Peter Skosey

MUPP 1993

Metropolitan Planning Council

Executive Vice President

 

Can you describe your work and how your planning degree contributes to it?

 

At the Metropolitan Planning Council we tackle the region's thorniest policy challenges by conducting our own research, developing policy recommendations and advocating for change at all levels of government. We partner with business, government and community for each effort we engage in. My MUPP degree prepared me well for the collaborative, research based work that MPC does.

 

What do you like most about your current job or related work in planning?

 

I get most excited about the nexus of policy and politics in the region. As if the policy challenges weren't difficult enough, layering on the various local and regional political components makes for 3D problem solving! While dealing with politicians can get frustrating at times, its always important to remember that the people elected them to be their leader and voice.

 

What advice do you wish you had gotten as a MUPP or, conversely, what advice would you give to young planners today?

 

Take the most advantage of Chicago as a living laboratory during your time at UIC. This is one of the greatest cities in the world. If you expect to remain here and work after graduation then you absolutely have to intern in one of the local organizations (MPC is the best by the way) and take every advantage of the networks available to students across the city.