The Center for Neighborhood Technology today launched its 4th Annual Urban Sustainability Apps Competition with presenting sponsorMicrosoft. The CNT Apps Competition begins with a series of town hall meetings in several Chicago neighborhoods to reach non-developers and identify issues facing communities, and continues with technical training throughout the spring, provided by Microsoft. The competition culminates in a weekend event at Tech Nexus June 5-7, where teams create app... Continue reading »

Across the country, millions of dollars are spent every year repairing the damage caused by urban flooding – and it’s likely to keep getting worse. Heavy rain events are increasing, absorbent surfaces are lost to concrete and asphalt, and resource-strapped cities have fewer and fewer funds available for large stormwater infrastructure projects. Our latest report, A RainReady Nation, offers a suite of cost-effective solutions to keep homes and businesses dry. The Center for Neighborhood... Continue reading »

Chicago’s northern suburbs are falling short in efforts to capitalize on the economic growth potential of building mixed-income TOD, according to our latest report. The report, Quality of Life, (e)Quality of Place, wasreleased today by CNT and the nonprofit Open Communities. CTA and Metra stops anchor most north suburban downtowns. Quality of Life, (e)Quality of Place found that mixed-income housing in those downtowns can boost neighborhood property values,... Continue reading »

A recent CNN Money series showcased the most innovative cities in America. Chicago came in at #4, in part because “…[Chicago’s] Center for Neighborhood Technology has contributed to innovations on the local level, like car-sharing and energy efficiency in homes.” Wow. We’re honored! But wait, there’s more: CNT also had a hand in projects inMinneapolis and Cleveland, two more cities on the most innovative list. We’re very proud to see our work recognized on the national stage.... Continue reading »

CNT’s November 2013 report, The Case for Fixing the Leaks, offered a look at the disconcerting state of America’s water infrastructure. The report found that America’s pipes leak a whopping 2.1 trillion gallons of treated water every year. In a time when parts of the country have been facing record-setting droughts, protecting our drinking water supply is more vital than ever. The Case for Fixing the Leaks was only the beginning. Since releasing the report, our water... Continue reading »

The November 4 Illinois gubernatorial election is just around the corner. While there are many important topics being debated, we’re hearing next to nothing about funding for improved and expanded public transportation. For CNT, our Transit Future campaign, and the nearly half a million Cook County residents stranded in transit deserts, this is a critical issue. Our Transit Future partner organization, Active Transportation Alliance, even went as far as to offer ... Continue reading »

For the average household, transportation is the second-highest expense after housing. In large, dense cities, public transit availability can dramatically decrease transportation costs. But what about smaller places – quiet suburbs, rural communities, regional centers – that don’t have the same level of public transit service? How can leaders in these communities find ways to reduce transportation costs to help low- and middle-income residents get ahead? A recent HUD publication ... Continue reading »

I recently read the U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s excellent new report,Highway Boondoggles: Wasted Money and America’s Transportation Future. I couldn’t help thinking about the decision(s) looming in CNT’s backyard about the proposed Illiana Expressway. Highway Boondoggles focuses on the national and local mismanagement of funding allocated to highway construction projects and the negative economic, social, and environmental consequences that such boondoggles might have. The report reminds... Continue reading »

Is there such thing as too much parking? For many Americans, the answer may be a quick “no.” But it’s actually not that simple. Overbuilt parking may not sound like much of a problem, but the average parking space can cost $20,000 to $80,000 to build. Since most cities dictate the minimum number of spaces that must be built at residential buildings (even in location-efficient places where people drive less and walk, bike, or take transit more) adding parking spaces adds to housing costs... Continue reading »

Urban flooding impacts people and communities all over the country, damaging homes and businesses, and polluting precious water resources. To address this issue, US Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Peter King (R-NY) introduced the bipartisan Urban Flooding Awareness Act. This federal legislation is designed to help develop a clear-cut definition of urban flooding, and requires a comprehensive study of the personal and social costs of urban flooding in America. “Stronger, more... Continue reading »