Twenty-First Century Chicago

Twenty-First Century Chicago investigates the social, economic, political, and governmental conditions of Chicago in this century. While traditional anthologies on urban politics are comprised of stilted journal articles that place far too much emphasis on statistics, this anthology adopts a unique approach. Although it does incorporate the writings of preeminent scholars on the city of Chicago, the focus is on first-hand accounts: speeches by politicians, newspaper stories, editorials by journalists, memoirs and biographies, and little known research reports advocating change. Covering metropolitan Chicago as a whole, this volume underscores the city's efforts in recent years to establish itself as a global metropolitan region and highlights the most pressing issues Chicago is facing to create a positive future in these challenging times.

Dick Simpson is the author of numerous books, journal articles, book chapters, and documentary films. He is former alderman of the 44th Ward of Chicago (1971-1979) who led the opposition bloc in the Chicago City Council against Mayors Richard J. Daley and Michael Bilandic. He is professor and former head of the Political Science Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His former books include Rogues, Rebels, and Rubber Stamps: The Politics of the Chicago City Council from 1863 to the Present and Corrupt Illinois.

Constance A. Mixon is an associate professor of political science and director of the urban studies program at Elmhurst College. She previously served as a member of the faculty and dean of instruction at City Colleges of Chicago. She has received numerous teaching awards, including being named the Illinois Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Dr. Mixon frequently provides political analysis and commentary for Chicago media outlets including the Sun-Times, WGN, NBC, and WYCC.

Melissa Mouritsen is an assistant professor of political science at College of DuPage. Prior to joining College of DuPage, she taught for four years as an adjunct professor of political science at Dominican University. She is a former Alderman’s assistant and building and zoning consultant. She most recently co-authored the chapter “The Election of Rahm Emanuel” in Local Politics and Mayoral Elections in the 21st Century: The Keys to City Hall (Routledge) and the report, Rahm Emanuel’s Rubber Stamp City Council.

Dick Simpson is professor of political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is the co-editor with Dennis Judd of "The City, Revisited: Urban Theory from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York."

Betty O'Shaughnessy is a visiting lecturer in political science, University of Illinois at Chicago and coauthor of "The Struggle for Power and Influence in Cities and States".