Chicago Metropolis 2020 believes that it is critical to the future of the Chicago metropolitan that it's residents think of themselves--and treat each other--as part of a larger entity, and that they collectively have a collection of shared experiences, hopes and dreams for their future and for the future of their friends and families.

We have coined the term "Regional Learning" to describe our activities which are targeted at getting people to recognize their shared destiny and increase their willingness to act to improve that destiny.  On this page, we have described some of our activities and products geared toward developing this trait in the residents of the Chicago Region.

Maps in the Public Square

Maps are vital to the public discussion and debate about the future of the Chicago region. Chicago Metropolis 2020 has partnered with several other not-for-profit organizations to create "Maps in the Public Square", an online exhibit that is part of the Festival of Maps.

To visit the "Maps in the Public Square" website, click here.

The Metropolis Index

Issues such as transportation, housing, the environment, and education must be dealt with in ways that reflect the interconnectedness of our region.  The Regional Learning program is an ongoing public outreach campaign built around the idea that a strong region will require communities to work together on issues that transcend local political boundaries. Each year, Chicago Metropolis 2020 releases the Metropolis Index, an assessment of the state of the region that includes data on housing, education, the economy, the environment, and other important measures of our regional health.

The first Metropolis Index was published in 2001.  The 2002 edition updated many of the measurements from the prior year and also added some new measures to reflect changes in our perspective on economic and social conditions in the six-county Chicago region.

The Index charts how the region is doing in reaching twelve shared goals, which were identified in 2001 during an extensive process involving public meetings and opinion polls. Those goals address our regional economy, transportation and land use, housing, community life, education and natural environment.

• 2002 Metropolis Index Highlights
• 2002 Metropolis Index Press Release

You can also download the 2002 Metropolis Index by section (Note: These are Adobe Acrobat files)

• Full 2002 Metropolis Index (large file)
• About this Report
• Regional Economy
• Transportation and Land Use
• Housing
• Community Life
• Natural Environment
• Appendix

Revised Charts and Graphs (for the 2002 Metropolis Index):

• Ozone Pollution, Stream Water Quality, and Stroke Rates
• Vehicle Miles

2001 Metropolis Index (HTML Version)

Click here to download a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader