Bike infrastructure is (IMO) the best you will get from a midwest metropolis. Many parts of the city have designated bike lanes, lots of those DIY bike rental kiosks in the bougier parts, bike racks by social hotspots etc. Public transportation is above average as well (buses, trains, the L, etc.)
As far as local activists goes the Teacher's Union is still on of the strongest non-pig unions in the country, but as far as local orgs my only real direct experience is a pair of cliquish marxist reading groups before moving around so I am not a good source for this question.
E: To be clear this is in answer to your questions, I won't make any strong endorsement to take the job and move knowing nothing about your situation.
Illinois is pretty cool. safe abortion and trans state as far as i know. Also weeds legal here.
I'd amend to say Chicago-land, anything outside of the suburban ring may as well be Indiana or Iowa
Been mulling over a job offer in Chicago, how's the bike infrastructure/local activists (in general, non identifiable terms obv)
Bike infrastructure is (IMO) the best you will get from a midwest metropolis. Many parts of the city have designated bike lanes, lots of those DIY bike rental kiosks in the bougier parts, bike racks by social hotspots etc. Public transportation is above average as well (buses, trains, the L, etc.)
As far as local activists goes the Teacher's Union is still on of the strongest non-pig unions in the country, but as far as local orgs my only real direct experience is a pair of cliquish marxist reading groups before moving around so I am not a good source for this question.
E: To be clear this is in answer to your questions, I won't make any strong endorsement to take the job and move knowing nothing about your situation.
The state of chicago and it's outlying minor counties.