University of Illinois at Chicago Office of Public Affairs (MC 288)
601 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607-7113, (312) 996-3456, www.uic.edu/depts/paff

February 20, 2001

Contact: Bryant Payne (312) 355-2523; bpayne2@uic.edu

UIC CONTINUES 'FUTURE OF CHICAGO' SERIES

The University of Illinois at Chicago continues to address issues of public concern as part of its "Future of Chicago" lecture series. The lectures promote public debate between national experts and UIC students with a focus on governmental issues. Dick Simpson, professor of political science and former Chicago alderman, organizes the series, hosted by UIC since 1976.

Lectures will be held in UIC Lecture Center D-4, 804 S. Halsted St., from noon to 1 p.m., unless otherwise indicated. All lectures are free and open to the public.

Wednesday, Feb. 21
"Globalization and the New Chicago." Paul O'Conner, executive director of World Business Chicago, will discuss Chicago's emergence as a global city through economic and social diversification.

"No one really knows where the world is going or how it's going to get there. Economic diversification is the safest and most fertile strategy," said O'Conner. "Human capital is the primary economic driver, however location and infrastructure still matter."

The nation's and the state's runs are ending, according to O'Conner. "The future is all about continent, multinationals and cities. Perceptions of the American big city must switch from a welfare-dependent tax eater to wealth generator."

Friday, March 2
"The Key to Local Government." Alfred Salsedo of the Citizens Information Service releases his new book and discusses the dysfunctional aspects of government in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Wednesday, March 7
"The Future of the Chicago Metropolitan Region." George Ranney, Jr., president, Chicago Metropolis 2020, and partner in the Chicago law firm Mayer, Brown & Platt, will discuss the Chicago Metropolis 2020 action agenda.

"Our vision is to foster collaborations that strengthen the economic vitality and quality of life in the six-county Chicago region," said Ranney. "Uncoordinated growth leads to traffic congestion, housing and job mismatches, higher taxes, loss of open space and competition for resources. The Chicago Metropolis 2020 action agenda addresses the regional assets, stewardship and shared goals without losing focus of the realities and measuring progress."

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