1. 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 Practices Annual Policy Seminar, October 10, 2004

2. 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.

3. Opportunity Returns Regional 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.

4. 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.

5. Opportunity Returns’ Approach Guiding PrinciplesKey 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.

6. Strategies for Creating and Retaining Jobs Strengthen Education & Job Training Capitalize on Existing Assets Support Manufacturing Excellence Support Entrepreneurs & Small Business Expand Infrastructure & Connectivity

7. 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.

8. Open Road Tolling

9. 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

10. Supporting Quality Growth in 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.