During last week’s “Solutions for Working Families: 2009 Learning Conference on State and Local Housing Policy,” One Story Up, a Chicago-based blog, posted information about the city’s innovative housing solutions, encouraging local residents – regardless of how familiar they are with the housing arena – to take a look at how housing policy has positively influenced their communities.
Megan Cottrell, author of the blog, jested that policy wonks shouldn’t be the only ones “having all the fun,” as Chicagoans should be up-to-date on the cutting-edge programs shaping their very own neighborhoods. Cottrell breaks down five core areas in which Chicago is leading the way for cities facing similar challenges – including the use of Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds, initiatives to reconnect neighborhoods, and the pooling of housing department resources.
In particular, Cottrell highlights the work of the Metropolitan Planning Council for their part in the “Reconnecting America” campaign, which is an initiative to transform the way people interact with each other by making transit a priority.