Editing Rahm Emanuel (section)

==Mayor of Chicago==
===Elections===
====2011====
{{wikinews|White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel steps down to run for Mayor of Chicago}}
{{See also|2011 Chicago mayoral election}}
On September 30, 2010, it was announced that Emanuel would leave his post as White House Chief of Staff to run for [[Mayor of Chicago]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/rahm-emanuel-leave-white-house/story?id=11740794|title=ABC News: Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel Likely to Announce White House Departure This Week|website=ABCNews.go.com|date=September 27, 2010|access-date=July 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831160724/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/rahm-emanuel-leave-white-house/story?id=11740794|archive-date=August 31, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> He was replaced by [[Pete Rouse]] on October 2, 2010. Emanuel entered the race with high-[[name recognition]], having not only a sizable local profile, but also a sizable national profile.<ref name="local2014">{{cite book |last1=Foreman |first1=Sean D. |last2=Godwin |first2=Marcia L. |title=Local Politics and Mayoral Elections in 21st Century America: The Keys to City Hall |date=2014 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-57893-2 |pages=128–133 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Eo-LBQAAQBAJ |access-date=18 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

Emanuel's eligibility for office was challenged on the basis of his lack of residency in Chicago for one year prior to the election. This was the period when Emanuel was in Washington serving as the White House chief of staff. The Board of Elections and the [[Cook County Circuit Court]] affirmed his eligibility. A divided Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court, holding on January 24, 2011, that residency for purposes of a candidate is different from residency for purposes of being a voter.<ref>{{cite court|url= http://www.state.il.us/court/Opinions/AppellateCourt/2011/1stDistrict/January/1110033.pdf|litigants= Maksym & McMahon v. The Board of Election Commissioners of Chicago|date= January 24, 2011|court= Illinois Appellate}}</ref> A further appeal to the [[Illinois Supreme Court]] resulted in a unanimous decision reversing the Court of Appeals and affirming Emanuel's eligibility.<ref name="rulingoverturned">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna41291795|title=Ill. high court: Emanuel can run for Chicago mayor|first1= Sophia|last1= Tareen|first2= Tammy|last2= Webber|work=[[NBC News]]|date=January 27, 2011|access-date=January 27, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=The One-Man Political Machine|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/20/magazine/20Emanuel-t.html|date=February 17, 2011|first=Scott|last=Turow|author-link=Scott Turow|work=[[The New York Times|The New York Times Sunday Magazine]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907215547/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/20/magazine/20Emanuel-t.html?_r=3&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1297947909-NPo7qpsoM6/PL1Mk6L8pkw&pagewanted=all|archive-date=September 7, 2012|url-status=dead}} (Note [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/20/magazine/20Emanuel-t.html?_r=2&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1297947909-NPo7qpsoM6/PL1Mk6L8pkw&pagewanted=all the original] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217064134/http://www.nytimes.com//2011//02//20//magazine//20Emanuel-t.html |date=February 17, 2011 }} has better formatting.)</ref>

In the race, Emanuel had a financial advantage over the other candidates.<ref name="local2014"/> He was by far the best-financed candidate, with more than three times the campaign funds as the second-best financed candidate ([[Gery Chico]]), and more than twenty-times the third-best financed candidate ([[Carol Moseley Braun]]).<ref name="local2014"/> Emanuel's had his financial advantage from the very start of his candidacy, as he began his campaign with approximately $1.2 million from his congressional campaign fund.<ref name="local2014"/> By December 31, 2010, he had raised more than $10.5 million in additional funds.<ref name="local2014"/> On January 1, 2011, the Illinois Campaign Disclosure Act took effect, limiting individual personal contributions to candidates to $5,000.<ref name="local2014"/> Nevertheless, he continued to raise substantial funds, ultimately having procured a total $15 million over the course of his campaign (including those funds transferred from his congressional campaign committee).<ref name="local2014"/> Emanuel was able to raise so much because he had experience fundraising, had built a Washington connections and a national profile, and his brother Ari had Hollywood connections.<ref name="local2014"/> He had 75 contributors give more than $50,000, twenty-five of which were from out of state.<ref name="local2014"/> Among these high-dollar contributors were [[Steven Spielberg]], [[Donald Trump]], and [[Steve Jobs]].<ref name="local2014"/> Despite having a national fundraising operation, three-quarters of his donations came locally.<ref name="local2014"/> More than $800,000 of his contributions were from financial exchange and trading executives, with his largest single donation being a $200,000 donation from executives of the [[Chicago Mercantile Exchange]].<ref name="local2014"/>

