Democratic National Convention Preview
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) take place from Monday, August 19 to Thursday, August 22 in Chicago. Delegates from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories will convene at Chicago’s United Center for nighttime programming and McCormick Place Convention Center for daytime programming to hear Democratic Party leaders speak and outline their plans for the November 5 election. Chicago expects to welcome around 50,000 total visitors to the city for the DNC, including 15,000 members of the media. National conventions are typically used to formally nominate a party’s candidate for president. However, due to uncertainty regarding the ballot deadline in Ohio, Vice President Kamala Harris was officially nominated through a virtual roll call on August 6. Harris and her vice-presidential nominee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will ceremonially accept the Democratic Party nomination during the Convention.
Heightened security measures will see increased police presence and road and pedestrian closures around both the United Center and McCormick Place beginning as soon as Saturday, August 17. Increased traffic is also expected on thoroughfares to the Convention venues as well as highways around the city. As such, the City of Chicago is recommending public transportation as a viable alternative to driving. Chicago’s transit authorities have promised increased service to meet expected demand.
While Walz and Harris are expected to speak on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, President Joe Biden, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton have also reportedly been confirmed as speakers. Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, known for her roles on Veep and Seinfeld, will also host a panel with Democratic Women Governors including Gov. Katie Hobbs, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Gov. Kathy Hochul. Nearly all high-profile Democrat officeholders will be in attendance along with celebrities supporting the Party’s efforts to promote its platform.
DCEO Announces Five-Year Economic Growth Plan
On Monday, August 12, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) unveiled Illinois’ 2024 Economic Growth Plan, a five-year framework to guide the state’s economic development priorities. The plan was developed after a year of research and nearly 30 stakeholder workshops, in conjunction with public and private partners within and outside of Illinois. The Economic Growth Plan highlights four primary goals: (1) focusing on high growth sectors and continuing overall business climate improvements; (2) advancing comprehensive economic development efforts for business growth and attraction; (3) promoting equitable growth by empowering workers, entrepreneurs, and communities; and (4) building out the new clean energy economy.
To achieve the first goal of focusing on high growth sectors, the framework specially highlights six priority areas: (1) life sciences; (2) quantum computing, AI, and microelectronics; (3) clean energy production and manufacturing; (4) advanced manufacturing; (5) next generation agriculture and agricultural technology; and (6) transportation, distribution, and logistics. These top priority sectors will be stimulated via targeted marketing, hiring sector specialists, increased capital investment, and developing sector-specific job training and curricula in partnership with workforce professionals, according to the growth plan.
DCEO aims to achieve the second objective of advancing economic development for business growth and attraction by providing increased assistance and resources to firms looking to relocate to Illinois. This increased assistance will primarily focus on site readiness, workforce development, increasing coordination incentives, and promoting vibrant R&D.
The third goal of promoting equitable growth will be achieved by increasing access to workforce education, amplifying capital opportunities, and optimizing grant and loan processes to ensure equal access to workers, communities, and entrepreneurs statewide.
The fourth and final goal of building out Illinois’ clean energy economy will continue the targets and goals established under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), leverage federal funding to accelerate the deployment of carbon free technology, and attract clean energy job creators to the state’s economy.
The Economic Growth Plan will leverage Illinois’ strategic economic advantages, such as being home to the City of Chicago, its strategic location in the middle of the country, access to fresh water, fertile farmland, abundant clean energy, a talented workforce, and world-class research universities. Beyond this base, the five-year plan outlines several policies that will be implemented to achieve the plan’s four key objectives.
- Investing in a competitive slate of sites across Illinois.
- Creating additional Manufacturing Training Academies and building out the Fast Track Program to provide increased customized job training.
- Doubling the size of DCEO’s Regional Economic Development Team (Team RED).
- Identifying new sources of private capital.
- Providing more authority to regional development authorities (RDAs) to create noncontiguous Enterprise Zones.
- Establishing an Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit and extending the R&D Tax Credit.
- Aggressive marketing to the international business community to highlight Illinois’ potential as a location for investment.
