A Livable City
Mayor Richard M. Daley sought to make Chicago a well-functioning, “livable” city. He sought to improve the delivery of basic services and fix eyesores. He took measures to improve housing. He promoted reforms in public schools and the city parks, and he embarked on programs to beautify the city and create cultural attractions.
Forrest Claypool, Mayor Daley’s chief of staff (1989-1991 and 1998-1999), explains why making Chicago “livable” was important:
Cultural and entertainment venues
Mayor Daley committed himself to strengthening many of Chicago’s cultural and entertainment venues. While one reason for this commitment was to attract tourists, another reason was to enhance the lives of Chicagoans.
[img: Mayor Richard M. Daley poses with a visitor to Buckingham Fountain at the 75th anniversary of the fountain, April 13, 2002. Richard M. Daley papers, University of Illinois at Chicago Library. EXH_RMD16_07_0229_0015_001]
The mayor had Lake Shore Drive rerouted so as to Chicago’s museum campus--the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium--more tightly together.
David Mosena, the transformation of lake shore drive and the museum campus.
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[img: Mayor Richard M. Daley tours Chicago's museum campus, November 18, 1996. Richard M. Daley papers, University of Illinois at Chicago Library. EXH_RMD16_07_0144_0012_002_012-Edit.]
Another major attraction was Navy Pier. John W. Rogers, CEO of Ariel Investments, discusses its transformation under Mayor Daley’s stewardship:
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[img: RMD at Navy pier] [note: Dan needs to send to Ian]