Emanuel proposed lowering the city's [[sales tax]] and raising the service tax.<ref name="local2014"/> Emanuel supported negotiating with the [[Chicago Teachers Union]] for longer school days and school years.<ref name="local2014"/> Emanuel opposed instituting an elected school board.<ref name="local2014"/> This received criticism from other candidates.<ref name="local2014"/> Other candidates assailed his tenure at Freddie Mac.<ref name="local2014" /> As the frontrunner, Emanuel had gotten more press coverage than other mayoral candidates. This was furthered by the fact that the challenge to his residency became a dominant headline.<ref name="local2014" /> Emanuel entered the race with solid backing from North and Northwest Side Democratic Ward Committeemen.<ref name="local2014" />

Emanuel's advertisements portrayed him as having strong roots in the city, and, in telling his biography, emphasized his upbringing on the [[North Shore (Chicago)|North Shore]].<ref name="local2014"/> Contrarily, Emanuel's opponents attempted to characterize him as a [[carpetbagger]], hailing not from the city itself but rather from the North Shore and Washington, D.C.<ref name="local2014"/> Emanuel's advertisements also sought to emphasize his tenures in working in the White House and his tenure as a congressman.<ref name="local2014"/> Emanuel would highlight his relations with presidents Clinton and Obama.<ref name="local2014"/> He also sought to highlight the fact that he had forged connections in Washington during his time in congress, and also had strong business ties.<ref name="local2014"/>

Emanuel had overwhelming support from Jewish and [[LGBT]] voters.<ref name="local2014"/> Emanuel held a lead with independent progressives, including strong support from the [[lakefront liberals]] voting bloc of wealthy white progressives from the city's northern lakefront.<ref name="local2014"/> As the only white candidate in the race, Emanuel was seen as likely to receive unified support from a majority of the white electorate.<ref name="local2014"/> Since the Hispanic vote was largely split between two Hispanic candidates (Gery Chico and [[Miguel del Valle]]), once Emanuel was able to secure the support of the majority of the black vote, he had secured himself victory.<ref name="local2014"/>

In attracting African American voters to his candidacy, Emanuel was helped by his associations with Presidents Clinton and Obama, both of whom were extremely popular among the African American community.<ref name="local2014"/> After Moseley Braun's support began to crater following a character attack on fellow candidate [[Patricia Van Pelt Watkins]] which backfired, Emanuel was the beneficiary as the, largely African American, voters that abandoned their support of Moseley Braun's candidacy primarily migrated to support his candidacy.<ref name="local2014"/> Once this happened, Emanuel had all but secured himself a first-place finish, and the remaining candidates were left to jockey for second-place in hopes of there being a runoff.<ref name="local2014"/>

