Over the next 25 years Northeastern Illinois will experience major growth—1.2 million new jobs will be created and as many as two million new residents will join the 8 million people already living here. Anyone currently living in the area knows that our shared resources are already under strain: we use up to 151 million gallons of fuel just sitting in traffic jams. Our public transit system is the nation’s second largest but has faced funding shortfalls for decades. By the year 2030 as many as 23 townships may suffer water deficits of varying severity by the year 2030. And our region’s buildings contribute the largest portion of greenhouse gas emissions to our atmosphere.

Chicago Matters: Growing Forward will explore the fundamental ways we are connected through our region’s shared resources—the land we live on and air we breathe, the way we travel and the water we drink, the food we eat and the waste we generate. Stay tuned in as we take a critical look at emerging strategies to manage and tackle the growing environmental problems facing the region.

What's that tune? It's an instrumental version of the Aluminum Group's song “Post It,” from their album Little Happyness. It's also the official theme song of Chicago Matters: Growing Forward at Chicago Public Radio, and brought to you (and us!) courtesy of the local label Minty Fresh. Thanks!

Launching March 4, 2008, Chicago Matters will feature year-long, original programming by our multimedia partners: WTTW 11, Chicago Public Radio, the Chicago Public Library, and The Chicago Reporter.