- Further supporting the Illinois Innovation Network.
- Continuing the Innovation Voucher Program.
- Building a new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park.
- Partnering with energy stakeholders through federal opportunities to stimulate the usage of carbon-free electricity and transportation infrastructure.
- Providing workforce development partners and small businesses in underserved communities the resources they need to be full participants in the clean energy economy.
DCEO also plans to formalize the process through which “Team Illinois” goes about courting new business developments. Team Illinois currently operates as an informal coalition of Illinois business groups and government officials lobbying companies to locate or expand in the state. Stakeholders include DCEO, Intersect Illinois, the Governor’s Office, various trade associations, and public utilities. Additionally, the plan aims to uplift Illinois’ underserved communities by coordinating existing educational and workforce development programs and curb the negative effects of disinvestment within those areas. DCEO is preparing to enact the necessary policy changes over the coming years to achieve the goals and ideas established in its five-year plan.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 5 – 2024 General Election
November 12-14 – Veto Session Week 1
November 19-21 – Veto Session Week 2
In the News
Republican leaders at State Fair push voters to turnout in November – The Daily Line, August 16, 2024
Republicans cannot be complacent about being the minority party in deep blue Illinois and must turn out to vote this November, state party leaders implored voters at the annual Republican Day gathering at the Illinois State Fair on Thursday.
Days of continued licensing delays in Illinois could be coming to an end – State Journal-Register, August 16, 2024
With goals to modernize and streamline an archaic system, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation recently announced it had reached an agreement to secure a new professional online licensing system.
Illinois Republicans see Harris’ polling surge as ‘honeymoon period’ that’s destined to end – Capitol News Illinois, August 15, 2024
Illinois Republicans say they are still as united about the upcoming election as they were at their national convention in Milwaukee last month, despite surge of enthusiasm for the Democrats’ new presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Illinois Senate bill would require gender neutral restrooms remove ‘offensive’ urinals – WCIA, August 15, 2024
The Illinois Senate has amended a gender-neutral restroom bill to require such bathrooms to remove urinals. Illinois has required all single-occupancy bathrooms, defined as a room that can be locked with only one sink, toilet stall, and urinal, in public buildings to be designated for all genders since 2020.
Illinois Democrats provide DNC preview with energetic support of Kamala Harris at Illinois State Fair – Chicago Tribune, August 14, 2024
In a precursor to next week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois Democrats led by Gov. JB Pritzker gathered at the State Fair on Wednesday to extol the energy they say Vice President Kamala Harris has brought to the presidential campaign.
News in briefs: Pritzker on Missouri abortion question; Springfield Race Riot site to be recognized – The Daily Line, August 15, 2024
Gov. JB Pritzker said he will be involved in efforts to expand abortion rights in Missouri. The federal government will recognize the 1908 Springfield Race Riot site on Friday. And former U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos discusses her relationship with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Illinois Sheriffs’ Association condemns violence over elections, political motives – My Stateline, August 14, 2024
The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association shared a letter to the public on Tuesday that condemns violence over election results or political motivations.
Welch says Harris helps down ballot – Politico, August 14, 2024
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is confident that Illinois Democrats can gain more seats in the General Assembly now that Vice President Kamala Harris is leading the ticket.
AI regulation, parking bans near O’Hare among final bills approved by Pritzker – The Daily Line, August 14, 2024
New regulations on artificial intelligence and a law to prevent vehicles from parking on the shoulder near O’Hare International Airport are among the final round of bills approved by Gov. JB Pritzker in 2024.
On eve of DNC, Republicans are gathering in Woodstock for Pro-Trump rally – The Daily Herald, August 13, 2024
Republicans from across the Chicago region and beyond are expected to converge on the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock Sunday for a show of support for former President Donald Trump just before the Democratic National Conventions gets underway in Chicago.
