Our region’s communities From the Chicago region’s edge to the lake shore, residents desire vibrant communities. ON TO 2050 emphasizes preserving high quality lands and implementing sustainable development that preserves natural assets and reduces long-term costs. All seven counties have some communities that, while rich with assets, have seen long-term disinvestment. These areas require focused and catalytic investment as well as assistance that will build their ability to improve their residents’ quality of life. Vibrant communities attract investment and contribute to regional resilience. Enhancing walkability increases market potential and supports both cost-effective transit service and non-motorized transportation like biking, improving public health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Creating and sustaining vibrant communities can help the region compete and thrive, offering residents and businesses many choices for where to live and work. Local decisions about planning for and regulating development, combined with county and state tax policy, affects transportation costs, commutes, and the ability of some local governments to pay for desired services. At the same time, as they pursue redevelopment opportunities, communities should improve natural resources, employ sustainable building and greening practices, and account for the needs of the most vulnerable residents and areas. Creating and sustaining vibrant communities can help the region compete and thrive, offering residents and businesses many choices for where to live and work.