Emanuel carried the endorsements of both the city's major daily newspapers, the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' and the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]''.<ref name="local2014"/> Emanuel's mayoral campaign was the inspiration for a satirical Twitter account called MayorEmanuel, which received more than 43,000 followers, more popular than Emanuel's actual Twitter account. Emanuel announced on February 28 that if the author would reveal himself, he would donate $5,000 to the charity of the author's choice.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RahmEmanuel/status/42340121093226496|title=Twitter / Rahm Emanuel: The offer still stands to|publisher=Twitter.com|access-date=July 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018235758/https://twitter.com/RahmEmanuel/status/42340121093226496|archive-date=October 18, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> When Chicago journalist Dan Sinker revealed himself, Emanuel donated the money to Young Chicago Authors, a community organization which helps young people with writing and publishing skills.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/02/rahm-emanuel-dan-sinker-m_n_830577.html|title=Rahm Emanuel, Dan Sinker Meet: Young Chicago Authors Get $12,000 Donation|publisher=[[HuffPost]]|date=March 2, 2011|access-date=July 17, 2011|first=Jen|last=Sabella|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313225612/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/02/rahm-emanuel-dan-sinker-m_n_830577.html|archive-date=March 13, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:20121103 Rahm Emanuel and Antonio Vernon.jpg|thumb|Emanuel (left) at the 2012 [[Hyde Park, Chicago|Hyde Park]] Obama presidential reelection campaign office]]
Emanuel was elected on February 22, 2011, with 55% of the vote,<ref name="CNN-20110222">{{cite news|last= Bohn|first= Kevin|url= http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/02/22/illinois.elections/|title= Rahm Emanuel wins Chicago mayoral vote|publisher=[[CNN]]|date= February 22, 2011|access-date= February 23, 2011|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121109114752/http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/02/22/illinois.elections/|archive-date= November 9, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref> and was sworn in as the [[List of Mayors of Chicago|55th]] [[Mayor of Chicago]] on May 16, 2011, at the [[Pritzker Pavilion]], becoming Chicago's first Jewish mayor.<ref name="Rahm Emanuel Elected Chicago Mayor">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|work=[[USA Today]]|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2011-02-22-emanuel-mayor-chicago_N.htm|title=Rahm Emanuel elected Chicago mayor|date=February 23, 2011|access-date=September 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025091552/http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2011-02-22-emanuel-mayor-chicago_N.htm|archive-date=October 25, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> At his inauguration were outgoing Mayor [[Richard M. Daley]], Vice President [[Joe Biden]], Labor Secretary [[Hilda Solis]], Treasury Secretary [[Timothy Geithner]], former Mayor [[Jane Byrne]], and [[William M. Daley]], brother of the outgoing mayor and who would later serve as White House Chief of Staff.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chibrknews-rahm-emanuel-to-be-sworn-in-today-as-chicago-mayor-20110515,0,2840741.story|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|title=Emanuel sworn in as mayor: "Let us share the necessary sacrifices"|date=May 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518045412/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chibrknews-rahm-emanuel-to-be-sworn-in-today-as-chicago-mayor-20110515,0,2840741.story|archive-date=May 18, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/16/emanuel-set-to-begin-new-chapter/#more-159253|work=[[CNN]]|title=Emanuel begins new chapter|date=May 16, 2011|access-date=May 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519102029/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/16/emanuel-set-to-begin-new-chapter/#more-159253|archive-date=May 19, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====2015====
{{See also|2015 Chicago mayoral election}}
In August 2014, ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' poll reported Emanuel had a 35% approval rating as mayor of Chicago.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/30/rahm-emanuel-black-voters_n_5906484.html|work=[[HuffPost]]|title=Rahm Emanuel Has "Ticked Off A Lot Of People"|date=September 30, 2014|access-date=February 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415031549/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/30/rahm-emanuel-black-voters_n_5906484.html|archive-date=April 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pearson|first=Rick|date=August 14, 2014|title=Chicago Tribune poll: Support for Mayor Rahm Emanuel falling fast in Chicago|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-karen-lewis-met-0814-20140814-story.html#page=1|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=December 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203024442/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-karen-lewis-met-0814-20140814-story.html#page=1|archive-date=December 3, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, Emanuel won 56 percent of the vote in the run-off election against Jesús "Chuy" García held on April 7, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Japsen|first1=Bruce|title=Chicago's Rahm Emanuel Re-Elected, Says 'Hard Choices' Ahead|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2015/04/07/chicagos-rahm-emanuel-fights-off-mayor-1-percent-label-to-win-re-election/|access-date=April 8, 2015|work=[[Forbes]]|date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408065413/http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2015/04/07/chicagos-rahm-emanuel-fights-off-mayor-1-percent-label-to-win-re-election/|archive-date=April 8, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> He had been hurt by sharp neighborhood criticism of his decision to shut down 50 public schools in black and Latino neighborhoods, and his installation of [[red light camera]]s, together with anger at the high level of gun violence on the streets. On the other hand, he was supported by the business community and most elements of the Democratic party.<ref>{{cite news|first1= Kim|last1= Bellware|first2= Joseph|last2= Erbentraut|date= April 7, 2015|url= https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/07/chicago-mayoral-election-2015_n_7018672.html|title= Rahm Emanuel Survives Runoff Election And Wins Second Term As Chicago Mayor|work=[[HuffPost]]|access-date= February 18, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181230112857/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/07/chicago-mayoral-election-2015_n_7018672.html|archive-date= December 30, 2018|url-status= live}}</ref>

