Planning for Manufacturing

Abstract

Traces the evolution of Chicago economic development planning from the Central Business District (loop) -serving orientation under the Richard J. Daley “machine” regime to a neighborhood oriented “local producer strategy” established under progressive mayor Harold Washington. Shows institutionalization as Washington’s planners cultivated a neighborhood movement and neighborhood serving local development organizations to enhance the prospects of small manufacturing operations and the retention of industrial jobs for residents. These continued and elaborated into the successor regime of mayor Richard M. Daley, but eventually lost force as the city turned toward neighborhood beautification and other improvements aimed at attracting upscale residential development.