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Both fiscal year 1999 and 2000 have been very successful for the Council—fiscally as well as organizationally. We have made great progress in developing our board, improving our products and services, maintaining a successful fiscal policy, expanding our programs, and staying true to our mission.
During the last four years, in particular, the Council has reshaped itself as a civic organization that is not apprehensive about taking on the tough issues. When I became Council Chairman in 1996, we had a challenging deficit, sagging programs, and modest products. But we also had a committed board that strongly believed in the mission of the Council to work with all sectors to develop policy recommendations that improve the quality of life for those who live, work, or play in the city of Chicago.
Together, along with the fierce determination of our president, Lu Bailey, the Council has survived the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and is now ready to take on the millennium. As I reflect on the end of my term as chairman, I can honestly say that I am leaving the Council in better shape than when I began my term as chairman. Is the Council better off today than it was four years ago? You bet. And, let me tell you why.
We have created a strong research program through our juvenile justice initiative. Our recent survey, Youth Crime in Chicago: Attitudes, Perceptions and Public Policy is the largest, most comprehensive study conducted in recent years on how residents of Chicago feel about juvenile crime in their communities and their attitudes toward the juvenile justice system. This survey is being used to help guide our efforts in working with communities throughout Chicago to more effectively deal with juvenile crime and prevention.
One City magazine has become an expert-driven, urban affairs publication that is utilized by policy-makers, community advocates, the media, and academicians.
We bolstered our fundraising efforts with the collaboration between the Council and Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers, Inc. Plus, we are expanding our foundation support.
We continue to implement sound fiscal management policies. We have a first class seat on the information highway with our new web site (www.ccua.org). Many thanks to all those who helped shape (and fund) our web site; in particular, Jim and Nicki Puente, who donated their design and implementation services.
And, we have extended our collaboration efforts to include more civic and community-based partners.
Thank you so much for allowing me to lead a unique organization like the Council for the past four years. I urge you all to continue to support the Council's efforts and embrace the new board chair when elected.
I will remain a Council officer and continue to help lead the Council’s research programs. Because of supporters like you, and the leadership of the board, the Council has entered the new millennium with a renewed and expanded commitment to its mission. And, we are eager to continue our efforts as Partners For A Better Chicago.
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Matthew Smith Chair, Board of Directors |
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