Blog

Introduction

Keep up to date with the latest blog posts from our staff & GCI collaborators.

Watercolor painting of a village landscape with red-roofed houses, trees, and hills in the background.

Participatory Planning in Action: Marie Kennedy and Chris Tilly

Posted on October 11, 2016

GCI hosts Marie Kennedy and Chris Tilly to discuss participatory planning, community development, and planning education in Mexico.

Graphic with cursive text reading “Celebrating 21 Years of Impact” on a white background with a blue border.

Wim Wiewel to Attend Great Cities Institute 21st Anniversary Celebration

Posted on October 04, 2016

GCI invites supporters to celebrate its anniversary, honoring Wim Wiewel, James Stukel, Robert Mier, and engaged scholarship legacy.

Map of Chicago community areas showing economic hardship index values, with darker red areas indicating higher levels of hardship.

Economic hardship index shows stark inequality across Chicago

Posted on September 19, 2016

GCI applies an economic hardship index to Chicago communities, highlighting neighborhood inequality, concentrated poverty, and uneven opportunity citywide.

Using GCI data, the Chicago Tribune continues focus on youth employment

Posted on September 07, 2016

GCI report supports Tribune coverage on youth unemployment, highlighting neighborhood employment changes, barriers, and programs expanding opportunities citywide.

Group of seven people posing indoors in front of a city skyline backdrop.

Great Cities Institute has turned 21! Join us to celebrate

Posted on August 22, 2016

GCI celebrates Great Cities legacy, honoring James Stukel, Rob Mier, partners, scholars, and UIC’s ongoing urban engagement commitment.

Great Cities Institute Fact Sheet Series

Posted on July 12, 2016

GCI launches economic fact sheet series providing public data on restructuring, inequality, employment disparities, and Chicago’s economic challenges.

Infographic summarizing participatory budgeting in the U.S. and Canada in 2014–15, with colorful circles highlighting key statistics.

Public Spending, By the People: Participatory Budgeting

Posted on May 16, 2016

GCI announces Public Agenda’s PB report, highlighting resident-led public spending, democratic engagement, diverse participation, and implementation across communities.

Two men in suits seated at a table in front of frosted glass windows.

National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program partners with GCI

Posted on May 03, 2016

GCI partners with National Park Service RTCA to expand urban conservation, recreation planning, and community-led environmental access.

Two people smiling together at an indoor event, one wearing a patterned scarf and the other standing beside him.

In Solidarity with the People of Ecuador

Posted on April 19, 2016

GCI reflects on Ecuador partnership, earthquake recovery, international trade, community development, and Ecuador’s National Plan for Good Living.

Close-up of buttons with target graphics and text reading “Nothing stops a bullet like a job.”

GCI Report Call to Action to Address Youth Joblessness

Posted on April 04, 2016

GCI report highlights Cook County youth joblessness, racial disparities, neighborhood abandonment, and urgent calls for equitable employment solutions.