Commentary and Analysis

The post-industrial communities of the Midwest are shaking off their Rust Belt label to emerge as leaders in the blue and green economies.

Nonresident Senior Fellow John Austin joins the Postindustrial Podcast to discuss strategies for revitalizing struggling former industrial communities.

As the world mourns Queen Elizabeth II, the Council looks back on her 1959 Chicago visit and dynamic place in history.

The upcoming 2022 midterm elections will provide another interesting test around whether Democrats can resurrect their appeal to working-class voters.

Sam Kling speaks with the Chicago Reader to explore the racially charged history of beach access in and around Chicago.

"The city of Chicago is releasing a new citywide plan to shape the future with an emphasis on equity," writes Longworth Media Fellow Natalie Moore.

John Austin joined the European Committee of the Regions to discuss the link between populism and place, and how populism grows in deindustrialized regions.

Ahead of Arbor Day, Nonresident Senior Fellow Karen Weigert discusses efforts in Chicago to create more wetlands and plant trees with WBEZ’s Reset.

Improvements to quality of life over "business friendliness" are key to rebuilding the rust belt. John Austin discusses on Daily Detroit.

Council President Ivo Daalder updates WBEZ’s Reset on the Council's Centennial Celebration and the latest in Ukraine.