN AWARD PROGRAM: STUDENT WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Congratulations to the winners of the Chaddick Institute's inaugural Urban Design Award Program, a competition for first-year Sustainable Urban Development graduate students at DePaul University. Each student submitted a 3-D model and neighborhood maps for a vacant parcel on North Milwaukee Ave. Their work illustrates the technical skills gained by students through the Sustainable Urban Development program.

  • Eleanore Byrne, Winner. To see submission, click here.
  • Jack Carso, Runner-up. To see submission, click here.

JUNE 2018

TRF-CHICAGO NETWORKING RECEPTION WITH JOE SZABO, CMAP
Many thanks to Joseph Szabo, Executive Director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, for this great event. Nearly 30 TRF members - including transportation professionals and students throughout Chicago - enjoyed relaxed discussion and Q&A with Mr. Szabo, and learned about what has shaped his views on transportation issues.

CHADDICK END OF SCHOOL YEAR CELEBRATION
We are so grateful for all of the Chaddick friends who stopped by to help us celebrate another great year at Chaddick. We were able to recognize some of the Institute's work through the 2017-2018 academic year, as well as honor some of our outstanding leaders and students. What a wonderful year!

MAY 2018

CHADDICK ROUNDTABLE: CHICAGO BICYCLE POLICIES & TRENDS

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Twenty-four active transportation professionals and advocates met to exchange ideas aimed at improving opportunities for bicycling throughout the city. The diverse group engaged in lively policy discussions concerning the city's recent dockless bike-share vendor requirements, and strategies to promote equitable mobility. Thanks especially to Divvy Program Director Amanda Woodall, CMAP Senior Planner John O'Neal, Active Transportation Alliance's Jim Merrill, and DePaul student Stijn Van der Slot for guiding the group through some difficult bicycle planning and policy terrain. Chaddick looks forward to following up on ideas shared at this roundtable at future events.

CHADDICK 2018 SPRING STUDY TRIP: AURORA, ILLINOIS

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For its 16th study trip, the Chaddick Institute ventured out to the western reaches of the Chicago Metro area to visit the City of Aurora, the second-largest city in Illinois. Our group of 19 delegates was treated to a casual and highly informative guided walking tour of the downtown by City of Aurora staff, including Chief Innovation Office Adrienne M. Holloway, Downtown Development Coordinator Don Hughes, and City Planner Alex Minnela. The City's commuter rail connections, riverfront revitalization, urban residential, and adaptive reuse projects were among many highlights on the tour, which concluded with a group dinner at the City's historic and beautifully-renovated roundhouse building.

INSIGHTS ON O'HARE EXPANSION PLAN WITH CHICAGO AVIATION COMMISSIONER, GINGER EVANS

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Chaddick - together with the Transportation Research Forum, Chicago Chapter - was pleased to host Chicago's Aviation Commissioner, Ginger Evans, as she shared insights about the recently-approved "O'Hare 21" capital improvement project at O'Hare International Airport. Before a sold-out audience of engineers and transportation professionals, Commissioner Evans discussed the scope of the project, as well as strategies being employed to bring it to timely completion. The presentation was followed by an active Q&A session and a networking reception sponsored by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Thank you to everyone who attended this informative event!

APRIL 2018

LUNCH LECTURE: ELECTRIC DEREGULATION AND ITS BENEFITS TO CONSUMERS
On Wednesday, April 25th, utility expert Kenneth Rose delivered an hour-long brown-bag lecture on electric deregulation to a room of students and subject-matter experts. Dr. Rose is a lecturer at DePaul University, Senior Fellow with the Institute of Public Utilities at Michigan State University, and Research Fellow at the Chaddick Institute. Email us at chaddick@depaul.edu for more information on his presentation materials.

