Thinking about Chicago’s most complex issues before Election Day?

The candidates face enormous challenges: a new great migration of people departing Chicago, a new focus on public corruption, the equitable distribution of tax increment financing (TIF) funds, the way aldermanic prerogative reinforces segregation, and more.

At the Festival, we believe that complex issues require complex conversations. And over the years, presenters on CHF stages have grappled with the histories and complexities at the heart of Chicago’s most pressing challenges. We dove into our video archive to help you learn more and navigate multiple perspectives on the issues facing our city.

“Inequities are hardwired into our communities, and into our institutions that serve the communities.” –Dr. David Ansell

We suggest starting with Eve Ewing’s research on the community impact of school closings, and then hearing Dr. David Ansell’s findings about the steep drop-off in life expectancy that happens just a few CTA stops outside of downtown. Third, check out Russ Feingold’s discussion of campaign finance reform (Illinois has no limits on campaign spending if a candidate or committee gives themselves more than $100,000, and in gentrifying neighborhoods, developers invest a significant amount of money in campaign contributions for alderman elected to regulate them).

“The frustrating part is when you run into someone who’s given up. My enemy isn’t a human being–my enemy is indifference. That’s a formidable enemy.” –Juan Salgado

So what are alternate visions of Chicago? Recent presenters have some ideas, like lifelong Chicagoan, Roman Catholic priest, and outspoken civil rights advocate Father Michael Pfleger. As part of Fallfest 2018’s South Shore Night focused on challenging the narratives of South Side communities from within, education and community activist Jahmal Cole argued, “democracy must come from block outward, not the policy level inward.” Jamie Kalven’s 2016 conversation with mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot challenges the culture of Chicago policing, and WBEZ’s Natalie Moore and Juan Salgado interrogate segregation and the impact of neighborhood empowerment.