Once again, Chicago’s ever-evolving relationship with its river is changing fundamentally. For much of the last 150 years, the river has been treated as an open sewer, hostile to its citizens’ health and the natural environment. It now supports a diverse and growing variety of aquatic life. In the past, Chicago fenced off the river and discouraged public access. Today, the city is developing a downtown riverwalk and planning a series of parks and a greenbelt trail system along the entire length of the river’s edge. Whereas in previous years the river was an economic liability to nearby property owners, it is now a highly valued amenity driving citywide residential and commercial redevelopment

Today we have the opportunity to recommit to both the river and a brighter economic future by investing in policies that improve the river. In the early years of this new century, global competition to attract industries and information economy workers is heating up. Just as our previous investments in the river directly contributed to our current economic success, so does new public investment in restoring the river’s health strengthen our competitive global advantage in attracting the industries and knowledge workers who value a clean natural environment and a high quality of life.

This blog is where our online campaign to clean up the Chicago River will operate, we want you to join in the discussion and the growing community.