Recent announcements from big box retailers withdrawing or delaying plans to build stores in the city have given pause to supporters of controversial living wage ordinance, with some considering withdrawing their support.
"Target was the first big chain to react, recently cancelling plans to open a new superstore in a run-down area on the city's North side. Only a few months ago the project was hailed by city leaders as an anchor for redeveloping that depressed neighborhood...Wal-Mart has also announced that its plans to build 20 new stores in the city over the next five years are 'on hold' until the wage issue is resolved."
The moves by the retail giants, desirable for the sales tax revenue they generate, counters assurances from supporters that the new law, which will require non-union big box retailers to pay a minimum wage of $13/hr by 2010, would not impact the city's attractiveness to retailers.
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and several of the city's Alderman are considering withdrawing their support.
Thanks to Peter Gordon
FULL STORY: Big Box Rebellion

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie