Calendar
Explore events and opportunities to engage with We Will Chicago.
We WILL CHICAGO AT NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS
Meet the Will Chicago team at neighborhood events throughout the summer and fall. Stop by to take a survey, learn more about the plan, and get a free t-shirt (while supplies last).
About the Global Voices, Local Action: International Cities Connect on We Will Chicago Series
This event is part of a seven-part series on We Will Chicago, hosted by the Metropolitan Planning Council, Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and the City of Chicago. Each event in the series will feature a panel presentation of international and local city experts, along with an interactive participant workshop to provide feedback and input on the plan’s draft policies. This is the first citywide plan in more than fifty years - don’t miss your chance to engage with fellow Chicagoans on strategies and ideas to improve the city’s future! Check out the schedule of events based on the We Will Chicago Plan pillars here.
Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 11:30 AM- 1 PM: Transportation and Infrastructure
Global Voices, Local Action: International Cities Connect on Transportation & Infrastructure for We Will Chicago
Chicago is one of the most connected cities in the nation, from our transportation infrastructure to our broadband connectivity. Rail lines, bus lines, streets, highways, alleys, airports, freight yards, waterways, bike lanes, sidewalks, trails, power grids, communication networks, and other public and private assets all contribute to helping move people, goods, and information throughout the city. Transportation is a particularly critical resource providing access to jobs, schools, health care facilities, parks, and other amenities that are vital to residents’ daily lives. The City’s infrastructure assets should be equitably planned, maintained, and upgraded to further enhance mobility and service delivery, as well as ensure that resident needs are being met in all communities.
Join the Metropolitan Planning Council as we explore international models that advance the goal of creating transportation and infrastructure systems that are accessible to everyone. You will hear from global voices on successful international initiatives and from City of Chicago leaders on the relevant policies included in the We Will Chicago draft framework plan. These policies and your input can help lead to more livable and vibrant communities.
Speakers include:
- Commissioner Gia Biagi, Department of Transportation, City of Chicago
- Javier Matilla Ayala, Manager of Urban Architecture, Office of the Chief Architect, Barcelona City Council
- Audrey Wennink, Director of Transportation, Metropolitan Planning Council
- Melvin Thompson, Executive Director, Endeleo Institute
- Juan Sebastian Arias, First Deputy of Policy, Office of the Mayor, City of Chicago
Thursday, November 10, 2022: Economic Development
Global Voices, Local Action: International Cities Connect on Economic Development for We Will Chicago
Chicago’s economy is one of the most diverse in the country, with a broad range of businesses, retail, education, and industrial employment. This diversity provides resilience even when portions of the economy are negatively impacted by local, national, or global trends. Through policies and actions, the aim is to support a vibrant economy to reduce the negative environmental effects of businesses, while providing support for companies that are located in and employ residents of underserved neighborhoods. This will result in a wealthier, more equitable economy for all Chicago residents and workers.
Join the Chicago Council on Global Affairs as we explore international models that advance the goal of equitable economic development. You will hear from global voices on successful international initiatives and from City of Chicago leaders on the relevant policies included in the We Will Chicago draft framework plan. These policies and your input can help lead to more livable and vibrant communities.
Speakers include:
- Samir Mayekar, Deputy Mayor, Economic, and Neighborhood Development, City of Chicago
Confirmation of dates, RSVP link, and other speakers will be provided as those details become available.
Past Conversation Recordings
Below are recordings from the previous Global Voices, Local Action virtual event series conversations.
Due to technical difficulties, a recording of the July 28th Environment, Climate, and Energy webinar is not available.