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:
Mayor Daley lauds the opening of a Menards store as an anchor for Chicago's 31st ward:
Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments in Chicago, explains how library branches served as anchors:
