Millennium City: Richard M. Daley & Global Chicago

Council Wars

In the 1980s, the "Council Wars" dominated city politics and highlighted racial divisions in Chicago. They pitted a majority all-white bloc of aldermen against the city's first black mayor, Harold Washington. The bloc made what struck many observers as explicitly racist appeals while it frustrated Washington's ability to implement his policies. The council wars ended after federal courts mandated redistricting and special elections in several wards, giving Washington a working majority in the council. Washington won reelection in 1987, but passed away unexpectedly later that year.

David Axelrod, a political consultant to Washington and, later, to Mayor Richard M. Daley, discusses the Council Wars and Washington's career:

Reflections on the council wars

Marilyn Katz, public relations consultant to Mayor Daley:
Helen Shiller, 46th ward alderman (1987-2011):

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