Chicago in the COVID Era: Mayor Lightfoot and Two Controversial Developments

Chicago in the COVID Era: Mayor Lightfoot and Two Controversial Developments

This paper examines how the Coronavirus pandemic in tandem with racial injustice has impacted Chicago through its government structures, finances, and new developments, and how the city’s mayor, Lori Lightfoot, has taken on a bigger role. In particular, I examine Lightfoot’s short tenure as mayor and reflect on her actions in general and in response to COVID-19. In addition, I discuss how the pandemic has created uncertainties surrounding Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds and two controversial TIF megaprojects—Lincoln Yards and The 78. Ultimately, I hope to highlight important criticisms of city management that many residents expressed during an unprecedented time of chaos in Chicago, and I reflect on how we might look back on this period of time years into the future.

Karson Hegrenes '22

05-07-2021

English