The fall 2023 field trip took us to Chicago to visit the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). CMAP is a regional planning agency responsible for developing both short-run and long-run strategies covering transportation, housing, economic development, climate change, and quality of life for the seven counties comprising the Chicago Metropolitan Area. CMAP discussed a variety of plans on which they are currently working. They explained the steps involved in designing a plan, including data collection and data analysis. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to see how the tools and techniques they learn in the classroom are applied in the process of policy design. Following the presentations, the MSPE students were treated to a guided tour of the Old Post Office Building located at 433 West Buren Street, which was recently renovated and now houses the CMAP as well as a number of other businesses such as Uber.