Commentary and Analysis

The decline of Chicago's central business corridor has made the future of downtown foot traffic and storefronts uncertain. Following models from international peers, Chicago may find that reinvesting in pedestrian malls is an effective path for urban revitalization.

The Kyrgyz community in Chicagoland is small, but its economic footprint is expanding. New Kyrgyz businesses in the service industry, logistics, and shipping are bridging Illinois and Central Asia.

Americans fleeing climate-change driven droughts, fires and floods will exceed the Great Migration. Better policies will produce a stronger and healthier city.

How would you explain Chicago’s business culture to folks who have never been to the U.S.? Here’s how one expert does it.

Exporting comedy, though, is not without its risks.

China's Belt and Road Initiative serves as a sweeping urbanization project that aims to draw the world closer to Chinese markets and political influence.

Chicago recently launched a citywide composting initiative to divert food waste from landfills and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions — something other global cities have been tackling for years.

Ever wondered why quick fixes often lead to dead ends? On Deep Dish, we dive into 'The Slow Lane' with social change expert Sascha Haselmayer.

When applied to water management systems, smart city solutions only reinforce existing processes while making transformative change seem unnecessary.

Integrating migrant children and their parents into local schools also integrates them into the local economy.