Chicago waterfront ...

The presentation on the Chicago waterfront was given by Michelle Woods, Project Manager for the Chicago Department of Transportation's Division of Engineering. 

With reference to a number of projects, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park and the Michigan Avenue to State Street path, Michelle detailed the nature of the public-private sector collaboration - including public private partnerships and TIFS (Tax Incremental Funding Schemes) and other schemes - which have helped drive forward the regeneration of the Chicago waterfront.

Biography

Michelle Woods is a Project Manager for the Chicago Department of Transportation's Division of Engineering.  In her position as Project Coordinator for the Wacker Drive Reconstruction project, she will work directly with the impacted communities to minimize disruption of construction and act as a liaison between the buildings and the construction team. 

In addition, Michelle oversees funding, budgeting, planning and construction aspects of large scale bridge and infrastructure projects, including the $5 million Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial located along historic Wacker Drive between Wabash and State.  In 2009, she was responsible for $40 million in projects in construction: the Solidarity Drive lakefront trail underpass within the City’s Museum campus and the Riverwalk at both Michigan and Wabash.  She is continuing the design for the remainder of Chicago Riverwalk which will eventually allow for uninterrupted access along the Chicago River all the way to Lake Street.  She is the point person for CDOT on River related issues and works with other government agencies to insure the most appropriate future planning and preservation of Chicago’s Second Shore.

Ms. Woods has more than 17 years of experience in municipal government.  After graduating from De Paul University with a degree in Urban Studies and French she began her career in public service.