Re-Imagine Chicago: What If The Mayor Had A Different Set Of Powers?

Should Chicago City Council be taking a leaf out of Phoenix’s book?

Chicago’s City Council
Chicago's City Council Manuel Martinez / WBEZ
Chicago’s City Council
Chicago's City Council Manuel Martinez / WBEZ

Re-Imagine Chicago: What If The Mayor Had A Different Set Of Powers?

Should Chicago City Council be taking a leaf out of Phoenix’s book?

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Chicago has a “strong mayor” system, and during the pandemic, Mayor Lightfoot gained additional emergency powers. Things work differently in Phoenix, Ariz., which operates under a “weak mayor” or “council-manager” system. Reset examines the benefits and drawbacks of how things work in Phoenix, and what lessons Chicago can learn.