MPC invites area employers to partner in promoting stable housing market, workforce
On June 7 and 8, I joined business and civic leaders from around the country at the Clinton Global Initiative CGI America Meeting to identify solutions and make commitments to promote economic recovery. There was plenty of inspiration – from former President Clinton’s encyclopedic knowledge, to Small Business Administration chief Karen Mills’ turnaround efforts to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s vision for a 22-mile Belt Line.
As I was asked to share with the CGI America housing recovery working group, MPC’s commitment is to strengthen partnerships between Chicago-area employers and local communities to promote a stable housing market and workforce. Watch a video of me explaining our commitment on CGI’s YouTube channel.
We are inviting employers across Chicagoland to help us achieve our goal. MPC staff can customize an incentives package for your employees that encourages them to purchase homes in neighborhoods being redeveloped, and to try time- and money-saving alternatives to driving alone to work.
Regional employers such as Robinson Engineering, the University of Chicago, and Grainger already are realizing the benefits of helping employees reduce their combined household and transportation expenses through strategies such as Employer-Assisted Housing and Commute Options. These and more than 60 other employers are advancing their own corporate sustainability goals, while improving employee loyalty, morale, well-being and productivity through these innovative benefits.
What’s more, business leaders that offer these incentives often become champions for better public policy. Many of them have played a critical role supporting local mayors who are working across town borders to advance regional housing and community investment strategies, through interjurisdictional collaboration. This level of coordination is no small feat in our region, where local control is sacred among some 280-plus municipalities. These business owners recognize that when communities work together, they can be much more efficient and effective, do more with less, and provide greater opportunities to residents who make up our local workforce.
Join us in achieving our CGI America commitment. Contact Samantha DeKoven at 312-863-6021.