A critical function of CLA is to have a voice in planning for the Loop's future.  This includes deep involvement and development of special initiatives often conducted in collaboration with expert third-party advisors including urban planners, developers, non-profit think tanks and councils.

Michigan Avenue Gateway Project: "Michigan Ave: Light, Life & Culture"
Since its inception in 2005, one of the goals of the Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) has been to “invite” pedestrians and visitors to explore different Loop destinations.  How do you connect the river, Millennium Park, cultural institutions, shopping and all of the multi-uses of this neighborhood?

One opportunity CLA zeroed in on was the stretch of Michigan Avenue between Wacker Drive and Randolph Street.  It was determined that CLA would sponsor a charrette, or “think tank” to develop an actionable design/build plan to enhance the area and improve the pedestrian experience along this important gateway.

In collaboration with the City of Chicago and Alderman Brendan Reilly, CLA engaged the Urban Land Institute Chicago to form a technical assistance panel to devise an approach.  More robust than a charrette, the technical assistance panel brings together experts in finance, tenant mix, development and other disciplines to create a strategy and stronger “sense of place” for the entryway into the Loop. 

The panel's report, "Michigan Avenue: Light, Life and Culture" was the centerpiece of CLA's 3rd Annual Meeting on Thursday, February 28, 2008, in the Grand Ballroom at the Trump International Hotel & Tower.

Chicago Loop Alliance is grateful to the corporations listed below for their support of the Michigan Ave. Gateway Project and our Annual Meeting.

Central Area Implementation
The Central Area Plan was approved by the Chicago City Council in 2003.  To implement the plan, the city and a steering committee have been drafting the Central Area Action Plan.  CLA Chairman Louis D. D'Angelo and Executive Director Ty Tabing served on this committee in 2007 and communicated involvement through quarterly CLA newsletters. 

One particular example of this advocacy is CLA's efforts to designate Michigan Avenue south of the river as a priority streetscape which increases the likelihood of receiving financial assistance for this area.

Congestion Study
CLA is serving on the Research Oversight Committee of a congestion study led by the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC).  The study will measure the cost of congestion to specific industry sub-sectors and targeted geographic areas.  From the study, MPC will build public understanding of the cost of congestion and will formulate specific recommendations for addressing the congestion problem.