What Chicago is watching for at the 2024 DNC

Why it matters for Chicago: The city is already seeing an economic benefit from the convention, from hotel bookings to restaurant takeovers, while Illinois Democrats look to leverage a successful convention into a larger role in national party politics.

As the DNC kicks off, here are five local storylines we'll be watching:

Johnson's or Pritzker's DNC

The last time the DNC was in Chicago, it was very clear who was in charge. Mayor Richard M. Daley was the undisputed leader of the Chicago Democrats, as he personally took credit for getting the huge political convention to his city.

• This time around, Gov. JB Pritzker is taking on that responsibility, while Mayor Brandon Johnson is cast to the sidelines.

To be fair, Johnson was yet to be elected mayor when the DNC bid was selected.

State of play: Johnson has done a good job of readying the city for the convention and even spreading the party wealth to other parts of the city, but will it be Johnson or Pritzker who gets the political spoils if the convention goes well?

• Or maybe the more pressing question, who will get the blame if it doesn't?

The new Illinois Dems

This is the first time in modern history that the Illinois delegation meetings will not be gaveled in by former Speaker Mike Madigan.

• In 2020, Madigan was still at the helm of the state party during the pandemic-shortened convention, but he was ousted shortly after by Gov. Pritzker and Springfield. Since then, Madigan has been indicted for corruption and is awaiting trial.

The intrigue: Convicted Ald. Ed Burke was also a big part of past conventions. He may make an appearance this week, as he doesn't report to prison until September.

• Burke loves political conventions, even co-authoring a book on the history of them.

Downtown = ghost town

Since the day the DNC was announced, the city, state and the host committee have predicted big economic wins for local businesses, especially downtown. The mayor has announced several events happening this week, including a festival and rally in Daley Plaza.

Yes, but: Downtown corporations may not be cooperating. Several big downtown offices have told employees to work remotely this week.

Reality check: The 50,000 visitors may help replace some of the business that will be lost by the downtown workforce going remote, but we'll be watching closely to see if there is any added bump for businesses from the DNC being here.

Traffic concerns

The Secret Service and Chicago police have set security perimeters around the United Center and McCormick Place.

• Officials spent weeks talking to residents about the coming closures, but that still didn't stop authorities from changing the plan last minute.

The Illinois Department of Transportation says it has no plans to shut down expressway ramps. The city says it doesn't expect any more street closures, but it remains unclear if that could change with protests or large crowds.

Protests

On Friday, the Coalition to March on the DNC scored a win when a judge reversed a previous ruling and allowed the group to set up a stage, sound amplification and toilets at Monday afternoon's protest near the United Center.

Flashback: The city initially denied their march permit over a series of issues, including proximity to the convention, and still is prohibiting the group from taking a longer route.

Catch up quick: The main message of the march is a call on Democrats to issue a ceasefire in Gaza and to end all U.S. aid to Israel.

• A spokesperson told Axios they are expecting 30,000 people to attend the march.
• The march kicks off a 1-mile route at Union Park at noon today.