CHICAGO — Touting the city’s bona fides, Chicago politicians and business leaders last week said the city was prepared to host the Democratic National Convention in 2024 and that the major national event would provide a much-needed spark to Chicago’s pandemic-ravaged hospitality industries.
Boosterism and optimism aside, the effort would require a major organizational feat to pull off, and though officials proclaim an estimated economic boost of $150 million, economists have long been skeptical of such figures. They point to security costs, displacement of regular tourism and business and note that those estimates often include spending that would happen regardless.
Still — from the city’s mayor and business executives to heads in food, lodging and hospitality — leaders eagerly talked up the city’s neighborhoods, downtown amenities and experience hosting large events, such as the 2012 NATO Summit and the 1996 Democratic convention.
