Daily Whale Originals

Members of a City Club panel on Thursday convened to discuss UI Labs’ CityWorks initiative arguing Chicago is uniquely suited to be a leader in urban infrastructure collaboration and improvement.

Established in 2013, UI Labs is a Chicago-based research institute that utilizes partnerships to create innovative urban solutions. The institute created the CityWorks program with the goal of improving urban infrastructure through cross-collaboration with corporate, university and city leaders.

Twenty-five years after passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the bill’s sponsor, former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), called on local business leaders to hire more individuals with disabilities.

During a City Club of Chicago event on Wednesday, Harkin told the audience that the ADA had benefitted people with disabilities in several ways. But he said the country was still falling short on providing employment and job training to disabled individuals.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on Monday announced her selection of Tanya Anthony as the next Cook County budget director.

During a Thursday City Club of Chicago discussion on the current state of Chicago Public Schools, panelists discussed the many challenges facing the cash-strapped school system.

The panel included: Jitu Brown, organizer of the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization; Lauren FitzPatrick, education reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times; Sarah Karp, former deputy editor of  Catalyst Chicago; and Wendy Katten, director of Raise Your Hand, a parent-led coalition advocating on behalf of quality public education. 

Members of the Chicago City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations on Tuesday unanimously approved a proposal to provide funding and a bus to a program that helps make fresh produce available to residents of Chicago’s food deserts.