The city of Chicago recently welcomed a long-awaited transportation upgrade in the form of the reopened Damen Green Line L station near the United Center. After more than four years of delays, construction crews rushed to complete the station before the arrival of delegates attending the Democratic National Committee convention hosted by the city.
Featuring charming details like wooden ceilings, a vibrant mural, and a glass pedestrian walkway offering stunning views of the Chicago skyline, the new station fills a 1.5-mile service gap that had been left vacant since 1948. Alderman Walter Burnett, who championed the project, acknowledged the accelerated progress prompted by the DNC as a positive development for his West Side community.
While cities rarely prioritize infrastructure upgrades solely to attract major events, the prospect of hosting political conventions can catalyze the completion of planned projects. Economic considerations may fuel the desire to impress out-of-town guests, even for events lasting just a few days.
Following the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, researchers concluded that the economic impact was largely inflated, with a significant portion attributed to preexisting infrastructure investments. However, the event’s influence on public projects can be seen in cities like Cleveland, which expedited airport upgrades and downtown development in anticipation of hosting the 2016 RNC.
In Milwaukee, where recent political conventions took place without substantial infrastructure investment tied directly to the events, adjustments were made to accommodate the influx of visitors. Similarly, projects like the streetcar expansion faced political scrutiny but ultimately benefited from the visibility of hosting a national convention.
At the ribbon-cutting for the new Chicago L station, officials highlighted the transit benefits for underserved communities, though the influence of the DNC on project completion was evident. Commuters and advocates acknowledged the role of the convention in expediting the station’s opening, expressing mixed feelings about prioritizing major events over everyday community needs.
Ultimately, the convergence of political interests and public infrastructure projects underscores the complex interplay between civic development and external influences. While the arrival of a national convention can accelerate progress on long-awaited upgrades, the lasting impact on local communities and residents remains a subject of debate and reflection.
(Image Source: AP News)
