Neighborhood anchors
Mayor Daley promoted neighborhood "anchors." Anchors could be major retailers, library branches, or government offices. They attracted customers and visitors, encouraged smaller businesses to set up shop nearby, and generally created spaces favorable for community growth.
Jackie Heard, Daley’s press secretary (1997-2011), discusses the importance of “anchors” strategy:
img: [Image of Mayor Richard M. Daley cuts a ribbon to celebrate the opening of a Menards store at 4600 W. Diversey Avenue in the 31st ward., November 3, 1994. Richard M. Daley papers, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, EXH_RMD16_07_0124_0001_001_025]
Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments in Chicago, explains how library branches served as anchors.
img: [Mayor Richard M. Daley enters the Chicago Public Library Thurgood Marshall branch on its opening day, July 23, 1994. Richard M. Daley papers, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, EXH_RMD16_07_0120_0020_002_026A]