The New Politics of Sports Franchise Policy Innovation in Chicago

The urban regime in Chicago was an integral player in the determination of sports policy during the 1980s and early 1 990s. As the mediator of every major sports issue, the regime orchestrated the policy response in innovative ways. Regulatory powers were used to control night baseball in Wrigleyville, ultimately appeasing the team owners and most neighborhood residents. Economic development policies were adapted to keep the White Sox, but these were adopted with a major regulatory component and the progressive regime also wove a major social benefit into the redevelopment of the ballpark neighborhood. Although an accommodation to appease the football Bears has yet to be achieved, the regime has worked tirelessly to develop unique solutions. All of this represents a departure from the way in which the Democratic Party machine made policy for Chicago and demonstrates the effectiveness of a working progressive regime in Chicago in recent years

Urban Regimes, Sports Stadiums, and the Politics of Economic Development Agendas in Chicago

Sports issues have increasingly become prominent items on the urban policy agenda. Most demands for sports-related policies have been woven into the general fabric of economic development in the community. in this article, the authors examine the issues surrounding sports stadium development in Chicago from 1985-90. An urban regime framework, based on the notion of governing coalitions, is used to analyze the incorporation of stadiums into Chicago's policy agenda during these years. The article is instructive of the way in which progressive city administrations have used the regime to mediate corporate demands for the often intangible benefits of sports. Copyright 1991 by The Policy Studies Organization.