====2019====
{{See also|2019 Chicago mayoral election}}
Emanuel announced in October 2017 that he was running for reelection in 2019, despite low approval ratings and some potentially serious challengers.<ref name="Crain's Chicago Business"/> In September 2018, Emanuel decided to not run for reelection. Close friend [[David Axelrod (political consultant)|David Axelrod]] told ''USA Today'' that Emanuel had grown uncertain about his devotion to a third term.<ref name="sept4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/09/04/chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-wont-seek-re-election/1191517002/|title=Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's bombshell news leaves city at crossroads|first=Aamer|last=Madhani|website=[[USA Today]]|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905225300/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/09/04/chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-wont-seek-re-election/1191517002/|archive-date=September 5, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Emanuel had been leading in the polls prior to his decision to withdraw. However according to [[Politico]] citing data from [[Public Policy Polling]], Rahm Emanuel had a lead over most of his potential challengers but it was "not enough to win the contest outright" and that in a head-to-head matchup with [[Paul Vallas]], Vallas actually had a polling lead over Emanuel with 39 percent to 33.<ref name=sept4 /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thirdcoastreview.com/2018/08/21/polling-shows-emanuel-isnt-invincible-activists-mark-68-dnc-third-coast-today-08-21-18/|title=Polling Shows Emanuel Isn't Invincible, Activists to Mark '68 DNC--Third Coast Today 08-21-18|first=Aaron|last=Cynic|date=August 21, 2018|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906014022/https://thirdcoastreview.com/2018/08/21/polling-shows-emanuel-isnt-invincible-activists-mark-68-dnc-third-coast-today-08-21-18/|archive-date=September 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/7/10/18463502/poll-for-challenger-lightfoot-shows-rahm-s-2019-re-election-bid-in-big-trouble|title=Poll for challenger Lightfoot shows Rahm's 2019 re-election bid in big trouble|first=Fran|last=Spielman|date=July 10, 2018|website=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=October 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029215634/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/7/10/18463502/poll-for-challenger-lightfoot-shows-rahm-s-2019-re-election-bid-in-big-trouble|archive-date=October 29, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-08-20 |title=New POLLING in Chicago mayor's race — Wife of tea partier JOE WALSH named to SAUER seat — KONKOL's back and writing |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2018/08/20/polling-heats-up-in-mayors-race-wife-of-tea-partys-joe-walsh-named-to-sauer-seat-konkols-back-and-writing-and-wedding-bells-for-two-culture-hounds-299390 |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref> In an interview with the ''Chicago Tribune'', Emanuel stated that he had been conferring with his wife and children for months before announcing the decision and that he felt it was time to "write the next chapter."<ref name="sept5">Bill Ruthhart, [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-wont-run-for-reelection-20180904-story.html Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel explains the surprise that shook the city and why he won't seek re-election] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905200051/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-wont-run-for-reelection-20180904-story.html |date=September 5, 2018 }}, ''Chicago Tribune'' (October 5, 2018).</ref>

