Chicago Pays Billions for Continued Segregation

The Urban Institute and the Metropolitan Planning Council studied the social and economic impacts of segregation in the Chicago region.

1 minute read

April 10, 2017, 5:00 AM PDT

By Elana Eden


Chicago Apartments

Alex Ford / Flickr

Racial and economic segregation costs Chicago about $8 billion in annual GDP, according to a report from the Metropolitan Planning Council and the Urban Institute.

The high degree of segregation in Chicago is "not new information" in itself, a researcher told Chicago Tonight. But its effects—as felt in the areas of economic growth, educational attainment, and crime rates—have now been more thoroughly quantified.

For example, the report notes that the Chicago region could earn $4.4 billion more in income if it were only as segregated as the current national median. But without a change in course, even that level of desegregation could take until the year 2070. Researchers at MPC and the Urban Institute will now begin studying potential policy actions that could accelerate that pace.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017 in Chicago Tonight

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog