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If 2024 was the volume knob on a boombox, it would be turned all the way up. Chicago's evolving story is marked by complex challenges, bold initiatives, and moments of transformation that have shaped the city. From groundbreaking political shifts to cultural milestones, this year has been a testament to Chicago's resilience, with particular attention paid to the concerns and hopes of its Black communities. The following are the top stories that defined the city in 2024, told through the lens of the bold and ongoing battle for equity, accountability, and progress.
1. Mayor Brandon Johnson's Tax Fight: A Battle of Priorities
Mayor Brandon Johnson's first year was anything but smooth. His proposed property tax hike, initially set at a staggering $300 million, quickly became the focal point of a political showdown that tested the heart of his administration. While the city’s financial woes were undeniable, the stakes were especially high for Black homeowners, many of whom were already struggling with rising property values in their neighborhoods.
Johnson's proposal met fierce resistance from City Council members and residents alike, who feared the tax increase would accelerate the displacement of long-time, predominantly Black residents. What followed were tense negotiations and revisions, culminating in a more modest $68.5 million increase.
The controversy underscored a larger issue: Chicago's fiscal health cannot rest solely on the backs of its most vulnerable. Alderman Sophia King, a long-time advocate for her constituents, summed up the challenge: "We need to find ways to balance our budget without disproportionately impacting our most vulnerable communities."
2. The Dolton Scandal: Corruption Hits Close to Home
In Dolton, the year took a darker turn as Mayor Tiffany Henyard faced allegations of corruption that shook the South Suburban village. A scandal involving a questionable $43,000 spree on personal Amazon purchases became emblematic of the frustrations residents felt toward local leadership.
The revelations didn’t stop there. Henyard’s loss in the Democratic nomination for Thornton Township supervisor—a humiliating defeat years in the making—revealed a growing mistrust in Dolton’s political establishment. In a community where accountability should be the cornerstone of governance, Henyard’s fall from grace served as a stark cautionary tale. It was a reminder that, in local government, the stakes are personal, and the consequences of failing to serve the public are profound.
3. A New Era for Education: The First School Board Elections
For decades, Chicago’s public school system was seen as a monolithic institution disconnected from the communities it served. That changed in 2024. In a groundbreaking shift, the city held its first-ever hybrid school board elections, a victory for those who long argued that the education system should no longer be beholden solely to political appointees and the mayor’s office.
For Black communities on the South and West Sides, this moment marked a new chapter—one where parents, teachers, and local residents finally had a say in decisions affecting their children’s futures. The elections, filled with emotion and hope, represented a critical step toward greater representation and accountability.
“For years, our voices have been missing from these crucial discussions,” said local activist Alicia Williams. “This election is our chance to be heard.”
4. Crime Rates and Community Safety: A City on Edge
Chicago’s streets have long been defined by the tension between public safety and police reform, but 2024 brought a noticeable shift. Crime rates, particularly homicides and violent offenses, fell to levels not seen since before 2019.
This progress was largely credited to community-driven initiatives and strategic law enforcement measures, including the expansion of community policing efforts. These efforts bore fruit, especially in historically Black neighborhoods where violence has been an enduring reality.
Local organizers and grassroots groups worked alongside law enforcement to build stronger relationships between police and community members. Yet, despite these improvements, many cautioned that the work was far from over.
“While there’s still work to do, these numbers show real progress,” said Superintendent David Brown, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to public safety.
5. The NASCAR Street Race: Culture, Cash, and Controversy
For all its glitz, the second annual NASCAR street race in Chicago was not without its critics. Winding through the heart of downtown, the event generated millions in tourism dollars and highlighted Chicago’s capacity to host major national events.
In theory, it was a win—a testament to the city’s cultural and economic vibrancy. But for many residents, especially in Black neighborhoods, the race symbolized the growing divide between city priorities and community needs.
With its multimillion-dollar budgets and corporate sponsorships, the NASCAR race seemed to prioritize tourism over pressing issues such as affordable housing, equitable schools, and job creation.
“We want investment in our communities, not just in events that bring in tourists,” said community leader Jamal Harris. The event underscored a larger, ongoing struggle: how to balance cultural capital with the needs of a diverse city.
