Upcoming Events

On December 1, 2025, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Great Cities Institute (GCI), marking three decades of commitment to urban research, policy, and community engagement. This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the vision that led to the founding of GCI and to honor the ongoing work that continues to shape cities and communities. In 1995, the Great Cities Institute was established as part of UIC's Great Cities Initiative, a bold commitment to addressing urban challenges through research, collaboration, and public engagement. That same year, then-Governor Jim Edgar proclaimed December 1 as Great Cities Day in Illinois, recognizing the role of cities as centers of knowledge, creativity, and economic growth while also acknowledging the complex challenges they face, from housing and employment to education and public health. The resolution emphasized the need for comprehensive and integrated approaches to improving urban life—values that have remained at the core of GCI’s mission. Over the past 30 years, GCI has been a driving force in advancing urban policy and fostering partnerships between academia, government, businesses, and community organizations. Through research, convenings, and direct engagement, GCI has worked to address critical issues in Chicago and beyond, reinforcing UIC’s role as a university that is deeply connected to its urban environment. As we mark this important anniversary, we will reflect on the legacy of the Great Cities concept and look ahead to the future of urban innovation and community-centered research. We hope you will join us on December 1, 2025, to celebrate this momentous occasion and the impact of the Great Cities Institute over the past three decades. More details about the event, including time, location, and speakers, will be announced soon. Stay tuned for updates!