Planning is about the future.
The governments and citizens of northeastern Illinois are engaged in an extensive discussion on how we can continue to grow while assuring a high quality of life to all our residents. This discussion must be grounded in realistic assumptions about our probable future growth and our range of choice concerning it. The forecasting function, which NIPC performs for the region, is thus central to any consideration of our preferred future. NIPC has reaffirmed its forecast that the six-county area will be home to 9 million people and the place of employment for 5.3 million workers in 2020. On December 16, the Commission received a report from its Planning Committee on the status of the forecasts.