6. Property Tax Pain in the South Suburbs
For many Black homeowners in Chicago’s South Suburbs, 2024 was a year of economic hardship, marked by soaring property taxes. With a shrinking tax base, escalating assessments, and an economy still reeling from past financial crises, these communities faced unprecedented financial strain.
Property tax bills for the median homeowner in south suburban Cook County rose nearly 20%—the largest increase in three decades. In several majority-Black suburbs, such as Harvey, tax bills climbed by 30%. In 15 south suburbs—13 of which have majority-Black populations—the overall amount homeowners owed jumped by more than 30%. In Dixmoor and Phoenix, the median homeowner’s tax bill doubled.
“These increases are unsustainable and are driving people out of their homes,” said local activist Rachel Johnson, voicing the fears of a community at risk of losing its historic identity to gentrification and financial displacement.
7. Black Reparations Task Force: A Step Toward Justice or a Plan in Name Only?
In 2024, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration committed $500,000 to study reparations for Black Chicagoans, a symbolic and practical step toward addressing historical wrongs. In June, Mayor Johnson signed Executive Order 2024-1, creating a Reparations Task Force to develop a Black Reparations Agenda. Partnering with the Aldermanic Black Caucus and city departments, the Task Force was tasked with studying policies from slavery to the present day and recommending remedies.
The executive order also included a formal apology on behalf of the City of Chicago, acknowledging the enduring legacy of chattel slavery and systemic racism. “Today’s Executive Order is not just a public declaration; it’s a pledge to shape the future of our city by confronting the inequities that have plagued Chicago for far too long,” Mayor Johnson said.
However, tensions rose in City Council as no significant progress was reported by year’s end. The initiative, aimed at addressing disparities in housing, education, and criminal justice, remains in limbo—leaving many to wonder whether the Task Force will deliver meaningful outcomes or become another unfulfilled promise.
8. Real Estate Crisis: Downtown in Decline
While progress was made in some areas of the city, downtown Chicago faced an alarming trend: a cratering real estate market. Office vacancy rates soared to their highest levels in two decades as businesses left the city or downsized their operations.
This economic downturn rippled outward, hitting nearby neighborhoods hardest. Job opportunities dwindled, and the gap between wealthy and working-class residents widened. Many Black Chicagoans viewed the city’s instability as a direct threat to their livelihoods.
“We need to ensure that the revitalization of downtown also benefits our communities,” said Jason Rodriguez, echoing calls for a more inclusive approach to economic recovery. As downtown’s future hangs in the balance, Chicagoans are pushing for solutions that address the needs of all residents—not just the wealthiest.
9. Chicago’s Migrant Crisis: Navigating Resources and Equity
Throughout 2024, Chicago grappled with a migrant crisis as thousands of asylum seekers arrived in the city. Over two years, Chicago welcomed more than 51,000 migrants. The city worked to provide housing, healthcare, and education, but the influx strained public resources and raised tough questions about equity.
Mayor Brandon Johnson responded by opening new shelters and mobilizing city resources. However, tension grew as some Black communities questioned the allocation of funds and services, feeling overlooked in the city’s efforts to support newcomers.
“We must work together to ensure that both the migrants and our long-term residents receive the support they need,” said Mayor Johnson. The city faces a critical challenge: balancing compassion and sustainability while addressing long-standing inequalities.
10. The Democratic National Convention: A Platform for Change
Chicago hosted the 2024 Democratic National Convention, drawing over 50,000 attendees, including delegates, journalists, and activists. For the city, the event was an opportunity to showcase its national importance and push for change on key issues like racial justice, economic equity, and affordable housing.
Anticipating protests, some businesses on the West Side boarded up, wary of a repeat of the violent clashes that marked the 1968 DNC. However, the convention proceeded smoothly, avoiding major incidents. For Black Chicagoans, the event served as a platform to demand action on long-standing disparities and inequities.
Looking Forward: Chicago’s Fight for Equity Continues
Chicago’s journey through 2024 was one of highs and lows, struggles and triumphs. The year sharpened the focus on justice, fairness, and equity, with the voices of Black communities rising to the forefront. As the city moves into 2025, these stories serve as a powerful reminder: the fight for a more equitable and just Chicago is ongoing, but it is fueled by relentless hope and determination.