Oh Chicago, why can’t you be more like Houston (pictured)? Of the 20 most populated metros in the US, the Texas town ranked No. 1 in population growth from 2010 to 2013, while Chicago was down in 18th place (with a growth rate of about 20,000 people annually) and its slow growth rate (.22%) is expected to continue over the next 15 years, the Metropolitan Planning Council writes. While we’re strong on small-business jobs, tech startups, top-tier talent (140,000 graduates/year) and No. 1 as a freight hub, Chicago could benefit hugely from a growth rate comparable to the top 20 metros’ average. We’d gain, yearly: 75,000 new residents, $4.2B of personal income and $271M in state and local tax funds, the MPC reports. How we get there: Cut down on the terrible commute times and traffic, improve access to public transit and offer opportunities for economic and social advancement to all, they say.