After years of false starts and waiting, the City of Chicago is finally getting a casino. This casino will bring with it the promise of renewed economic development. Nearby businesses will see a boost in foot traffic and Chicago will have a new destination to attract tourists from around the world. However, there is another group of people that will gain from this venture. This group — minority investors, particularly Black investors — has been historically discriminated against and is often overlooked and priced out of opportunities to build generational wealth.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration has been very intentional about making strides to reverse this trend through initiatives like Invest South/West, Chicago. Whichever casino bid is chosen must be equally intentional in offering investment opportunities for people of color. It’s not enough to fill quotas. There must be a comprehensive and holistic approach to undoing decades of inequity.
