The Chaddick Institute offers technical programs, trainings, scholarships, and other special events throughout the academic year on topics of interest to land use, transportation, and municipal policy professionals and students.
Chaddick Scholar Alumni
We are proud of the alumni of our Chaddick Scholars program, who distinguished themselves as graduate students while adding to the intellectual life of our initiatives and excelling in the classroom. Many have gone on to successful careers in planning, policy, community development, and organizational leadership. We hold events semi-annually that bring this community together. Click here for a sample of some of our past Scholars.
Municipal Design Review Network (MDRN)
MDRN is a unique network for Chicago area communities with design review boards or staff professionals to share and develop best practices. This group organizes collaborative, professional-to-professional networking events sponsored by the Institute. To learn more about MDRN, including its advisory board, mission, and publications, please select the Municipal Design Review Network tab on the left side of this page. For its upcoming events, click here. To learn more about MDRN, including its advisory board, mission, and publications, please click here or select the Municipal Design Review Network tab on the left side of this page.
Plan Commission Trainings
The Chaddick Institute supports the American Planning Association, Illinois Chapter (APA-IL) program to provide training to
municipal planning commissions and village boards. This program allows planning officials, who work
hard to review cases, conduct public hearings, and consider policy matters, to sit back and look at the big picture of what they
do and the significance it has to the communities in which they live.
Several years ago, we handed the day-to-day administration of the program to our colleagues at APA-IL. Learn more about the trainings here.
Air Transport Policy Initiative
The Air Transport Policy Initiative is a collaborative effort between the Chaddick Institute and the College of Law focused on improving air and intermodal transport worldwide through innovative policy solutions. Among other efforts, the initiative supports the publication of the widely respected semiannual journal Issues in Aviation Law and Policy, now in its 18th year, as well as a number of periodic reports and white papers. Our widely read Amazon Air Briefs (produced annually) and Air Cargo briefs are also part of this Initiative. For more information, click here.
Transportation Research Forum (TRF) - Chicago Chapter
The Chaddick Institute is the administrative
home of the Chicago Chapter of the Transportation
Research Forum. This chapter of "TRF" sponsors free
quarterly brown bag lunches on the DePaul campus, as well as webinars and other
events showcasing innovations and timely research in transportation.
Email trf-chicago@depaul.edu for information about becoming a TRF member, and visit our Upcoming Events for information about future programs. For more information about our TRF Chapter, click here.
Students and Scholarships
The Chaddick Institute encourages students at Chicago-area universities to participate in its workshops and events. At any given point
throughout the academic year, 20 to 30 students are generally involved
in our programs, research activities, and bi-annual study trips to other
Midwestern cities. Students involved in our programs have gone on to
work at such organizations as the American Planning Association, Chicago
Metropolitan Agency for Planning, City of Chicago, Transportation Research Forum, and Congress for the New Urbanism. Learn more about our student and scholarship programs
here.Collaboration with the National Great Rivers Research & Education CenterOur collaboration with the National Great Rivers Research & Education Center, led by Professor William Kling, promotes excellence in ecological preservation, land-use planning, and public policy involving our region's and state's river systems. This partnership, launched in 2022, focuses heavily on educating policymakers and citizens about the many challenges facing our river systems and water supply. For more information,
click here.
Development Certificate
Information about graduate certificates through the School of Public Service (SPS) is posted here. We would also be pleased to provide information on the five graduate degrees offered by SPS and the M.S. Sustainable Urban Development degree. Please email chaddick@depaul.edu if you have questions on these notable offerings. For more information, click here.
Notable Past Programs
Municipal Development Awards
The Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development periodically hosts the Municipal Development Award competition recognizing innovation and leadership in managing the development process. Past winners deserve wide recognition for their excellence in using zoning, development approvals, subdivision regulation, and design to build stronger and more livable communities. Learn more about past Chaddick Municipal Development Awards here.
Windy City in Motion Exhibit
Our exhibit, Windy City in Motion: Movies + Travel in Chicago, was on display at Chicago Union Station between the summer of 2016 and fall 2017. The multi-media display incorporated portrayals of Chicago's transportation system and neighborhoods - many of which have been prominently featured on the silver screen. Click here for more information.
Photo credits: Top: Village of Arlington Heights, Middle: Chaddick Collection