Why Chicago Is Always Talking About the Parking Meter Deal
Parking in Chicago is always difficult, but especially when it’s cold outside. In 2008, City Council voted to privatize Chicago’s parking meters for 75 years in return for $1 billion. But in the years since, analysis after analysis has shown the meters were worth much more, and the city lost out on revenues while investors earn a profit, and Chicagoans pay some of the highest parking rates in the country. While he was at the Reader, Block Club Chicago reporter and editor Mick Dumke investigated the deal after it first passed. We’re revisiting his conversation with host Jacoby Cochran to hear why Chicago went for it, who challenged it, and how we feel the effects today.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
ShotSpotter Replacement, Tollways Price Hike, and Crosstown Delivers Classic
It has been two years since Mayor Brandon Johnson ended the city’s contract with the gunshot detection company Sound Thinking, also known...
NASCAR Leaves Chicago, ABC Sues FCC, and Best Mexican Food
NASCAR announced it will not hold a race in Chicago next year. Contributors PJ Walker and Yareni Murillo tell executive producer Simone A...
Mayor Walks Quantum Tightrope. Plus, Chicago's Got Talent
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is a forthcoming multi-billion-dollar development on the former U.S. Steel South Works sit...
Data Center Moratorium, 'ICE Out' Pledge, and Chicago Singles Mingling
Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order aiming to modernize regulations and oversight for Chicago’s data centers. He a...
CPD Traffic Stops Down, Chicago’s West Nile Risk, and Even More Belugas OTW
The Illinois Department of Transportation has released the most recent traffic stop data from police departments across the state. While...
Funeral Home Under Investigation, Aspira Charter Files Bankruptcy, and Chicago Fire Heats Up
The owners of multiple South Side funeral homes are under a microscope after state officials discovered they had been mismanaging human r...
Will CPD Ever Actually Investigate ICE? Plus, The Other Washingtons
Earlier this week, a coalition of Chicagoans who allege they were victims of misconduct and violence during Operation Midway Blitz filed...
Why Did Bally’s Pause Hotel Construction? Plus, 24 Hours in Chicago
Over the weekend, Bally’s Casino hit the brakes on all non-gaming construction in protest of Chicago’s forthcoming expansion of video gam...
Let’s Play Chicago Scattergories! Plus, Moving Tips
Back in June, we played a Chicago-themed game of Scattergories during our live taping at Switchyards Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran compete...
Will Local Grocers Survive SNAP Cuts? Does Chicago Have A City Council Problem?
Today we’re talking about the impact SNAP cuts are having on grocers across Chicago, the relationship between the mayor and alders headin...