Transcript 0410POLICYDIRECTORSGLUNZ (Illinois Sensible Growth)

Opportunity Returns
Strategic Investment for
Economic Growth in Illinois
Heidi T. Glunz
Director of Policy Development
Office of Governor Rod Blagojevich
NGA Center for Best Practices
Annual Policy Seminar, October 10, 2004
Governor Blagojevich Has
Identified 5 Key Priorities
Education
• Increased per pupil spending by $304.
• Funded 16K more children for Pre-K.
Healthcare
• Launched affordable Rx program.
• 141K increase in parent & child coverage.
Public Safety
• Launched Sheridan a national model drug
prison and reentry program.
Reform &
Renewal
• Signed ethics legislation.
• Focus on agency coordination.
Economic
Development
• Launched Opportunity Returns, the
focus of this presentation.
Opportunity Returns
Regional Approach to Economic Development
• Shift to a regional
investment focus.
• Develop individual plans
from local economic
priorities and
assessments of labor
market strengths.
• Improve coordination
among state agencies
and regional economic
development entities.
Profile of the Northeast Region
• Includes nation’s
third largest city.
• Serves as
transportation and
distribution hub.
• Has diversified
employers such as
Abbott Labs,
Jewel Foods,
Motorola, SBC,
Sears, United,
UPS, and
Walgreen Co.
Opportunity Returns’
Approach
A comprehensive plan to improve economic
opportunity in Illinois.
Guiding Principles
Key Outcomes
• Build regional
partnerships.
• Create and retain
jobs.
• Leverage existing
resources.
• Develop efficient
transportation
systems.
• Integrate services.
• Expand housing
opportunities.
Strategies for
Creating and Retaining Jobs
• Strengthen Education & Job Training
• Capitalize on Existing Assets
• Support Manufacturing Excellence
• Support Entrepreneurs & Small Business
• Expand Infrastructure & Connectivity
Developing More Efficient
Transportation Systems
Open Road Toll Highway Plan
• Build new road to address regional growth
trends.
• Reinvest in the entire Tollway system.
• Implement open road tolling for I-PASS users to
reduce travel times.
• Introduce congestion pricing to produce
incentives for driving during non-peak times.
• Explore additional efficient transportation and
development opportunities.
Open Road Tolling
Expanding Housing
Opportunities
Comprehensive Housing Initiative Executive Order
requires state agencies to coordinate activities to ensure a
full range of housing choices near jobs, transit,
and other amenities.
Housing Finance Allocation Plan
Housing finance plan structured to reflect priority of
housing near jobs and services.
Employer Assisted Housing Program
State provides employer incentives to offer down payment
grants to help employees buy homes near work.
• 105 employers have donated $2M.
• Over 200 employees have bought homes, since 2001.
Supporting Quality Growth
in Illinois
• Ensures that state investments maximize
economic development opportunities.
• Supports coordinated planning for jobs, housing
& transportation.
– Encourages local governments to work
together on a regional basis.
– Promotes integration of local projects within a
regional plan.