Megalopolis

French geographer Jean Gottmann predicted the development of megalopolises in the U.S., with one of those being Chipitts (Chicago to Pittsburgh). The Great Lakes Megalopolis includes metropolitan areas within the Midwest that surround the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Region is one of the world's largest economies. The Great Lakes contain one-fifth of the world's surface fresh water and tons of cargo is shipped through through the Great Lakes each year. Tourism is an important source of economic growth in and around the Great Lakes. 


The Chicago-Naperville-Michigan City, IL-IN-WI Combined Statistical Area (CSA) combines the metropolitan areas of Chicago, Michigan City (in Indiana), and Kankakee (in Illinois).  The metropolitan Chicago population (CSA) is over 9.8 million people.


Information Retrieved from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_metropolitan_area#cite_note-csa_pop-1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Lakes_Megalopolis
http://www.census.gov/




Chicago seeks to continue its growth and economic expansion. Chicago Metropolis 2020 is a business-backed civic organization that seeks to  promote growth in the region. It strives to create public awareness on issues such as the city's land use and transportation policies. Their vision is that the region's governments, businesses, and residents work together to make the region attractive and economically competitive 10, 50, and 100 years from now.


Information Retrieved from:
http://www.chicagometropolis2020.org/