===Tenure===
Emanuel assembled a transition team from varied backgrounds.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/us/24chicago.html|title=Chicago, City in Transition, Picks a Big Personality|first=Monica|last=Davey|date=February 23, 2011|access-date=December 7, 2012|work=[[New York Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106171706/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/us/24chicago.html|archive-date=November 6, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/24/rahm-emanuel-transition-t_n_827702.html|title=Rahm Emanuel Transition Team: Picks Two Daley Aides, South Side Minister|work=[[The Huffington Post]]|date=February 24, 2011|access-date=December 7, 2012|first=Jen|last=Sabella|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021154939/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/24/rahm-emanuel-transition-t_n_827702.html|archive-date=October 21, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 16, the city council voted unanimously to adopt the mayor's first budget, which decreased the budget by $34 million and increased spending by $46.2 million, supported by increasing fees and fines. Despite most Aldermen opposing cuts to library workers and the closure of mental health clinics, they ultimately supported it, calling it "honest".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/16/chicago-2012-budget-passe_n_1097183.html|title=Chicago 2012 Budget Passes Unanimously: Rahm Emanuel's First Budget Breezes Through City Council|date=November 16, 2011|access-date=December 11, 2012|work=[[The Huffington Post]]|first=Jen|last=Sabella|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906065639/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/16/chicago-2012-budget-passe_n_1097183.html|archive-date=September 6, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/11/16/city-council-set-for-vote-on-mayor-emanuels-first-budget/|title=City Council Approves Mayor Emanuel's First Budget|date=November 16, 2011|access-date=December 11, 2012|work=[[CBS]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005010323/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/11/16/city-council-set-for-vote-on-mayor-emanuels-first-budget/|archive-date=October 5, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> At a news conference in November 2012, Emanuel listed his top three priorities for the state legislature as security and pension reform, adding a casino to Chicago, and equal marriage rights for same-sex couples.<ref name="Top 3">{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/16360691-418/gay-marriage-emanuels-no-3-priority-for-legislature.html|title=Gay marriage Emanuel's No. 3 priority for Legislature|date=November 13, 2012|access-date=December 6, 2012|work=Chicago Sun-Times|first=Fran|last=Spielman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119023241/http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/16360691-418/gay-marriage-emanuels-no-3-priority-for-legislature.html|archive-date=November 19, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> At a press conference with then [[Governor of Illinois|Illinois Governor]] [[Pat Quinn (politician)|Pat Quinn]], who previously vetoed legislation to put a casino in Chicago, the two were "very close" to reaching a deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/11/30/mayor-governor-very-close-to-deal-for-chicago-casino/|title=Mayor, Governor "Very Close" To Deal For Chicago Casino|date=November 30, 2012|access-date=December 6, 2012|work=[[CBS]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204141327/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/11/30/mayor-governor-very-close-to-deal-for-chicago-casino/|archive-date=December 4, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2018, Emanuel received an honorary [[Doctor of Law]]s degree from [[NUI Galway]], a university in Chicago's [[sister city]] of [[Galway]], Ireland, with the conferrers citing achievements in education reform while Mayor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/99557/mayor-of-chicago-to-be-conferred-with-honorary-doctorate-at-nuig|title=Mayor of Chicago to be conferred with Honorary Doctorate at NUIG|work=Galway Advertiser|access-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404134530/http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/99557/mayor-of-chicago-to-be-conferred-with-honorary-doctorate-at-nuig|archive-date=April 4, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://connachttribune.ie/chicago-mayor-outlines-strong-business-relationship-with-galway/|title=Chicago Mayor outlines strong business relationship with Galway - Connacht Tribune|date=April 3, 2018|work=Connacht Tribune|access-date=April 3, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403162540/http://connachttribune.ie/chicago-mayor-outlines-strong-business-relationship-with-galway/|archive-date=April 3, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:Bloomingdale Trail groundbreaking-HD.webmhd.webm|thumb|right|200px|Rahm Emanuel speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony of the [[Bloomingdale Trail]] in August 2013]]

