The Calumet Collaborative catalyzes innovative partnerships between Illinois and Indiana community, government, business and nonprofit stakeholders to advance a thriving Calumet region through sustainable development. The Calumet region is bi-state, spanning southeast Chicago, south Cook County and northwest Indiana, and boasts proud and diverse communities, important natural ecosystems, and a powerful industrial heritage. It’s a region that struggles with social equity, economic prosperity, and environmental restoration and justice issues. Calumet Collaborative’s vision is to advance a thriving Calumet region through transformative sustainable development, with collaboration and collective action. Calumet Collaborative aims to achieve inclusive regional prosperity and improve quality of life by engaging diverse stakeholders in on-the-ground work that integrates community, economic, and environmental values. Calumet Collaborative exists to catalyze equitable sustainable development in the Calumet region. The Collaborative serves as a bridge builder—across geographies, sectors, and issues—to convene, facilitate, and accelerate sustainable development efforts. It also serves as an inclusive conduit for community voice in regionally-significant, decision-making processes to ensure tangible, transformative impact is realized by, with, and for all. The Calumet Collaborative convenes workgroups on initiatives related to these 4 areas: 1) Economic Opportunity, that will advance a world-class, inclusive economy that builds on the region’s industrial heritage while cultivating innovation and resource efficiency, 2) Livable Communities, that support places and identify opportunities that connect people to where they live, work and play, 3) Culture and Heritage, to celebrate the Calumet’s proud heritage and elevate its vibrant cultural scene, and 4) Environment, to restore, protect and connect natural areas and improve the quality of land, air and water.
