Chicago Aldermen Trying to Wrest Control of Windy City Airports

The proposal suggests an independent, elected board to oversee airport operations, management, and contracts for the O'Hare International and Chicago Midway airports.

A long line of travelers wait for the TSA security check point at O'Hare International airport, May 16, 2016, in Chicago. Already faced with lines that snake through terminals out to the curb, fliers are bracing for long waits at security in the busy months of July and August. Some major airports are currently seeing wait times exceeding 90 minutes at peak hours. AP Photo/Teresa Crawford

Several Chicago aldermen are partnering with airport employees’ union to take control of the city’s airports from city hall.

Alderman Scott Waguespack and several other municipal officials, along with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), proposed the creation of the “Chicago Airport Authority” on May 17.

The proposal suggests an independent, elected board to oversee airport operations, management, and contracts for the O'Hare International and Chicago Midway airports. 

Chicago airports are under the Chicago’s Department of Aviation (CDA) jurisdiction—and the CDA is under Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s control. 

The CDA released a statement on the same day, saying the plan was “backwards in its approach,” according to The Associated Press.

Waguespack confirmed that at least 12 of his alderman colleagues were interested in the proposal. According to Chicago Business, 

The resolution would place an “advisory referendum“ on the November 2016 municipal ballot for voters to decide on who should have control. 

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