SALON CONVERSATION

Our Region, Our Future:

Plans to Cultivate a Resilient, World-Class Region that Serves All

April 23, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

The Salon is a members-only event.

What better way to cut through the noise and uncertainty than by focusing on opportunities for a stronger future through a kitchen table conversation with fellow LAI members? We invite you to join an intimate salon gathering at a member’s home, to connect over food, drink, and conversation. Salon discussions will explore the Chicago region’s assets and opportunities for building a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future. From the future of transit and the role of quantum technology to the importance of community cohesion, each salon will be shaped by its participants’ insights and perspectives.

A beloved exclusive event, the Salon is a curated conversation that takes place in a member’s home – with ample food and wine, of course. 

Salon locations will fill up on a first come, first served basis. Locations include:

• Bucktown Neighborhood (Chicago)
• Budlong Woods Neighborhood (Chicago)
• Downtown - Museum Campus (Chicago)
• Fulton River District (Chicago)
• South Loop (Chicago)
• Loop (Chicago)
• Western Springs, IL

Here are some resources to help you prepare for your Salon conversations:  

• BUILDING COMMUNITY: https://www.blacksingreen.org/our-approach 

• READ: Here's how Chicago can reinvigorate its reputation | Crain's Chicago Business Chicago can rebuild its reputation by leveraging its affordable living, educated workforce, cultural richness, and diverse economy. Addressing public safety and economic disparities through collaboration between leaders and businesses is essential to enhance its global standing. 

• READ: https://thetriibe.com/2025/02/north-lawndale-residents-are-hopeful-about-mayor-johnsons-missing-middle-housing-development-plan/  North Lawndale residents are hopeful about Mayor Johnson's "Missing Middle" housing plan, funded by a $1.25 billion bond, to build affordable housing on vacant lots without displacing current residents. The project aims to revitalize the West and South Sides with 100 new units expected to break ground by May.  

• READ: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/regional-transportation-authority-fiscal-cliff/ Chicago's public transit faces a $770 million deficit as federal COVID-19 funds run out. The RTA proposes consolidating CTA, Metra, and Pace, increasing fares by 10%, and seeking $1.5 billion in state funding to stabilize the system.  

• READ: Chicago region designated U.S. Tech Hub for quantum technologies by Biden-Harris administration | University of Chicago News Chicago was named a U.S. Tech Hub for quantum technologies by the Biden-Harris administration, enabling access to federal funding to boost quantum research, jobs, and an inclusive workforce. 

• READ: https://apnews.com/article/trump-chicago-transit-infrastructure-grant-roseland-7ff01930f390300db86877428c37bf89 Chicago's far South Side will get $1.9 billion to extend the CTA Red Line, adding four stations to boost access and local economies. Residents are cautiously optimistic amid concerns about potential funding changes under the Trump administration. 

• READ: https://worldbusinesschicago.com/allnews/city-of-chicago-cook-county-six-chicagoland-counties-announce-first-ever-regional-partnership-for-economic-development/ Chicago, Cook County, and six neighboring counties have launched the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership to boost regional growth. Backed by $1 million from each partner for a three-year pilot, the initiative aims to attract businesses, promote equity, and leverage the region’s infrastructure and talent. World Business Chicago will manage the partnership to strengthen Chicagoland’s competitiveness globally. 

• (Transit Fiscal Cliff) WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJSFSyD9juU  

• (Climate) WATCH: The impact climate change has on The Great Lakes  

• (Neighborhood Planning) LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6hsvyY8e1pobJ9ksltnOsR?si=jJmtahPQSZi25lemxcXibA  

• (Quantum Computing) LISTEN: https://chicago.citycast.fm/podcasts/why-quantum-computing-is-coming-to-south-chicago  

EVENT POLICIES

MEMBER SUPPORT FUND

The LAI Chicago Region Chapter Member Support Fund is available to members who serve nonprofit organizations, public agencies, academic institutions, or those who in a professional employment transition to help offset the cost of attendance at chapter events and membership dues. The goal of the fund is to make Chapter events and activities more accessible and encourage attendance and engagement. In some instances, guests of members may also be eligible to receive these funds.