2023 Past Events
CHAUTAUQUA: EXPLORING REGIONAL CONNECTIONS
Friday, June 16, 2023
12 Speakers + 3 Cities + 3 Tours + 3 Programs + 1 Happy Hour = ONE INCREDIBLE DAY
About the Program: Learn how Northwest Indiana’s economic future is built upon its natural beauty, transportation, industry, and proximity to Chicago.
The full-day BUS TOUR includes stops in Hammond, Gary, and Michigan City and features a dozen all-star regional guest speakers. Hear how rail and data infrastructure will accelerate the connection of regional assets while growing population, jobs, and industry. See how catalytic investment spurs adaptive reuse, TOD housing, and mega-developments.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: CATALYZING ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH TACTICAL URBANISM
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
About the Program: In June 2020, at the height of the pandemic, and in the wake of civil unrest, a group of architects, planners, and designers came together with the goal of helping communities on the city’s South and West sides re-open during challenging times. The result was two public interventions – 75th Street Boardwalk and POPCourts!. The success of these two projects led to the Public Outdoor Plazas (POP) Program, and ten more plazas, which sought to activate vacant lots on commercial corridors through Tactical Urbanism.
Tactical Urbanism (n): An approach to neighborhood building that uses short-term, low cost, and scalable interventions to catalyze long-term change.
The Mayor’s Office and Department of Planning and Development (DPD) are developing the next iteration of the POP Program with a focus on vacant storefronts. The goal is to use the same Tactical Urbanism strategies to catalyze economic growth along these corridors.
The success of the POP Program and its expansion suggest that tactical urbanism could be employed in other realms as well, with positive social and economic impact. Those possibilities include other neighborhoods in Chicago, communities across the country, and public and private institutions.
Speakers:
- Mary O’Connor, Deputy Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development
- Ernie Wong, Principal & President, Site Design Group, Ltd.
- Katanya Raby, Vice President, Planning & Development, Far South Community Development Corp.
- Alan Barker, Principal, Lamar Johnson Collaborative (Moderator)
SALON: AN EQUITABLE PATH FORWARD
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
About the Program: Past land use policies helped create the widespread inequities we see today. Practices such as redlining, exclusionary zoning laws, and urban renewal policies resulted in segregation, displacement, and disinvestment. How should our industry grapple with this legacy? To what extent do current beliefs continue to undermine the well-being and economic opportunity of marginalized communities? How can Lambda Alpha be a catalyst for industry change?
A curated conversation about these questions and hear perspectives from a variety of member disciplines on how our industry can uproot the past, design a more equitable path forward, and accelerate change for a better future.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: INNOVATION DRIVING REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Speakers:
- Kate Waimey Timmerman, CEO, Chicago Quantum Exchange
- Michael Fassnacht, President & CEO World Business Chicago
- Christian Beaudoin, Managing Director, Research & Strategy, JLL
About the Program: A dynamic panel discussion exploring opportunities to improve our region’s global competitiveness through partnerships and collaboration.
At the beginning of 2023, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and six Chicago metropolitan counties joined to announce the first-ever regional and multi-jurisdictional partnership for economic development: The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership. By working together, the goal is to elevate Chicago’s global competitiveness while ensuring robust, equitable economic growth by leveraging the region’s collective assets: talent, infrastructure, industry, and innovation.
Quantum technology is one such example of innovation driving regional growth. Illinois receives 40% of all federal dollars for this technology and boasts four of the nation’s top ten quantum centers. Chicago has the country’s largest quantum network and an ecosystem to support the industry’s growth. By using fundamentally different technology than conventional computers, quantum provides computing power a trillion times more powerful than supercomputers – and will upend entire industries such as finance, healthcare, and cybersecurity.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: DISCOVERY PARTNERS INSTITUTE AND THE 78
Wednesday, February 18, 2023
Speakers:
- William Jackson, Executive DPI Director
- Charlie Trotier, Senior Associate, Related Midwest
About the Program: Hear about an exciting generational opportunity to create a new mixed-use neighborhood called The 78.
Join us for a conversation about creating a vibrant new community and fostering a talent pipeline focused on equitable economic development. Bill Jackson, Executive Director of Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) and Charlie Trotier, Senior Associate, Related Midwest, will lead a presentation and discussion about this transformational innovation district.
DPI is a University of Illinois system-led advanced research and innovation center and will be an anchor of a 62-acre redevelopment along the Chicago River.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: 2023 CAPITAL MARKET INSIGHT, REAL ESTATE AND ECONOMIC FORECAST
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Speaker: Mary Ludgin, Managing Director, Head of Global Research, Heitman
About the Program: Please join us at the annual real estate and economic kickoff to the new year with Mary Ludgin, Managing Director, Head of Global Research for Heitman. She will share her capital market insights, property market conditions, and economic predictions for 2023. We’ll also take a quick look back how some of her 2022 predictions turned out. Always inspiring and informing, we welcome back Ely Chapter’s very own economic expert for a look into the future of our markets.
2022 Past Events
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: EXPLORATION OF CHICAGO’S CONNECTED COMMUNITIES ORDINANCE
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Speakers:
- Mariah DiGrino, Partner at DLA Piper
- Marisa Novara, Commissioner of the Department of Housing
About the Program: Join LAI Ely Chapter members and guests for an engaging conversation centered on the City of Chicago’s newly adopted eTOD Connected Communities Ordinance. Land use attorney Mariah DiGrino will lead an in-depth discussion with Commissioner Marisa Novara, the esteemed City of Chicago’s Department of Housing Commissioner, on the impetus for the ordinance’s creation and how it aims to expand investment, fostering an equitable economy across Chicago.
NEW MEMBER INITIATION & AWARDS BANQUET
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
About the Program: Join Lambda Alpha International’s Ely Chapter for the initiation banquet of the 2022 member class and annual awards presentation.
CHAUTAUQUA: QUALITY OF LIFE INFRASTRUCTURE – REDEFINING NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTMENT
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Speakers:
- Dr. David Ansell, Senior Vice President for Community Health Equity at Rush University Medial Center
- Paul Robinson, Deputy Head of Programs at Chicago CRED
- Jamie Simone, Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Initiatives at the Chicago Department of Transportation
About the Program: A sense of safety, practical physical and mental health care, healthy food access, quality education, living wage jobs, affordable housing, and multi-modal mobility options are all foundational to thriving communities. But not all communities are created nor sustained equally. The year’s Chautauqua event will take a closer look at health, safety and wellness inequities, new or improved approaches to address those inequities, and what should be considered in designing the built environment.
Saturday, August 13, 2022
Service Description: Help the LAI Ely Chapter assist the National Public Housing Museum with its garlic harvest. Both members and non-members are welcome to join us on this day, and are encouraged to bring family and friends to help.
This event will take place in the Taylor Street Farms. Please make sure to bring your own gardening gloves and wear appropriate clothing.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: REDEFINING THE POST-PANDEMIC WORKPLACE
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Speakers:
- Tim Malican, Director of Talent at Vivid Seats
- Kent Swanson, Executive Vice President at Riverside Investment and Development
- Christina Brown, Principal & Interior Designer at Eastlake Studio
About the Program: Many organizations are adopting flexible and hybrid work strategies that have the potential for a transformational impact on commercial real estate. Learn about these new dynamics from experienced professionals including a human resources leader, office developer, and workplace designer.
Thursday, June 30, 2022
SALON: MASTERCLASS FOR US, BY US
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: BEYOND DRONES & HELICOPTERS: THE EMERGENCE OF ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY & FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF VERIPORT FACILITIES
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Speakers:
- Chip Snowden: Aviation Market Principal, Hanson Professional Services Inc., Jacksonville, FL.
