Evaluating the Planning and Development Record of Rahm Emanuel

Mayor Rahm Emanuel came into office in Chicago from the Obama White House. Before a new takes office mayor, on May 20, Curbed looked back at Emanuel's track record on matters related to planning.

1 minute read

May 19, 2019, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Chicago Mayor

Maha Studios / Shutterstock

Sara Freund and Jay Koziarz list six of the biggest accomplishments by outgoing Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in the areas of development, transit, and public spaces.

The article separates Mayor Emanuel's accomplishments in the following six themes, with more detail included in the source article:

  • Downtown grew up and out
  • We have a better CTA
  • There's more park space
  • Tourism flourished and O’Hare got a new look
  • Long-neglected buildings came back to life
  • The arts became a part of every neighborhood

Friday, May 17, 2019 in Curbed Chicago

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

For Lease painted on window of vacant commercial space.

2024: The Year in Zoning

Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.

January 8, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

Close-up of person holding hand-written "Affordable Homes Now!" sign.

America’s Housing Crisis: Lessons Ignored and Challenges Ahead

A recent study reveals how decades of policy missteps, demographic shifts, and economic forces fueled America’s housing crisis, leaving millions — especially millennials — struggling amid rising demand, racial disparities, and climate-driven emergencies.

6 hours ago - USC Today

Homes in Altadena, California with mountains in background on a sunny day.

Altadena’s Resilience: Restoring a Fire-Ravaged Community

The Eaton Fire has devastated Altadena, destroying homes, cultural landmarks, and community institutions, while residents rally to rebuild and preserve the town's rich history, diversity, and neighborly character.

January 19 - NBC News

View up at Chicago elevated train line with train passing and glass high-rises in background.

Chicago Transit Leaders Call for $1.5B Funding Package

Public transit across the Chicagoland region could suffer massive cuts without additional funding.

January 19 - Bloomberg CityLab