Chicago Vs. THE BID

So Obama's in Denmark right now attempting to woo the International Olympic Committee and land the games in his adopted hometown. Despite a little pressure from dark horse candidate Rio de Janeiro, Chicago (with the help of Obama) is slated to win. For the majority of Chicagoans however, this news comes with much trepidation.

With a burgeoning level of debt and already maxed out infrastructure, residents of the Windy City are more nervous than excited for this monumental decision. One of the more visible examples of the stance of local citizens occurred in a local Starbucks. A clever barista set out two tip jars one marked "yes" and one marked "no" and asked customers to weigh in with their tips in regards to the Olympic bid. By the end of the day the "no" jar was overflowing with one's and five's while the "yes" jar contained a mere handful of change.

When it comes to the question of the benefits of hosting the Olympic games, it all depends on the point of view of the one your asking. Is it good for Obama and America? Undoubtedly. An influx of attention and money would surely bolster the flagging American economy as well as give American citizens something to be excited about. Is it good for the Mayor Daley and the long term prospects for the city of Chicago? Probably. This would be Daley's crowning achievement and could cement Chicago's status as a truly international destination. Is it good for the average citizen of Chicago? No way. If Chicago wins the bid, large scale construction will have to begin within months and will not cease for the next SIX years. The loss in productivity will be extremely costly to local businesses and corporations alike.

Additionally, though proponents of the games state otherwise, landing the games has traditionally DECREASED tourism revenues on a whole because no one wants to visit a city that is in the midst of a half decade remodeling. Though tourism revenue spikes sharply around the actual playing of the games, this short lived boon is hardly enough to offset the losses accrued to during the years leading up to the event.

Bottom Line: If the news comes out tomorrow and Chicago wins, expect a good amount of Chicagoans to start thinking about a long term vacation.