Commentary and Analysis

Rob Paral discusses the state of Illinois and Greater Chicago area leading by example on immigrant inclusion and legal policies.

Nonresident Senior Fellow John Austin writes about what the US Industrial Heartland can teach us about American renewal and bridging political divides.

Nonresident Fellow Alaina Harkness on how rivers are the "connective tissue" of cities, and how H2NOW monitors the health of Chicago's.

Liza Rose Cirolia shares geopolitical implications on African urban areas and city governments.

Kris Hartley coauthors a study on barriers to circular economies demonstrated by the sustainability of Dutch technical and interior textiles industries.

"To prevent an uneven recovery and further economic inequality, policies that narrow the gap between communities succeeding and those struggling must move to center stage," writes Alex Hitch.

As billionaires race to space, "our democracies could use their help on the ground," John Austin argues in Barron's.

A group of experts, including the Council's John Austin, Brian Hanson, and Alex Hitch explain why now is the time to rise to a new political, economic, and social challenge rooted in growing regional inequalities.

President Biden has options to address this national security concern, the Council's John Austin argues.

Our reliance on data and devices has made us extremely vulnerable. The first step is knowing where everything is.