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