EDA University Center @ UIC
The EDA University Center @ UIC was launched in mid-December 2016 with a five-year investment by the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA). The EDA Center is housed in the Nathalie P. Voorhees Center for Neighborhood and Community Improvement (Voorhees Center) in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA) at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).
The mission of the EDA is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. To promote its economic development mission, EDA leverages the resources of academic institutions by designating them as EDA University Centers; the EDA University Center @ UIC joins more than 40 university centers across the nation.
In line with the EDA mission, the purpose of the EDA Center @ UIC is to promote green economic development in the Chicago Region with an initial focus on the Calumet Corridor in Southeastern Cook County. Leveraging resources at UIC and conducting applied research and technical assistance, the Center will facilitate the creation and dissemination of innovative green economic development strategies and practices that promise to yield sustainable growth and job creation in the region.
This five-year investment by EDA (with funds matched by UIC) enables the Voorhees Center to provide assistance to help increase long-term regional competitiveness and economic diversification in the Chicago Region. To this end, the Center will develop strategies to promote forward-looking eco-friendly green economic development initiatives and to expand the skilled workforce talent pool that is prepared for these opportunities.
A preliminary study, “Sizing up our Region’s Green Economy” (PDF) including the following has been completed and highlighted at a meeting of stakeholders on May 1st at Chicago State University:
- compile an overview of conditions, practices, and case studies on green economic development;
- inventory green and green potential industries in Cook County;
- profile conditions in Southeast Cook County; and
- document potential for green economic development in the region.
The Voorhees Center also hosted the annual Showcase for Region 5 University Centers at the end of August; this event was attended by more than 60 participants from all ten university Centers and other stakeholders in the region.
More information is available on the Center website.