Collaborative planning mechanisms in urban megaproject development: the case of Chicago

The ‘iron-law of megaproject management’ relies upon the logic of exception and includes extra budget, special regulations, non-standard organisational structure, questioning of public accountability, and the central role of developers at the expense of the city leaders, planners and citizens. With previous in mind, the crucial question is how to improve collaboration among different interested parties, negotiate diverse interests, and secure transparent planning procedures leading to the outcome that will address many of the initially identified needs. To explore the collaborative mechanisms, we focus on the case of Lincoln Yards, a contemporary urban megaproject development in the central part of Chicago, United States. Using the overview of primary sources (legal and regulatory documents and newspapers articles) and semi-structured interviews with the relevant stakeholders, we elucidate the following: 1) the response of professional planners towards the developer’s application, i.e., the intention to redevelop the area; 2) the approach applied and values promoted by developers; 3) the strategies used by the local community to protect the local identity and local needs; and 4) the relationship of public officials (aldermen) towards both the local public and investors. Finally, the case provides insights into the lessons learned relevant for the spatial challenges posed by urban megaproject development.