- Arturo García-Alonso: COO, AvPorts, Dulles, VA
- Reggie Greenwood: Executive Director of Chicago Southland Economic Development Corp., Chicago, IL
About the Program: The emergence of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is becoming quite the rage in the corners and coasts of the United States. Developed by public-private partnerships, as well as the planning of new Vertiport and electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) facilities. While many states and metropolitan areas have been at the forefront of developing plans and standards for the arrival of AAM, the Chicago area has yet to see the official arrival of these eVTOL facilities.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Speakers:
- Jacques Sandberg, Related Midwest
- Dr. Lisa Yun Lee National Public Housing Museum
- Terran Wilson Landon Bone Baker Architects
About the Program: Learn about a new and innovative mixed-use development and the future home of the National Public Housing Museum.
The Taylor Street Apartments include affordable, market-rate, and Chicago Housing Authority residential apartments, as well as the Little Italy public library branch. This unique development was accomplished through a public-private partnership with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), the Chicago Public Library, and Related Midwest.
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Speakers: Anna Maria Kowalik, Aaron Kraus of Nuveen, and Mohammed Elahi
About the Program: Commercial property assessed clean energy (C-PACE) financing is an exciting program that promotes sustainable building improvements and construction utilizing a creative and competitive financing structure. Program speakers will share insight to the benefits of C-PACE, provide real world examples of successful C-PACE projects, and will explain how our membership can utilize C-PACE financing within their specific fields of work.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: BRONZEVILLE LAKEFRONT: DEFINING EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Speakers: Scott Goodman and Alderman Sophia King
About the Program: The Bronzeville Lakefront is envisioned to be one of the most equitable developments in the United States. this 100+ acre mixed-use redevelopment of the former Michael Reese site will serve as a global hub for innovation and wellness and showcase what is possible with intention, public private partnership, authentic collaboration, and a vision for generational impact.
Founding Principal Scott Goodman of Farpoint Development and Ward 4 Alderman Sophia King will discuss the vision for the project in terms of physical, social and economic impacts and the path forward for implementation.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: THE 2022 CAPITAL MARKET INSIGHT, REAL ESTATE AND THE ECONOMIC FORECAST
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Speaker: Mary Ludgin
About the Program: Mary Ludgin shares her capital market insights, property market conditions, and economic predictions for 2022. We’ll also take a quick look back how some of her 2021 predictions turned out. Always inspiring and informing, we welcome back Ely Chapter’s very own economic expert for a look into the future of our markets.
2021 Past Events
2021 ANNUAL MEETING & NOVEMBER MONTHLY PROGRAM [VIRTUAL]
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Speaker: Jeremy Rifikin
About the Program: Jeremy Rifkin is an American economic and social theorist, writer, public speaker, political advisor, and activist. He is the author of 21 books about the impact of scientific and technological changes on the economy, the workforce, society, and the environment. Rifkin will address opportunities and challenges facing the US economy, with particular focus on a Third Industrial Revolution infrastructure transformation and economic paradigm shift.
NEW MEMBER INDUCTION & AWARDS [IN-PERSON]
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
CHAUTAUQUA [IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL]
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Topic: From Recovery to Renaissance
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
AUGUST MONTHLY NOON PROGRAM [IN-PERSON]
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Topic: Urban Agriculture
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
JULY MONTHLY NOON PROGRAM [IN-PERSON]
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Topic: “The Culture Economy: The Driving Force in Post-Pandemic Recovery”
Speaker: DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly
SOCIAL POP-UP [IN-PERSON]
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave.
SALONS [VIRTUAL]
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
“The Shame of Chicago” Viewing & Discussion Groups
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
FULTON MARKET WALKING TOUR [IN-PERSON]
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
May Program [Virtual]
Topic: Chicago’s Tech Bet…And Opportunity
Description:
With many projects on the horizon, Chicago is a hot bed for tech-driven development in life sciences, bio-medical and computer sciences. Bolstered by an ideal mid-America location, abundant infrastructure, natural resources, high quality of life, moderate cost of living, and highly accredited educational institutions who generated some of the world’s leading tech experts and future professionals, is the Chicagoland area poised to capture a global leadership position? Can this highly active local and national market fuel competition that will drive innovation and excellence while also promoting regional collaboration to reposition Chicago as a global center for tech and a superior location to live, work and play for the nation’s emerging talent, many “home-grown.” Come join the conversation on how Chicago can best leverage this timely opportunity for its future.
