This isn't completely urban development related, but it is related to chicago being awesome, which I feel is always on-topic in this forum.

I'm just wondering what anyone knows about the Renaissance 2010 program for Chicago schools. I've only heard very vague things about it in passing, and I'm wondering if the big-throbbing-brain here can help me out.

Well, I just pulled up some information shortly after posting this thread, and man, I gotta say, this is just more fuel for my ever burning excitement for chicago. It's almost as if chicago has become a massive social laboratory of the US, especially when considering chicago's venture into mixed-income public housing in addition to this high-stakes venture into school reform and rebuilding.

^That's right. Who cares if Chicago isn't a leader in biotech? A city like Chicago is always active in something and has such a diversified economy that it will always have a place for every kind of industry. It is truly a great city.

And besides, doesn't Chicago have its own small share of new nanotech companies coming along?

^Chicago is a major nanotech hub, possibly the hub. Only problem is whether these companies will survive long enough to become profitable. Nanotech is not big money, yet. Most nanotech companies survive on research grants and speculative investments. In fact, the only piece of nanotech in production are some of the newer Pentium 4 chips from Intel, and even these aren't selling too well.

2020, on the other hand, will probably be a very good year for nanotech. So wait on putting any real money in, unless you don't care if it dissappears.

^^I am not familiar with renaissance 2010. Could some one please give me the update?