Two Perspectives:

Mayor Richard M. Daley and Pamela Strobel, Chair of CCA

What are the keys to a successful public-private partnership?

Mayor Daley
What business wants-and needs-is an administration that's willing to work together for the good of all the people of the City. The City needs engaged business leaders to accomplish its goals. In Chicago, we all understand that each of us-the business community and City Hall-has something to learn from the other, and this is what makes public-private partnerships so successful in Chicago.

Pamela Strobel
Relationships and trust are at the core of any successful business partnership, and public-private partnerships are no different. When we take the time to understand our partners' needs, their concerns, and aspirations, we build the trust that is necessary for successful partnerships.

Why do you think the public-private partnership model has worked in Chicago in particular?

Mayor Daley
Chicago has a long history of public spirit, collaboration, and philanthropy. Our residents have always been passionate about the City and interested in being involved in its growth and prosperity.

Pamela Strobel
Business and government have always worked hand-in-hand in Chicago. There is a long history of mayoral leadership in fostering collaboration with the business community. Put simply, it's just what you do in Chicago when you are in a leadership position.

In what way has CCA most benefited the city?

Mayor Daley
What stands out most for me is the involvement of CCA (then FRAC) in the transition of the Board of Education-when I assumed responsibility for reforming the 600-plus Chicago Public Schools in 1995. That move was a milestone for Chicago and the nation. When other cities were saying "not my problem," Chicago said, "It is our most important problem, and we will tackle it." By every measure-test scores, graduation rates, attendance, safety, and capital improvements-our schools and our children are doing much better than they were 11 years ago, and FRAC was instrumental in those early years. We are still not satisfied and we're very happy that CCA is still with us, finding ways to improve on the most important thing we do-educating our young people.

Pamela Strobel
FRAC's initial work on the City budget-work that helped to close a projected $250 million deficit-and our involvement in the CHA Plan for Transformation stand out in my mind as notable successes. The Plan for Transformation was, itself, a massive public-private partnership, and we are proud that FRAC had a role in this unprecedented project that is improving the lives of tens of thousands of citizens and has radically altered the City's approach to public housing.

What is your hope for the next 20 years of partnership between CCA and the City?

Mayor Daley
My hope is that CCA will continue to be a partner in change, and that both CCA and the private-sector leaders in Chicago will help us continue to make Chicago an even greater city.

Pamela Strobel
First and foremost, I hope CCA will continue to help solve some of our City's most difficult challenges, be they financial, organizational, or strategic. As more private-sector leaders learn about CCA's achievements, my hoe is also that others are inspired to join forces with us in this exciting partnership. I am confident that CCA will continue to be a great example of civic commitment, corporate responsibility and change.