The most recent citywide election in Chicago was considered a referendum on the old way of operating the city. The $6 billion Lincoln Yards project, on the brink of approval, could be included in that referendum.
Chicago Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot called her election a "mandate for change." There's no denying the margin of the victory: almost 74 percent of all voters supported Lightfoot, winning all wards, and comes into office with 14 new aldermen.
"The old guard has been grievously wounded," according to a column by Eric Zorn that makes the argument that the city's lame duck leadership should avoid action on Lincoln Yards, the controversial $6 billion mega-development planned for 55 acres of former industrial property between Bucktown and Lincoln Park.
The City Council already approved zoning changes for the project in March. The critical question of the tax increment financing district, approved by the Community Development Commission in February, was scheduled for a City Council vote during the lame duck session.
Mayor-elect Lightfoot has not supported the project as proposed, citing its lack of affordable housing and calling to delay the project's approval.
Read the full story: Lori Lightfoot's landslide victory is a case for delaying the Lincoln Yards TIF vote
Multi-Modal Bridge Coming Soon to Lincoln Yards Mega-Project in Chicago
Residents of Chicago will soon see some of the fruits of the controversial tax increment financing for the Lincoln Yards project in Chicago's North Side.
Lincoln Yards Mega-Development Clears Final Legislative Hurdle
A Chicago City Council vote to approve tax increment financing for the massive Lincoln Yards redevelopment proposal scored a surprising reversal and a big win for outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel, with an assist from Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot.
Chicago's Largest-Ever Tax Increment Financing District Approved for Lincoln Yards Development
The new TIF is expected to generate $900 million. Opponents wanted to wait until a new mayor is elected to decide on the TIF.
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