Opportunity Returns Strategic Investment for

Economic Growth in Illinois

Heidi T. Glunz Director of Policy Development

Office of Governor Rod Blagojevich

NGA Center for Best PracticesAnnual Policy Seminar, October 10, 2004

Governor Blagojevich Has Identified 5 Key Priorities

Economic Development

Education

Reform & Renewal

Public Safety

Healthcare

• Increased per pupil spending by $304.• Funded 16K more children for Pre-K.

• Launched affordable Rx program.• 141K increase in parent & child coverage.

• Launched Sheridan a national model drug prison and reentry program.

• Signed ethics legislation.• Focus on agency coordination.

• Launched Opportunity Returns, the focus of this presentation.

Opportunity ReturnsRegional Approach to Economic Development

• Shift to a regional investment focus.

• Develop individual plans from local economic priorities and assessments of labor market strengths.

• Improve coordination among state agencies and regional economic development entities.

Profile of the Northeast Region

• Includes nation’s third largest city.

• Serves as transportation and distribution hub.

• Has diversified employers such as Abbott Labs, Jewel Foods, Motorola, SBC, Sears, United, UPS, and Walgreen Co.

Opportunity Returns’ Approach

Guiding Principles Key Outcomes

• Create and retain jobs.

• Develop efficient transportation systems.

• Expand housing opportunities.

• Build regional partnerships.

• Leverage existing resources.

• Integrate services.

A comprehensive plan to improve economic opportunity in Illinois.

Strategies for Creating and Retaining Jobs

• Strengthen Education & Job Training

• Capitalize on Existing Assets

• Support Manufacturing Excellence

• Support Entrepreneurs & Small Business

• Expand Infrastructure & Connectivity

Developing More Efficient Transportation Systems

Open Road Toll Highway Plan

• Build new road to address regional growth trends.

• Reinvest in the entire Tollway system.

• Implement open road tolling for I-PASS users to reduce travel times.

• Introduce congestion pricing to produce incentives for driving during non-peak times.

• Explore additional efficient transportation and development opportunities.

Open Road Tolling

Expanding Housing Opportunities

Comprehensive Housing Initiative Executive Order requires state agencies to coordinate activities to ensure a

full range of housing choices near jobs, transit, and other amenities.

Housing finance plan structured to reflect priority of housing near jobs and services.

Housing Finance Allocation Plan

State provides employer incentives to offer down payment grants to help employees buy homes near work.

• 105 employers have donated $2M.• Over 200 employees have bought homes, since 2001.

Employer Assisted Housing Program

Supporting Quality Growthin Illinois

• Ensures that state investments maximize economic development opportunities.

• Supports coordinated planning for jobs, housing & transportation.

– Encourages local governments to work together on a regional basis.

– Promotes integration of local projects within a regional plan.