As the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning sees it, Chicago in 2040 will no longer be battling its suburban neighbors for growth and prosperity opportunities.

Instead, the city will be part of a super-region competing with areas like China and Brazil. Two million more people will probably be crammed into the area, and Chicago may be served by a new, huge transportation hub in the West Loop with high-speed trains and other new transportation ideas.

If all goes according to the agency’s “Go to 2040” plan, the Chicago area 30 years from now will have a different look and feel. But much of the plan’s momentum and vision might seem familiar, thanks in large part to Daniel Burnham, Chicago’s original über-planner.

His influence is on display, both in the strategy the planning agency has put together for the city’s future, and literally — in the shrine-like glass display case in its office reception area, which holds a well-thumbed and slightly faded copy of Mr. Burnham’s 101-year-old “Plan of Chicago.”