Richard J. Daley Urban Forum
The Richard J. Daley Urban Forum of the University of Illinois at Chicago is an annual national symposium that provides opportunities for mayors from around the world, business leaders, key policy-makers, leading scholars, students and commentators to discuss important issues in American urban history and urban studies.
The Forum is named for Richard J. Daley, who served as mayor of Chicago from 1955 until his death in 1976, and was a major figure in American national politics throughout his career. At the center of interest for the Forum is the history of Chicago and of American cities during the period of the mayor's public service, and the issues that concerned him during his life and that concern urban policy-makers and scholars today.
The activities of the Forum are linked to the Richard J. and Eleanor Daley Archive at the University of Illinois at Chicago Library, which houses the papers and memorabilia of the mayor.
Click here to view video highlights from the previous forums.
Learning From The Legacy...
Throughout his tenure in office, Mayor Richard J. Daley played a prominent role in shaping America's urban landscape. By successfully
managing the complex issues associated with running a major metropolitan city, Mayor Daley provided a model for being an effective urban
leader. His principles and practices are still highly-regarded and respected by members of the global community.
The Inaugural Richard J. Daley Urban Forum provided a sweeping retrospective of the half-century that encompassed the career of the
late Mayor and the period of his impact on Chicago and the national political landscape. Speakers emphasized areas in which the Mayor's
decisions affected the quality of life of citizens. By providing a broad overview of urban history and urban issues, centered on the
career of Richard J. Daley, the Inaugural Forum established a range of subjects that will be explored in detail in subsequent
forums.
