Environmental agencies in both states have improved public participation processes. Communications between U.S. EPA and citizens is better. There are a number of convening initiatives in both Southeast Chicago and Northwest Indiana. For example, the City of Chicago's Brownfields Forum created new opportunities for public participation in policy-making. The same is true for Southeast Chicago Development Commission's Corridor Strategic Plans.
Several groups convene local environmental groups.
Chicago State University hosts meetings, especially on environmental issues and neighborhood development. Calumet Area Industrial Commission convenes local plant managers. City Innovation convenes local researchers, community organizations, and others in quarterly planning groups on job growth, environmental improvement, and site selection and development. The Brownfields Project in Northwest Indiana includes broad community involvement, including business, government, labor, environmental and community groups. Northwest Indiana Forum convenes corporations and other stakeholders on a regular basis.