A statewide concern: Illinois’ population decline outpaces neighboring states – Wirepoints on ABC20 Champaign
“We are not in good shape” Wirepoints’ Ted Dabrowski told ABC 20 Champaign during a segment on Illinois’ latest population losses. Illinois was one of just three states to shrink in the 2010-2020 period and has lost another 300,000 people since then. Ted says things need to change. “It’s too expensive to live here, there aren’t enough good jobs and nobody trusts the government anymore. There’s just other places to go where you can be more satisfied.”
That area is economically depressed. I live in Morgan Park not far from the unabated declining shopping corridor. Years ago though it was vibrant. The housing and the business / shopping climate have taken an enormous downward toll. Pouring millions into that four block interior at this time or near future may prove unfruitful. There are a few clusters of middle – upper middle class, albeit, that group presently does not shop in the quadrant. Overall, the area is sweltering in low income sphere and crime. A robust comeback would be great but risky.