Obama Presidential Center Wins Key City Council Approval

The Obama Presidential Center is still controversial, but it has also taken a key first step in the approvals process.

1 minute read

May 24, 2018, 5:00 AM PDT

President Barack Obama arrives aboard Air Force One at Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose, Costa Rica. May 3, 2013. | Lawrence Jackson / The Obama White House

"As expected, the Chicago City Council on Wednesday approved measures to allow construction of the Obama Presidential Center," reports Lolly Bowean.

The City Council vote "means the Obama Foundation can move forward into federal reviews of the project with city support as a badge of endorsement."

The foundation must also still "secure a formal long-term contract to lease Jackson Park from the city" and fundraise the expected $500 million cost of the presidential center. The article also includes more detail of the tricky political issues the presidential center has raised, and still will require navigation before the project is complete.

FULL STORY: Obama Presidential Center gets green light from full City Council

Wednesday, May 23, 2018 in Chicago Tribune

Land Use Urban Development Illinois Chicago Barack Obama Presidential Center Obama Presidential Center Obama Presidential Library Barack Obama Jefferson Park View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.