In 1955 State Representative Paul J. Randolph, a Republican from Chicago, served as chair of a commission to study the problems resulting from the lack of coordination in rapid metropolitan growth after World War II. The resulting report, published in 1957, found that existing fragmented local governments were ill-equipped on their own to meet region's needs with regard to water supply, sewage, and other elements of infrastructure. Upon completion of the report Randolph sponsored a bill creating the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission.

Editor: Leverett S. Lyon
Source: Chicago Historical Society (ICHi-37954)