The Chicago Response to Urban Problems

University-community relationships are sometimes marked by division and hostility. Key problems in the relationship include the assumed objectivity of the academy and the real estate interests of universities. The history and description of these relationships in Chicago indicates that there are other historical trends that have led to fruitful partnerships, including the strength and diversity of community groups and change and diversity in university students and personnel. This article uses the examples of the UIC Neighborhoods Initiative at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Policy Research Action Group to show how strong, viable collaborations can occur. Their experiences point to a new research model and some key lessons learned on how to use collaborative partnerships to enhance the way society deals with today's urban problems.