Members of Congress From Illinois See a Presidential Momentum Shift Ahead of a Hometown DNC – WTTW, August 13, 2024
The Democratic National Convention is less than one week away. Vice President Kamala Harris had a whirlwind week in which she formally secured the Democratic nomination and announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. As anticipation builds, Chicagoans wait to see what plans Democrats have for the event. Since President Joe Biden removed himself from the ticket and Harris stepped in, the tone for the Democratic party and the upcoming election has seen a noticeable shift. For Illinois members of the U.S. Congress, that shift will change the tenor of the convention set to hit Chicago.
New Illinois law limiting use of ‘captive audience’ meetings hit with lawsuit – The State Journal-Register, August 13, 2024
Ahead the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Gov. JB Pritzker is touting Illinois as the “most labor-friendly state in the union” after signing legislation backed heavily by organized labor. Now, however, a conservative think tank is taking the state to court in hopes to block its implementation.
Law allows liquor inside Treasurer’s downtown Springfield office for receptions – WAND, August 13, 2024
People will soon be able to enjoy liquor inside an iconic building in downtown Springfield. A new state law has allowed Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs to have liquor delivered, sold, and dispensed at his office in the former Marine Bank Building across from the Old State Capitol.
New Illinois law could increase food accessibility, support farmer-owned stores – WAND, August 13, 2024
A new law will expand the state’s grocery initiative by providing grants for farmer-owned grocery stores and markets.
Prosecutors Ask Court to Reject Effort to Sever Upcoming Racketeering Trials of Michael Madigan, Michael McClain – WTTW, August 13, 2024
Federal prosecutors argued ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime confidant and current co-defendant Michael McClain should not be tried separately later this year, as it would give each man the ability to “blame a missing person.”
Opinion: Illinois creates more budget stress with poorly structured corporate tax breaks – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 13, 2024
When it comes to tax breaks meant to create jobs, Illinois can’t get it right. Administrations Republican and Democratic spend way too much on too few companies. They spend too little on public systems that make a place “sticky” for promising employers. They fail to watch the “candy store” to ensure results. Then they struggle with structural budget deficits.
Illinois State Fair becomes political battleground in pivotal election year – WGN, August 13, 2024
Concerts, rides, animals, foods, and politics are tradition at the Illinois State Fair, and there’s an even bigger turnout during an election year. Days before Democrats descend on Chicago, the party is on in Springfield. On Tuesday night, WGN caught up with Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who was holding a fundraiser at the fair.
Pritzker signs bill allowing digital driver’s licenses, hundreds of others – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 12, 2024
Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday signed a measure designating the “giant puffball” as the state’s mushroom after signing hundreds of bills on Friday, completing action on legislation sent to him by lawmakers this spring.
‘Crisis mode’: Housing providers are being squeezed by rising insurance costs, driving rents up. Unlike other states, Illinois can do little about it. – Chicago Tribune, August 13, 2024
Stuart Handler runs a company that owns and manages 47 properties, with a total of 6,000 apartments throughout the Chicago area. For 2024, the insurance premium on his portfolio of properties increased about 150%, and his deductible climbed from $100,000 to $1 million.
Illinois elections official recognizes loophole in ballot drop box voting – Center Square, August 12, 2024
With early voting just around the corner, an elections official wants to instill confidence in voters around Illinois’ election process.
The government spends millions to open grocery stores in food deserts. The real test is their survival. – Capitol News Illinois, August 9, 2024
Cairo, once a food desert, welcomed its new market last year with balloons and cheers. But the store is struggling — exposing problems with the programs set up to help.
Pritzker signs 270 bills impacting AI, digital driver’s licenses, property taxes – The Center Square, August 9, 2024
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced 270 measures were enacted Friday, ranging from regulations over artificial intelligence, offering digital driver’s licenses and requiring climate change education in public schools.
Pritzker says legislation to increase estate tax threshold still alive – The Center Square, August 9, 2024
Although a bipartisan measure to raise the threshold on estate taxes stalled in the Illinois General Assembly, the legislation may not be dead yet.
Discussing the future of Illinois agriculture with director Jerry Costello II – Illinois Public Media, August 9, 2024
In the past few days, the State Fair got underway for another year. For the first part of today’s show, we will be joined by some of the leading forces behind the fair. Host Brian Mackey attended the fair yesterday to talk with the Illinois Department of Agriculture Director, Jerry Costello II.
