About 140,000 acres of the Chicago region’s agricultural and natural lands were developed between 2001-15.

What does this trend mean for the future of the Chicago region? Can we afford to continue to urbanize? Should we?

Join the conversation with “Development at the Edge: The Future of Regional Urbanization” from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, at the terminus of the terminus of the Metra BNSF line that runs from Chicago’s Union Station. The event is hosted by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

“We want to be sure reach Kane County residents about this upcoming discussion of suburbanization in our region,” said CMAP Outreach Prinicipal Jane Grover.

As the region continues to grow and population shifts away from the core, there can be both costs and benefits of urbanization. More housing, jobs and economic activity can come from a growing region, but so can changes in environmental quality, rural character, and investment in older communities, in addition to the costs of providing more services and infrastructure.

Panelists include Chuck Marohn, founder and president of Strong Towns, Collate English Dixon, Managing Principal, Libra Investments Group, LLC., and Curt Paddock, director of the Will County Land Use Development, as well as moderator Carolyn Schofield, McHenry County Board and CMAP Board member. Registration at this ON TO 2050 Big Ideas Forum is free.

Subscribe to the CMAP Weekly Update or go to cmap.illinois.gov for more information about forums and other ways to get involved in the development of ON TO 2050.