MANAGING DOCKLESS BIKE-SHARING WEBINAR

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On the heals of the Annual Transportation Research Forum in Minneapolis, the Chaddick Institute together with the TRF Chicago chapter hosted a webinar on the topic of dockless bikesharing systems which are growing in popularity. Brandon Bordenkircher and Riley O'Neil of 12 Tone Consulting discussed the allure of these systems, which is driven by their potential to overcome some of the locational, cost and equity constraints of more conventional, docked bikeshare programs such as Divvy in Chicago. Bordenkircher and O'Neil discussed their recent study, Dockless Bikes: Regulation Breakdown, which compares how ten cities throughout the country are managing some of the complications presented by free-floating bike-share programs including issues of operation and maintenance, ethical standards, fleet size, rebalancing, and parking requirements as well as public safety. Thanks to those who participated in this well-attended webinar and participated in the lively question and answer session.

MARCH 2018

THE LEGAL SCOPE OF DESIGN REVIEW

The Legal Scope of Design Review

The APA-IL Chicago Metro Section and the Municipal Design Review Network (MDRN) held a sold out workshop on the legal foundations for design review. The event’s key speaker was land use attorney Hart Passman from Holland & Knight who summarized numerous lessons he’s learned concerning the legal foundations and limits of design review and related best practices. John R. Hedrick, a Senior Advisor at DePaul’s Chaddick Institute also discussed some of the legal foundations of the Municipal Design Review Network (MDRN) and emerging practices in the Chicago area. The workshop concluded with a lively question and answer period where several community representatives and staff shared their local experiences and challenges concerning design review. Thanks to all those who participated in this fun and educational event!

TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH FORUM BROWN BAG

Transportation Research Forum Brownbag
The Transportation Research Forum's Chicago Chapter held a brown bag lunch, which included five "flash presentations" and associated question and answer discussions on projects going across Chicago and beyond. Presenters included Erik Cempel, Amtrak's Infrastructure Planning Manager at Chicago Union Station, who discussed "Ongoing Enhancements at Chicago Union Station." Chris Kopp, Transportation Planning Director at HNTB, summarized recent work for the Florida Department of Transportation regarding "How Autonomous Vehicles could Change Transit: Advice to MPOs." S. Sriraj, Director of the University of Illinois, Chicago's Urban Transportation Center presented results from a national survey of public transportation agencies concerning their preparation for extreme weather events. David Phillips gave an update of some of the projects at TranSystems that are underway and Joseph Schwieterman briefly talked about planned expansions at Chicago's O'Hare airport.

THE FOURTH ANNUAL RTA PLANNING WORKSHOP

The Fourth Annual RTA Planning Workshop: Connected Communities
In partnership with the Regional Transit Authority, the Chaddick Institute hosted the fourth annual RTA Planning Workshop. This year's theme, Connecting Communities, brought together planning and development professionals from the public, private and non-profit sectors to discuss current TOD-related trends and best practices. Speakers provided evidence of changing perceptions in the mainstream real estate community which is now responding to the growing demand for transit-accessible housing and walkable communities throughout the Chicago region. Eileen Franz (City of Elmhurst) and Bill Eager (Woodlawn Park) presented strategies for infill TOD that are transforming historic downtowns. Planners Emily Egan (Village of Brookfield) and Meagan Jones (City of Evanston) discussed TOD zoning and the right-sizing of parking requirements within TOD areas. The workshop concluded with a panel discussion focused on the benefits and challenges of this new TOD wave the Chicago area is riding.

JANUARY 2018

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CHADDICK YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OUTING
A group of eight graduate students involved with the Chaddick Institute had a very lively conversation with Lindsay Bayley, current Senior Planner at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Lindsay shared valuable career advice and discussed her work, including bicycle and planning support for communities. The meeting took place at the Willis Tower where CMAP's offices are located. This was a fitting setting to hear about her exceptional work.

WHEN TENANTS TAKE A FALL LAND USE SYMPOSIUM

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The Chaddick Institute, in partnership with the DePaul Real Estate Center presentations by ChrisBrewer (Vice President AECOM Economics), Andrew Hochberg (Chief Executive Officer of Next Realty), Paul Shadle (Partner at DLA Piper) and Stephanie Phifer (Director of Sustainability and Urban Planning at the City of Aurora), who discussed how shifts in buying patterns--compounded by declining demand attributable to the sharing economy--are creating both challenges and opportunities in real estate development for investors and local municipalities alike. The sold-out event included a dynamic Q & A with expert panelists as well as opportunities for networking and discussion among attendees. Thanks to all who attended!



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