Economically Disconnected and Disinvested Areas, Northeastern Illinois

To advance ON TO 2050’s commitment to inclusive growth, CMAP has defined Economically Disconnected and Disinvested Areas within the region. Economically Disconnected Areas (EDAs) identify areas with concentrations of both low-income households and population of color or limited English proficiency population; approximately one-third of the region’s population lives in EDAs. Disinvested Areas (DAs) outline primarily nonresidential places with long-term declines in employment and other markers of commercial market weakness. Together, EDA and DA communities experience a persistent, long-term lack of market investment, leading to declining property values, taxes, employment, and, frequently, population. Disinvestment often constrains the ability of any individual community to respond effectively to these losses, and high tax rates and low market potential limit private investment. For these reasons, these geographies should be examined both separately and together. While some policy solutions will be common to both geographies, other solutions may be unique to each geography. More information can be found on CMAP's Economically Disconnected and Disinvested Areas webpage. Data sources are detailed in the methodology documents linked below: EDA Methodology Disinvested Areas Methodology Inclusive Growth Strategy Paper Reinvestment and Infill Strategy Paper