

Creating Common Ground
Thursday, October 24, 2013
9:00am - 5:00pm
Chicago Architecture Foundation Lecture Hall
224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604
Register for any combination of four conference day events
CAF is conveniently served by public transportation. If you elect to drive, parking is available nearby including directly across the street at the Grant Park South Underground Self-Park located at 325 S. Michigan Avenue. Get parking directions here.

1. Morning Program
Chicago Architecture Foundation Lecture Hall
224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604
Thursday, October 24
9:00am – noon
“Reconnecting Rockford: Changing Lives and Changing Landscapes”
Rockford is a city of 150,000 people, located two hours northwest of Chicago. Formerly a manufacturing hub, its keystone employers have left the city, ushering in a wave of high unemployment with the predictable consequences on property, opportunity, and community vitality. However, these deep-seated challenges have given rise to numerous innovative responses championed by local leaders whose efforts are creating transformative outcomes. We are pleased to present a panel of these pioneers who will share their experiences in creating Rockford’s next chapter. Our program will include representatives from the Rockford Housing Authority, the Rockford City Market, the Rockford Vital Signs project, New Urban Futures, and the locally-produced short film series, “Our City, Our Story.”
Program Agenda
8:30 - 9:00 Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 - 9:45 Welcome
9:45 - 9:55 Break
9:55 - 10:55 Presentations
10:55 - 11:05 Break
11:05 - 11:45 Panel Discussion
11:45 - Noon Wrap Up
This event is open to CNU Illinois members as well as non-members.
Member Pre-registration $15 ($20 at the door)
Non-Member Pre-registration $25 ($30 at the door)
Student Pre-registration $8.50 ($10 at the door)
Pre-registration closes October 22
Online registration has closed
2. Mid-day Urban Excursion
to the Italian Village
71 W. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603
Thursday, October 24
12noon – 1:30pm
“A New Reality: Continuing Revitalization”
Rockford Mayor Lawrence Morrissey will present the keynote address on why there is more work to do in revitalizing central business districts in Illinois, post-Great Recession. During his tenure, Mayor Morrissey has been a strong advocate for job creation through improving Rockford's education system, improving public safety, and making core investments in Rockford's infrastructure. This luncheon will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to hear one of our State’s most entrepreneurial leaders.
Lunch will include a choice of pasta dishes, salad, dessert, and beverage. Accommodations can be made for gluten-free and vegan dietary restrictions.This event is open to CNU Illinois members as well as non-members. Conference non-attendees are likewise invited to attend.
Pre-registration is required.
We will be unable to accept walk-ins at the door.
Space is limited and registration closes October 10.
Members & Non-Members $25
3. Afternoon Program
Chicago Architecture Foundation Lecture Hall
224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604
Thursday, October 24
1:30pm – 5:00pm
The “Action Expo”: Putting Concepts into Action
Too often we focus on individual problems in our cities and overlook the insights that could lead to systemic success. For our afternoon program we will bring together four presentations to illustrate an “Appreciative Inquiry” approach to addressing contemporary urban challenges. Unlike traditional “problem-solving,” this approach focuses on positive potential and the creation new possibilities. Civic innovators from Chicago’s Center for Neighborhood Technology, Gruen Gruen + Associates, The CivicLab, and Blacks in Green™ will share their expertise. Attendees will then have the opportunity to take “hands-on” action through a series of participatory exercises led by our innovators.
Program Agenda
1:00 - 1:30 Afternoon Registration
1:30 - 1:45 Welcome
1:45 - 2:20 Presentation 1 & Participation Activity
2:20 - 2:55 Presentation 2 & Participation Activity
2:55 - 3:10 Break
3:10 - 3:50 Presentation 3 & Participation Activity
3:50 - 4:35 Presentation 4 & Participation Activity
4:35 - 5:00 Wrap-Up
This event is open to CNU Illinois members as well as non-members.
Member Pre-registration $15 ($20 at the door)
Non-Member Pre-registration $25 ($30 at the door)
Student Pre-registration $8.50 ($10 at the door)
Pre-registration closes October 22
Online registration has closed
4. Post-conference Happy Hour
at the Berghoff
17 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603
Thursday, October 24
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Several times during the year CNU Illinois hosts Happy Hour events to allow members to meet, interact, and connect on shared interests. The events are casual and the conversation is lively. Experience one of these events for yourself on conference day. Join us at the Berghoff for a taste of Chicago’s history and signature refreshments.This event free and is open to CNU Illinois members as well as non-members. Conference non-attendees are likewise invited to attend.
Registration is required for this event so that the venue can make appropriate accommodations for the size of our group. This is a cash bar event.
Online registration has closed
Registration for lunch has closed
For questions about CNU Illinois 6, please email Charles Renner here
Thanks to Our Sponsors

In Kind Sponsorship Provided by
The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies
