What Happened to Chicago (city)?
Chicago has experienced significant political shifts, including the election of Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2023, and continues to be a hub for major events like the 2024 Democratic National Convention. The city is undergoing substantial urban development projects, such as the O'Hare International Airport expansion and the ongoing saga of the Chicago Bears' stadium plans, while also seeing a notable decline in violent crime rates in 2025. Culturally, Chicago is preparing for its 200th anniversary in 2026 with new attractions and a vibrant festival season.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, Chicago is led by Mayor Brandon Johnson, who took office in 2023. The city hosted the 2024 Democratic National Convention and is actively pursuing large-scale infrastructure and development projects, including a major expansion of O'Hare International Airport. Notably, Chicago saw a significant reduction in homicides and overall violent crime in 2025, reaching levels not seen in decades. The metro area's population continues to grow, while the city proper faces slight declines, offset by international migration.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Mayoral Election First Round
The first round of the 2023 Chicago mayoral election was held, with no candidate receiving a majority of votes. Incumbent Lori Lightfoot placed third.
Brandon Johnson Wins Mayoral Runoff
Brandon Johnson defeated Paul Vallas in the runoff election to become Chicago's next mayor, beginning a four-year term on May 15, 2023.
Federal Funding for Ogden Avenue Improvements
Senators Duckworth, Durbin, and Mayor Johnson announced over $20 million in federal funding for the Ogden Avenue Corridor Improvements Project.
Chicago Bears Unveil Lakefront Stadium Plans
The Chicago Bears publicly revealed plans for a $4.7 billion fixed-roof stadium development along Chicago's lakefront, south of Soldier Field.
Democratic National Convention Hosted in Chicago
Chicago hosted the 2024 Democratic National Convention at the United Center and McCormick Place, where Kamala Harris was officially nominated for president.
O'Hare Expansion Timeline Updated
An updated timeline for the O'Hare International Airport expansion project was revealed, with Satellite Concourse 1 expected by 2028 and the Global Terminal by 2032.
O'Hare Concourse D Construction Begins
Construction officially began on the $1.3 billion New Concourse D at O'Hare International Airport, part of the ORDNext expansion, with completion slated for late 2028.
Bears Shift Stadium Focus to Arlington Heights
The Chicago Bears announced they were shifting their focus back to building a new stadium in Arlington Heights, moving away from the lakefront proposal due to tax disagreements.
Chicago Reports Lowest Homicides Since 1965
The Chicago Police Department announced that homicides in 2025 totaled 416, the lowest number recorded since 1965, marking a significant reduction in violent crime.
Indiana Bill for Northwest Indiana Bears Stadium
Indiana signed Senate Bill 27 to create a Northwest Indiana stadium authority, officially naming Hammond as a potential site for a new Chicago Bears stadium.
Chicago Prepares for 200th Anniversary
Chicago is preparing to celebrate its 200th anniversary, unveiling new attractions and cultural initiatives, including the newly opened Art on the Mart and an expanded Museum of Contemporary Art.
Schneider Deli Opens New Lincoln Park Location
Schneider Deli opens a new 1,750-square-foot all-day deli in Lincoln Park, expanding its presence in Chicago's culinary scene.
EXPO Chicago at Navy Pier
EXPO Chicago, a major international contemporary and modern art exposition, returns to Navy Pier, highlighting Chicago's vibrant arts community.
Chicago Hosts International Jazz Day
Chicago is proud to be the official host city for International Jazz Day 2026, a global celebration honoring jazz and its power to unite communities.
Obama Presidential Center Opening
The Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to open in Jackson Park, becoming a significant new civic and cultural destination for the city.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Chicago has navigated a dynamic period marked by political change, significant events, and ongoing urban transformation. In April 2023, Brandon Johnson, a progressive former teacher and Cook County Commissioner, was elected Mayor in an upset victory over Paul Vallas, becoming the first one-term Chicago mayor in 40 years. Johnson's four-year term began on May 15, 2023.
One of the most high-profile events in recent memory was Chicago's hosting of the 2024 Democratic National Convention from August 19 to 22, 2024, at the United Center and McCormick Place. The convention officially nominated Kamala Harris for president and Tim Walz for vice president, bringing an estimated 50,000 visitors and a significant economic impact to the city.
Urban development remains a key focus. The O'Hare International Airport is undergoing a massive expansion, with construction on the new Concourse D beginning in August 2025, slated for completion in late 2028. This $1.3 billion project will add 19 new gates and modern passenger spaces, with the larger Global Terminal expected by 2032. The long-running discussion around a new stadium for the Chicago Bears has seen several twists. After initially proposing a $4.7 billion lakefront stadium in April 2024, the Bears shifted their focus back to a site in Arlington Heights by September 2025, citing tax disagreements. However, in February 2026, Indiana signed a bill to create a Northwest Indiana stadium authority, naming Hammond as a potential site, indicating the team's continued exploration of options outside Chicago.
Crime statistics have shown a positive trend. The Chicago Police Department reported a significant reduction in violence in 2025, with 416 homicides, the lowest number since 1965. Overall violent crime fell to a decade low, declining across 88% of the city's neighborhoods, and total crime decreased for two consecutive years. While the city's homicide rate remains higher than many peer cities, the downward trend is a notable development.
Population trends indicate a nuanced picture. The Chicago metropolitan area has seen steady growth, reaching 9.109 million in 2026, largely boosted by international migration. However, the city proper's population is projected to be around 2.709 million in 2026, showing a slight decline since 2020. The city also continues to grapple with an influx of migrants, with over 46,000 arriving in Chicago in the two years leading up to October 2024, posing challenges for accommodation and resources.
Looking ahead to 2026, Chicago is celebrating its 200th anniversary with new attractions and cultural initiatives. The Obama Presidential Center is anticipated to open in the summer of 2026, and the city is hosting International Jazz Day in April 2026, alongside its regular vibrant festival season including Lollapalooza in July.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Chicago (city) made different choices?