Pritzkers throwing big Salt Shed party with John Legend on second day of Dem convention – Chicago Sun Time, August 9, 2024
Invitations to the Aug. 20 Salt Shed concert were sent Friday. Gov. JB Pritzker, who helped bring the convention to Chicago, along with U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, is expected to speak at the convention that day.
Pritzker serves up a cold one, debuts JBeer — two new Chicago craft beers for Democratic convention events – Chicago Sun Times, August 9, 2024
The governor, who is rarely seen with a drink in his hand, walked around Centennial Crafted Beer and Eatery in River North two-fisted — a West Coast IPA by Sketchbook Brewing in one hand and a Mexican-style lager by Alter Brewing in the other.
Why would Illinois Democrats knock on doors in Wisconsin? ‘The election is likely to be decided there.’ – Chicago Sun Times, August 11, 2024
Everyday Illinois Democrats trek up to Wisconsin to ring doorbells and engage voters, when they can find them.
Democrats unveil the stage for next week’s DNC in Chicago – Chicago Tribune, August 15, 2024
One week before Vice President Kamala Harris is set to accept her party’s presidential nomination, Democratic National Convention officials and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson took to the United Center floor Thursday to unveil the stage where Harris will deliver her history-making address.
As the DNC looms, how will Mayor Brandon Johnson sell Chicago — and himself? – Chicago Tribune, August 16, 2024
When Mayor Brandon Johnson steps on stage next week to address the Democratic National Convention, he will have a national spotlight to tell the story of Chicago after a rocky year for his progressive agenda.
Are Chicago cops ready for DNC protesters? Here are four things to watch for. – WBEZ, August 15, 2024
Ahead of next week’s Democratic National Convention, the Chicago Police Department says it’s ready for street protests and won’t be caught off guard like during the 2020 unrest that followed George Floyd’s murder. To see if police are succeeding, here are four things experts recommend keeping an eye on.
City, Coalition to March on the DNC still in discussion over protest details after city denies group ability to use stage, sound equipment at starting point – The Daily Line, August 16, 2024
The coalition of organizations planning to hold mass demonstrations blocks from the United Center during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in solidarity with Palestine and other progressive causes are in final talks with the city to settle outstanding conflicts over the way the coalition is allowed to demonstrate as the convention fast approaches.
Illinois comptroller stops some state payouts to Dolton, threatens fines – Chicago Tribune, August 15, 2024
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said Thursday she is immediately suspending what are called “offset” fund payments to Dolton for the village’s failure to turn over annual financial reports to her office.
Parking meter payoff for NASCAR cost Chicago $600K over two years – Chicago Tribune, August 15, 2024
For NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race, closing roads in and around Grant Park so professional drivers can speed past fans has its costs to residents — police overtime, street fixes, lost park access.
Why the DNC could be a bust for Chicago restaurants – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 16, 2024
An estimated 50,000 out-of-towners will descend on Chicago for the Democratic National Convention starting Monday, but some Chicago restaurants owners are tempering their expectations for the week.
Chicago gets in the DNC mood with a kickoff party at the Hancock – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 14, 2024
To celebrate, the first pep rally and kick-off party was held Aug. 9 at 360 Chicago, the observation deck on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Tower. The party, hosted by Choose Chicago, the Chicago 2024 DNC Host Committee, the city of Chicago and 360 Chicago, drew nearly 200 guests with many dressed in attire that showed off their civic pride.
Mayor Johnson ally raising money from Chicago business leaders for DNC events – Chicago Tribune, August 15, 2024
A top ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson has been hitting up Chicago businesses to contribute to a dark money political organization that is hosting several events next week during the Democratic National Convention, including a luncheon and a showcase Soldier Field event.
