Millennium City: Richard M. Daley & Global Chicago

Olympics 2016


Mayoral staffer Dan Gibbons took these handwritten notes in preparation for the city’s Olympic bid. The mayor’s office envisioned broad impacts that the event could have on Chicago. They discussed areas ranging from theatres and nightlife, to transit, neighborhood parks, and even the image of city in the eyes of the world. Note the words “Global Chicago” in the margin at the bottom of the page next to the heading “Legacy.”




Lori Healey explains that the city sought support from broad groups of Chicagoans while planning for the Olympics. They were particularly successful in courting the business community to help fund the bid using public-private partnerships.



After Chicago was selected as a candidate city, Mayor Daley invited residents to a citywide celebration held in Daley Plaza.

A city plan shows the locations where Olympic events would take place. This version of the plan called for the city to build a temporary stadium in Washington Park.


Although the 2016 Olympics were ultimately held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil the “Global Chicago” legacy eyed by the city from the early stages of the planning process was still an important outcome.

Lori Healey explains that the visits from the International Olympic Committee were a key part of the city’s efforts to elevate Chicago on the international stage.





Andy McKenna comments on the legacy of the 2016 Olympic bid.

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