Mission Statement

The Caucus provides a forum through which the chief elected officials of the region cooperatively develop consensus on common public policy issues and multi-jurisdictional challenges. With a foundation of collaboration and consensus-based decision-making, it serves a number of functions for its partner organizations and local governments:

  • The Mayors Caucus is a voice for regional approaches to issues and challenges, such as: economic development, school funding and tax reform, workforce readiness, energy reliability and security, air quality, funding for transportation and other infrastructure, housing, and emergency preparedness.
  • The Caucus cooperates with leaders and agencies from the private, non-profit, and public sectors that seek to work toward the common goal of improving the well being of all who live in the region.
  • The Caucus provides a forum for the discussion and resolution of issues that impact the overall quality of life in the region.
  • The Mayors Caucus develops consensus positions on a broad range of key issues facing the Chicago region and is a strong advocate for their adoption at the federal, state, and local levels of government.

Caucus History

The Chicago region has some strong traditions. One of these is the tradition of independence frequently defined by our political and geographical boundaries. While independent voices and thinking are needed for a clear and fair perspective on issues, any region should embrace a grander vision that seeks value for many, not just a few. This was the “grand plan” of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley when he recognized the need several years ago for a new spirit of cooperation among the municipalities and regional municipal associations in the metropolitan Chicago region.

Mayor Daley’s vision was to unite Mayors from our six-county region. He wanted to push past geographical boundaries and local interests to work on economic challenges and other public policy issues that could impact the lives of millions of people in our 272 municipalities. His vision became reality. On December 2, 1997, Mayor Daley convened a meeting of Mayors representing nine suburban municipal associations. Initially called the Economic Development Forum, the event made history: it was first time that Mayors from all over the Chicago area had ever met together to share concerns and work toward resolution of common challenges.

This five-hour planning session began it all. The Mayors emerged with a strategy to establish the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus as a forum to foster regional cooperation. They pledged to work toward the common goal of improving the quality of life for all those in the greater metropolitan area. The Mayors also agreed to meet again to identify other vital issues for discussion and ways that they, as elected officials of their communities, could enhance partnerships with other government, business, and civic leaders. The Caucus: a forum for discussion and a force for change had been launched.