CTA Red Line extension price tag jumps as project takes a major step forward – Chicago Tribune, August 15, 2024
The CTA has awarded a construction contract to extend the Red Line south to 130th Street, marking a major step forward in long-running plans to bring train service to Chicago’s Far South Side. The contract also offers a window into how the costs of the massive project are shaping up. The latest estimates put the project at $4.8 billion before financing costs, about $1.16 billion over earlier estimates.
Amtrak to Mayor Brandon Johnson: ‘We have significant concerns’ about Greyhound stop at Union Station – Chicago Sun-Times, August 14, 2024
Amtrak President Roger Harris tells Mayor Brandon Johnson that Union Station, which Amtrak owns, does not have the capacity or money to handle any additional bus riders. He suggested the city move the bus stop to Ogilvie or La Salle Street stations.
Former Cook County prosecutor, two Chicago police officers charged with overtime theft – Chicago Sun-Times, August 14, 2024
A former Cook County prosecutor and two Chicago police officers have been indicted in an investigation of allegedly bogus overtime payments.
Riot Fest is back on at Douglass Park – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 14, 2024
After spurning the Chicago Park District and declaring it was moving to the suburbs, Riot Fest will dwell in its previous abode in Douglass Park.
Alderpeople pushing for ordinance to protect affordable housing on Northwest Side – The Daily Line, August 15, 2024
A group of Northwest Side alderpeople are backing an ordinance that would implement multiple policy changes aimed at preserving affordable two-, three- and four-flats in Hermosa, Logan Square, Avondale, West Town and Humboldt Park.
Homeless hotline won’t restart for a few more weeks – Chicago Sun-Times, August 14, 2024
A call center for the homeless, a critical program that helps some of the city’s most vulnerable people, won’t return for a few more weeks after being shut down at the end of June.
Plan Commission to consider developments in Auburn Gresham, Washington Park and Grand Boulevard; adoption of Englewood land use plan – The Daily Line, August 15, 2024
The Chicago Plan Commission will meet Thursday to consider the adoption of the Englewood Agro-Eco District Land Use Plan, planned developments in Washington Park and Auburn Gresham and a zone change in Grand Boulevard to accommodate a Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) project.
Chicago smashed its fundraising goal for the DNC. Here’s how. – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 14, 2024
When Chicago beat out Atlanta, Houston and New York to host the Democratic National Convention, it meant having to raise more money than any city had ever come up with before for a political convention.
DNC March Coalition appealing denial of longer route for planned demonstrations – The Daily Line, August 14, 2024
The Coalition to March on the Democratic National Convention will appeal a federal judge’s rejection of its request for a longer protest route than the city has offered, and the coalition expects to receive answers to its applications for a parade permit, park use permits and a time slot to use a city-sponsored speaker’s platform to call on the U.S. to end its financial and political support for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
City Street Festivals Are Underestimating Crowds By Tens of Thousands, Endangering Attendees – Block Club Chicago, August 14, 2024
An analysis of city permit data found many street festival producers are submitting permits for crowd sizes significantly lower than what’s being advertised online — but the estimates are used to make safety plans.
The DNC will bring increased police to the CTA, Metra — but no plans for previous stringent measures, for now – Chicago Tribune, August 14, 2024
Public transit riders will see a stepped-up police presence as Chicago prepares for the upcoming Democratic National Convention — but not some of the more stringent security measures that have characterized past political events in the city.
The DNC will flood downtown Chicago with visitors. But will employees go to their offices? – Chicago Tribune, August 14, 2024
Chicago is poised for a rush of visitors from the Democratic National Convention, but many typical downtown office workers will likely be staying home.
Downtown hotels have rooms to fill ahead of DNC – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 13, 2024
Downtown Chicago hotels that were counting on a Democratic National Convention bump in business might need a late surge of reservations to pull it off, based on booking data ahead of next week’s event.
Dolton deputy police Chief Lewis Lacey, an ally of Mayor Tiffany Henyard, indicted on federal bankruptcy fraud charges – Chicago Tribune, August 12, 2024
Dolton police Deputy Chief Lewis Lacey, a strong ally of embattled Mayor Tiffany Henyard, was indicted Monday on federal bankruptcy fraud charges alleging he lied under oath in a scheme to hide assets and income from creditors to avoid paying more than $40,000 in a lawsuit settlement.
