Twenty-First Century Chicago investigates the social, economic, political, and governmental conditions of Chicago in this century. The anthology features a unique emphasis on first-hand accounts: speeches by politicians, newspaper stories, editorials by journalists, memoirs and biographies, and little known research reports advocating change. Covering metropolitan Chicago as a whole, the volume underscores the city's efforts in recent years to establish itself as a global metropolitan region and highlights the most pressing issues Chicago faces in order to create a positive future in these challenging times.

The third edition features new readings that cover Lake Shore Drive and Chicago's infrastructure, the political majority swing from Republican to Democrat in DuPage County, Chicago climate change in relation to global environmental challenges, government corruption, lawsuits as they affect reform, the state of the City Council, and new reflections and assessments of metropolitan Chicago.

Twenty-First Century Chicago is an ideal resource for courses that explore the dynamic history and modern impact of this vibrant and influential city.