New Chicago Way: Lessons from Other Big Cities

Chicago is known for its violence, police abuse, population decline, and mounting municipal and pension debt. Ed Bachrach and Austin Berg argue that deliberative democracy is dead in the city, and the mayor holds all the power, leading to poor outcomes. They compare the decisions about Chicagos governance and finances with those made in fourteen other large U.S. cities and suggest that reforms can transform the city. The New Chicago Way provides prescriptions for change to prepare for the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2019
Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press

Chicago has unfortunately earned a national reputation for its various issues, including violence, police abuse, unrest among parents and teachers, population decline, and mounting municipal and pension debt. The underlying problem, according to Ed Bachrach and Austin Berg, is the absence of deliberative democracy in the city. Chicago is home to the last remaining strongman political system in urban America, where the mayor wields absolute power and any perceived checks on mayoral control often prove illusory. This has led to rash decisions and poor outcomes in various areas, such as government failures in elections, schools, fiscal discipline, corruption, public support for private enterprise, policing, and more.

Rather than simply lamenting the situation or justifying an ideology, Bachrach and Berg take a comparative approach. They compare the decisions made about Chicago's governance and finances with those made in fourteen other large U.S. cities. They argue that the problems that seem unique to Chicago have been encountered elsewhere, and Chicagoans can learn from the successful solutions other cities have embraced.

To prepare for the future, which is expected to be characterized by significant demographic, technological, and economic change, Bachrach and Berg argue that Chicago government and its citizens must let go of the past. They suggest that reforms are necessary to transform the city and create a more hopeful future. The prescriptions for change provided in this book, titled "The New Chicago Way," aim to guide the city toward a better future.

One of the key recommendations is to strengthen the city's democratic institutions. This includes promoting greater participation in local government, improving transparency and accountability, and ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard. The authors also suggest that the city should focus on economic development and job creation, particularly in industries that are sustainable and promote social equity.

Another important recommendation is to invest in education and infrastructure. The authors argue that a well-educated and skilled workforce is essential for the city's future success, and they suggest that the city should prioritize investments in public schools, libraries, and transportation systems. This will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also attract businesses and investment to the city.

Furthermore, the authors suggest that the city should address its fiscal challenges. They argue that the city's pension debt is a significant concern and that the government should explore innovative solutions, such as pension reform and revenue generation, to address it. This will require collaboration between the city, its employees, and other stakeholders, but it is essential for the long-term stability of the city.

In conclusion, "The New Chicago Way" offers a comprehensive and hopeful vision for the future of the city. By strengthening democratic institutions, investing in education and infrastructure, and addressing fiscal challenges, Chicago can create a more prosperous and equitable future for its residents. The authors' prescriptions for change provide a roadmap for the city to move forward
forward and build a better future for all its citizens.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 155 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780809337514