UIC Urban Forum: Metropolitan Resilience in a Time of Economic Turmoil

UIC Urban Forum: Metropolitan Resilience in a Time of Economic Turmoil

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Not since the Great Depression have cities, counties and states suffered such a long-lasting period of fiscal challenges. The quality of urban life depends upon the capacity of cities and metropolitan regions to respond to the environmental, infrastructural, organizational, and human challenges of the global era.

Cities and urban regions that are resilient enough to cope with the challenges posed both by unexpected shocks and longer-term trends will be positioned to adequately provide for the health, safety and well being of their citizens. Addressing these challenges will require human and financial capital, innovation and entrepreneurship, a vital private sector and the involvement of government and non-profit institutions in governance and service-delivery.

The 2012 UIC Urban Forum will bring together civic and community leaders to address the issues metropolitan areas have been experiencing, their responses and strategies to address those challenges and improve quality of life.

WBEZ’s Niala Boodhoo will be on stage with Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Governor Pat Quinn, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, as moderator for the day’s opening panel. WBEZ’s Natalie Moore will then follow, moderating a panel with mayors from Columbus, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, and Las Vegas, NV to continue the conversation exploring how American cities thriving during challenging economic times.

Just announced: “A Conversation with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood: MAP-21 and What’s Next for Urban Transportation Funding” will take place at 3pm, including Stephen Schlickman, Executive Director, Urban Transportation Center, University of Illinois at Chicago; Former Executive Director, Regional Transportation Authority.

Click here for the full agenda of the day’s events.

Four white papers, drafted by academic and policy experts, will be used to inform discussions throughout the Forum, with afternoon panels specifically focused on each white paper theme.  Click here to review white paper topics and download the papers themselves in advance of the event.

Click here to register for this event.

University of Illinois at Chicago
As a major research university in the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is truly a global institution. As such, UIC has taken a lead role in convening scholars, public intellectuals, policymakers and elected officials to discuss, analyze and propose pragmatic and innovative solutions that will enhance the lives of city-dwellers around the globe.