Snelling talks summertime violence, DNC preparations at City Club – The Daily Line, August 13, 2024
Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling addressed summertime violence and the Democratic National Convention at City Club of Chicago on Monday.
Decision expected Tuesday in protest permit lawsuit between city, Coalition to March on the DNC – The Daily Line, August 13, 2024
The Coalition to March on the Democratic National Convention expects a federal judge to issue a decision Tuesday in the group’s legal battle with the city to receive a permit for planned demonstrations on Aug. 19 and Aug. 22.
How will CTA handle the Democratic National Convention crowds? ‘I’m very concerned’ – Chicago Tribune, August 13, 2024
The stakes will be high for the CTA and the embattled Carter as an expected tens of thousands of politicians, dignitaries, protesters and media descend on Chicago for the convention and the city looks to put its best foot forward. After years of complaints about lagging transit service, ridership and concerns about personal safety, both real and perceived, whether the transit agency can run buses and trains frequently and reliably during the convention could serve as a test of its ability to adequately serve both visitors and everyday residents looking to get to work and about their daily lives in the city.
Feds want more prison time for former Ald. Ricardo Munoz after DUI arrest – Chicago Sun-Times, August 12, 2024
Munoz was arrested in May after he “slow-rolled” into another car in Berwyn and was found slumped over the wheel of his own car with a half-empty bottle of rum on the front passenger seat, according to a motion filed in federal court on Monday.
Pandemic-era ‘scheme’ to reclaim parking meters may cost city $120.7 million – Chicago Sun-Times, August 12, 2024
The Lightfoot administration reclaimed 4,007 parking spaces during the pandemic, then gave back 2,646 of those spaces to Chicago Parking Meters LLC. Now, an arbitrator has ordered the city to compensate CPM’s private investors for lost revenue.
City Street Festivals Are Underestimating Crowds By Tens of Thousands, Endangering Attendees – Block Club, August 13, 2024
An analysis of city permit data found many street festival producers are submitting permits for crowd sizes significantly lower than what’s being advertised online — but the estimates are used to make safety plans.
Legislators discuss transit system’s impact on quality of life and solutions beyond funding – The Daily Line, August 11, 2024
The Senate Transportation Committee held on Friday the third part of a series of six hearings to discuss potential public transportation reforms ahead of a $730 million projected deficit for fiscal year 2026.
Long-awaited Damen Green Line station opens, serving United Center and housing nearby – Chicago Tribune, August 10, 2024
More than a decade after planning began, a new CTA train station at Damen Avenue and Lake Street on the Green Line began serving passengers Monday.
On eve of DNC, a summit that centers racial equity will bring together elected officials and community leaders – Chicago Tribune, August 10, 2024
The day before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the Journey for Justice Alliance will convene a summit centering racial equity at Insight Hospital and Medical Center on the Near South Side, where community leaders, elected officials and educators will come together to discuss urban policy reform.
DNC cleanup aims to improve Chicago beyond the convention, but also echo 1996 efforts – Chicago Tribune, August 11, 2024
The man leading the city of Chicago’s planning efforts for the Democratic National Convention likes to compare the preparation needed for next week’s political celebration to hosting a house party. And he now has a clear directive: It’s time to cut the grass.
City asking for bids from organizations looking to run grant program to help businesses, nonprofits recover from lingering pandemic effects – The Daily Line, August 12, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced on Friday the issuance a request for proposals to select an organization interested in administering the federally funded Small Business and Not-For-Profit Support Grant Program, which will aim to help businesses and nonprofits hurt by the pandemic.
Parking meter deal violation could cost Chicago over $100 million – Chicago Tribune, August 12, 2024
Chicago’s much-maligned parking meter privatization deal could soon be costing the city even more money. Chicago Parking Meters, the private company with a monopoly on the city’s paid street parking, filed a lawsuit in April asking the court to enforce an arbitration panel’s ruling that determined the city twice shorted the company under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot.