Chicago takes stock ahead of hosting 2024 DNC later this summer

The City of Chicago will host the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) later this summer from Aug. 19–22, last playing host to the event in 1996. The city has hosted several large events and festivals already this summer, and the DNC promises to be one of the largest of the year.

As Chicago Tribune reports, “More than 12,000 people have applied to volunteer for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago a little more than a month before the city’s first political convention in 28 years kicks off…The convention…is expected to attract about 50,000 people — including roughly 5,000 delegates as well as media members and party high rollers—to the United Center and McCormick Place where festivities will be held. Thousands are expected to fill restaurants and entertainment venues, generating an estimated $200 million to the economy.”

With such a large event around the corner, The Harris Poll surveyed a representative sample of Chicagoans to gauge how they feel about the upcoming DNC.

Desire to host the DNC is mixed.

Roughly one third (31%) of Chicagoans support hosting the DNC, with 20% opposing, 39% neutral, and 10% not sure. That said, only 9% think Chicago should stay out of national politics altogether.

Two in five (39%) are concerned about the impact the DNC will have on civil dynamics (e.g., protests, relationships between residents) in the city, and nearly as many (34%) think demonstrations like protests and marches relating to the DNC or other political issues should be restricted by law enforcement to certain times/places during the convention. 

Many Chicagoans expect the DNC to positively impact the city—possibly at the expense of its residents.

About half (47%) of city residents expect hosting the DNC to have a positive impact on the city overall, and the same number think the city’s reputation will improve if the DNC goes well. That said, a third (34%) think the city’s reputation will suffer if the DNC goes poorly.

Three in five (59%) expect hosting the DNC to benefit the city’s economy, yet only 30% think hosting the DNC will have a positive impact on residents.

Support for the city’s decision to host the 2024 DNC is highest among those likely aligned with the party, but preferences regarding the event’s funding are more universal.

Three in 10 city residents—including 48% of liberals and 22% of moderate/conservatives—support Chicago’s decision to host the 2024 DNC.

Four in 10 city residents think that the Democratic Party should take primary responsibility for funding any necessary expenses to host the convention, with fewer thinking local government (17%), federal government (16%), and state government (9%) should take primary responsibility to fund logistics and safety efforts such as security/police personnel, road closures, etc. 

This survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll from June 07, 2024 to June 14, 2024 among 1,006 Cook County, IL residents ages 18+. Figures were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions within the Cook County population. Respondents for this survey were selected from a pool of potential respondents who have agreed to participate in The Harris Poll’s online research.