Sustainable living

Track 1: The Role of Water in the 21st Century
Track Leader: Josh Ellis, Program Associate at the Metropolitan Planning Council

This track examined three critical elements of water management – 1) impacts of built infrastructure on the natural hydrological system; 2) cross-border coordination; and 3) effective communication of the value of water and water services. This track featured site visits that highlight differences between traditional heavy and green infrastructure when capturing and cleaning water, and in-depth discussions with Chicago-based water policy experts.  Chicago’s unique geography and politics – it is the only city in either the U.S. or Canada that diverts water out of the Great Lakes Basin. The city sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, but is also one of the leading voices for sustainable water resources management – provides an ideal and unique setting to gain a deeper understanding of these issues from the local to the international level.  
The track culminated with the group developing strategic communications plans for different audiences – i.e., elected officials, business owners, home owners, immigrant groups – in order to contribute to a number of ongoing educational and outreach campaigns in the Chicago region.  

Track 2: Sustainable Buildings and Urban Planning
Track Leader: Jonathan Orlove, Director of Projects, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture

Many buildings and master plans are well-intentioned to include ‘sustainability’ as a goal, only to be undermined by limitations such as economic frameworks, policies, design and construction practices. Are they real or perceived? How can perceptions be changed and real limitations overcome?
The start of this Track focused on examples of planned and/or executed sustainable master plans and buildings to frame the present-day context. Afterwards we reviewed the “Project” - Chicago Central Area Decarbonization. We then divided into work groups focusing on various drivers that can enable or hinder the implementation of sustainable development.

Building Resilience in Communities

Track 3: Innovative Solutions to Violence Prevention
Track Leader: Amanda Geppert, Director, National Partnership and Technical Assistance, CeaseFire

Whilst Chicago may not be the only city in North America faced with the challenge of tackling gun violence, it is arguably a challenge with which the city has become synonymous. Working with the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention, this track examined a number of creative approaches being taken to reduce violence and gun crime in Chicago. The track focused particularly on a new intervention, CeaseFire, which works with community-based organizations and focuses on street-level outreach, conflict mediation, and the changing of community norms to reduce violence, particularly shootings. Working alongside key players in this arena, from hospital staff to artists to CeaseFire's 'violence interrupters'  track members explored the innovative ways in which the city of Chicago is seeking to address this challenge.

Track 4: Migration and Community Integration
Track Leader: Susana Vasquez, Director, New Communities Program, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Laurie Glenn, President and CEO, ThinkInc

Chicago has long opened its arms to new populations and the result is one of astonishing diversity and cultural vibrancy. Known as a 'city of neighbourhoods', 77 in total, Chicago's openness to ethnic communities from across the globe is undeniable. And yet, with diversity come challenges and many will argue that Chicago's neighbourhoods, while diverse, are racially segregated. This track explored these challenges and opportunities by looking through the lens at Chicago's Mexican and Muslim communities. With one of the largest Mexican populations in North America, and with a hugely diverse American Muslim community, Chicago certainly has a story to tell. The track members engaged with these communities over the course of the two days, examining the successes and challenges around immigration and explore whether integration whilst maintaining cultural identity really is possible.

Creativity and Innovation

Track 5: The Role of Innovation in the Public and Private Sector  
Track Leader: Dr. Lance Pressl, Foundation President, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Innovation is often utilized as a catch-all term in both the public and private sector.  While defining it may be a challenge, it is something that everyone wants, but few can successfully foster.  With one of the world’s largest and most diversified economies, Chicago is an ideal setting to explore what innovation is and how it can be encouraged.  Working with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Gravity Tank, and Chicago Gateway Green, the track charted the process of innovation from the individual to the regional level.  
This hands on, workshop oriented track focused on items ranging from creating regional innovation centers to developing a go forward plan for a leading public private partnership.  Members also had the opportunity to engage with thought leaders in the field, including CEOs and academics, ending the track having actively contributed to projects happening in the region.