Speakers:
Kyle Schulz, Executive Vice President of Development and Foreign Direct Investment, World Business Chicago
Kenneth Bahk, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Kaleidoscope Health Ventures
Vikki Caruso, EVP of People, Clearcover
Michael Falvin, Managing Director, Flavin Ventures
April 21
April Program [Virtual]
Topic: The Color of Law: Impacts on Chicago
Details:
The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein explores the enduring effects of historical government policies that fostered national housing discrimination. These de facto and de jure housing-related practices contributed to generational inequalities across the U.S. The Chicago region is referenced specifically among the issues laid bare in the book.
How has the Chicago region addressed the long-term impacts these discriminatory practices have had on Chicago area residents?
Join our panel for a thought-provoking exploration of innovative programs and policies now being used to remedy the effects of the issues explored in the Color of Law.
March 24
Ely Chapter Water Cooler Chat
Meet us at the virtual water cooler to network with other Ely Chapter members and guests in a relaxed, afternoon conversation.
The Ely Membership Committee is hosting a series of free networking and membership information sessions on Wednesday, March 24. We welcome all chapter members and extend a special invitation to members’ guests that may be prospective candidates for nomination to join our organization. Both events are perfect opportunities to network with your fellow members and introduce your potential candidates to the LAI Ely Chapter. Board members and Membership Committee members will be on hand to answer any questions you or your nominee may have. This event will count towards the two event attendances required for nomination.
Time: 4:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
March 24
Coffee Talk with Ely Chapter
Get your day started right! Grab your coffee, a breakfast treat and meet us on Zoom.
The Ely Membership Committee is hosting a series of free networking and membership information sessions on Wednesday, March 24. We welcome all chapter members and extend a special invitation to members’ guests that may be prospective candidates for nomination to join our organization. Both events are perfect opportunities to network with your fellow members and introduce your potential candidates to the LAI Ely Chapter. Board members and Membership Committee members will be on hand to answer any questions you or your nominee may have. This event will count towards the two event attendances required for nomination.
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
March 17
March Program [Virtual]
Topic: Innovating Together
Details: The Chicago region is a patchwork of hundreds of municipalities with unique challenges and opportunities. The dynamics of the pandemic and of ongoing demographic shifts are reshaping the relationship between Chicago and its suburbs, making suburban communities more critical than ever to the overall health of the region and to strategies for regional rebuilding and innovation.
How can our suburbs thrive individually while working together to reduce damaging intra-regional competition? How can our collective assets, strengths, and collaborative nature drive success as a cohesive, competitive region?
Join this suburban spotlight conversation for a deep dive into the challenges we face as a region of diverse communities and the proactive strategies communities have used to retain and attract residents, spur job creation, and grow community wealth.
Speaker: Moderator Mary Bak, Kinzie
Panelists: Nick Greifer, City of Harvey, Kevin Kramer, Village of Hoffman Estates, John Lynch, Oak Park Development Corporation, LaVern Murphy, Village of Matteson
Time: 11:50 a.m. – 1:20 p.m.
February 17
February Program [Virtual]
Topic: Thinking Beyond 2021
Details: While the Chicago region faces a year of regrouping, rebuilding, and recovery, now is the time to think – and plan – beyond the pandemic. What are the bold ideas, innovations, policies, and industries that will drive our region forward through 2021 and beyond, allowing us to create new opportunities to grow together? What are our competitive advantages, and how can we make the most of them as we work to strengthen our communities?
Join us for a conversation on regional transportation, entrepreneurialism, leadership, and economic development and the role each of these pillars of growth can play in building a more prosperous and sustainable future.
January 20
January Program [Virtual]
Topic: 2021 Capital Market Insights, Real Estate and Economic Forecast
Speaker: Mary Ludgin, Managing Director, Head of Global Research for Heitman
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2021 Ludgin Economic Forecast_Slide Deck