For immediate release

Randy Blankenhorn selected to direct staff of the new Regional Planning Board

CHICAGO, April 12, 2006 -- The Regional Planning Board (RPB) today named Randy Blankenhorn as executive director to lead its efforts in comprehensive planning for land use and transportation in northeastern Illinois.  He will report to the board while overseeing daily operations of an 80-person planning staff.

"I am extremely pleased with the board's selection of Randy Blankenhorn as our first executive director," said Gerald Bennett, chair of the RPB and mayor of Palos Hills. "The RPB represents seven counties with 279 municipalities and 8 million residents.  Our planning mission encompasses a broad range of issues -- transportation, natural resources, the environment, housing, open space and economic development -- that are critical to the livability of our communities.  Randy will bring his extremely varied background to bear on each of these important planning topics, to the benefit of northeastern Illinois as a whole."

The board was formed in October 2005 by consensus among the region's mayors and county board chairs, whose support helped the Regional Planning Act pass unanimously in both houses of the Illinois General Assembly before Governor Blagojevich signed it into law.  Organizations including Metropolis 2020, the Center for Neighborhood Technology, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and the Metropolitan Planning Council have strongly advocated creation of the RPB.  In 2004, a task force chaired by then-Congressman William Lipinski had recommended a merger of the Chicago Area Transportation Study (CATS) and Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC), whose staffs are now being merged by the RPB.

"This board will provide a clear and unified vision for the region's future," Blankenhorn said.  "The talented technical staffs and other CATS and NIPC assets will combine to articulate that vision through plans that will enhance our communities' prosperity.  The Regional Planning Board is uniquely positioned to speak with one voice -- not only on transportation, but also on issues such as air and water resources, open lands and economic development."

For example, federal legislation passed in 2005 to govern transportation planning calls for increased emphasis on environmental factors.  According to Blankenhorn, formation of the RPB has positioned northeastern Illinois to be among the leaders nationally in this area.  He and Bennett also cited the need for coordinated planning at the regional and local levels to ensure an adequate water supply in coming decades.

"The selection of an executive director is a significant step for the Regional Planning Board," said Richard M. Daley, mayor of the City of Chicago. "The region should certainly benefit from Randy's experience, combined with the board's continued commitment to integrated land use and transportation.  The City of Chicago is committed to this regional approach and looks forward to continued cooperation with the RPB."

Blankenhorn has been working as Urban Program Planning bureau chief for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), where he has been employed since 1984.  For IDOT, he has been responsible for metropolitan planning and programming, which includes airport, public transit and railroad capital programs, regional air quality and environmental planning, deployment of Geographic Information Systems and other technology, and coordination of state and federal transportation plans and programs.

“Randy Blankenhorn’s strong leadership and planning skills make him a perfect candidate for this very important job,” said Robert J. Schillerstrom, chairman of the DuPage County Board.  “The Regional Planning Board was created due to widespread belief that our counties and municipal governments should work collaboratively to accommodate growth from a projected 2 million additional residents by 2030.  I look forward to partnering with Chairman Bennett, the board and Randy on these important land-use and transportation issues that affect both DuPage County and the region as a whole.”

The Regional Planning Board (http://www.rpbchicago.org) consists of 15 members appointed by the region's mayors and county board chairs, plus two non-voting members representing CATS and NIPC.  In September 2006, the RPB will report to the General Assembly with recommendations on a permanent structure and funding for the board. The RPB is in the process of forming a Citizens' Advisory Committee, which is intended to give residents a voice in the board's planning policies and activities. 

--END--

Media Contact:
Tom Garritano (312-386-8609 or tgarritano@rpbchicago.org)