====Aldermanic appointments====
As mayor, Emanuel appointed several individuals to fill vacancies on the [[Chicago City Council]]. This included appointing [[Natashia Holmes]] as 7th Ward alderman in 2013,<ref>{{cite web |title=Natashia Holmes replaces Sandi Jackson as 7th Ward Alderman |url=https://wgntv.com/2013/02/11/natasha-holmes-to-be-named-7th-ward-alderman/ |publisher=WGN-TV |access-date=12 February 2020 |language=en |date=11 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212193000/https://wgntv.com/2013/02/11/natasha-holmes-to-be-named-7th-ward-alderman/ |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Deb Mell]] as 33rd Ward alderman in 2013,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wetli |first1=Patty |last2=Cox |first2=Ted |title=Deb Mell Named New 33rd Ward Alderman |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130724/albany-park/deb-mell-named-new-33rd-ward-alderman/ |publisher=DNAinfo Chicago |access-date=12 February 2020 |date=24 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212193001/https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130724/albany-park/deb-mell-named-new-33rd-ward-alderman/ |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Sophia King]] as [[4th ward, Chicago|4th ward]] alderman in 2016, and [[Silvana Tabares]] as 23rd Ward alderman in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Silvana Tabares appointed alderman of 23rd Ward by Mayor Rahm Emanuel |url=https://abc7chicago.com/politics/silvana-tabares-appointed-alderman-of-23rd-ward-by-mayor-emanuel/3612776/ |publisher=ABC7 Chicago |access-date=12 February 2020 |language=en |date=17 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212192959/https://abc7chicago.com/politics/silvana-tabares-appointed-alderman-of-23rd-ward-by-mayor-emanuel/3612776/ |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the resignation of [[Willie Cochran]] in March 2019, Emanuel had the opportunity to make a final aldermanic appointment, appointing an interim alderman to hold the seat until his successor (to be elected in [[2019 Chicago aldermanic election#20th ward|an April 2 runoff]]) would assume office on May 20.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Golden |first1=Jamie Nesbitt |last2=Cherone |first2=Heather |title=Denying Rumors, Rahm Says He Won't Appoint Interim 20th Ward Alderman To Replace Disgraced Cochran Before Election |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/03/26/denying-rumors-rahm-says-he-wont-appoint-interim-20th-ward-alderman-to-replace-disgraced-cochran-before-election/ |publisher=Block Club Chicago |access-date=12 February 2020 |date=26 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212192959/https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/03/26/denying-rumors-rahm-says-he-wont-appoint-interim-20th-ward-alderman-to-replace-disgraced-cochran-before-election/ |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Emanuel did not make such an appointment, leaving the seat vacant until March 20.

====Police and community relations====
In August 2012, a federal lawsuit was filed by eleven Chicago police officers alleging they were removed from the mayoral security detail and replaced with officers who worked on Emanuel's mayoral campaign, in violation of the 1983 Shakman Decree, which bars city officials from making political considerations in the hiring process.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/14528066-418/story.html|work=Chicago Sun-Times|title=Cops file suit over demotion from Mayor Emanuel's security detail|date=August 16, 2012|access-date=August 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619131816/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/14528066-418/story.html|archive-date=June 19, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Emanuel faced a great deal of criticism for his handling of the October 20, 2014, police [[murder of Laquan McDonald]]. The dash-cam video of the shooting was initially withheld, and only was released after a judge ordered it on November 24, 2015. After the video release, Emanuel was condemned for covering up the incident and allowing Chicago police to use excessive force against minorities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rahm Emanuel ducks and dodges in Chicago|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/ducking-and-dodging-in-chicago/2015/12/01/131ee90c-9877-11e5-8917-653b65c809eb_story.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=December 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202185312/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/ducking-and-dodging-in-chicago/2015/12/01/131ee90c-9877-11e5-8917-653b65c809eb_story.html|archive-date=December 2, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' columnist [[John Kass]] wrote that the Emanuel administration withheld from the public the police dashboard camera video of the shooting in order to secure the reelection.<ref>{{cite news|author-link=John Kass|first=John|last=Kass|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|title=If police shooting video had been released sooner, would Emanuel be mayor|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kass/ct-laquan-mcdonald-emanuel-kass-met-1126-20151125-column.html|date=November 26, 2015|access-date=December 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202223416/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kass/ct-laquan-mcdonald-emanuel-kass-met-1126-20151125-column.html|archive-date=December 2, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Emanuel responded to criticism of the shooting and how it was handled by firing police Superintendent Garry McCarthy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-chicago-police-superintendent-garry-mccarthy-20151201-story.html|title=Emanuel dismisses top cop Garry McCarthy amid pressure for change|author=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=December 2, 2015|work=chicagotribune.com|access-date=January 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103181928/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-chicago-police-superintendent-garry-mccarthy-20151201-story.html|archive-date=January 3, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In early December, the federal Justice Department announced an investigation into the Chicago Police Department, a move which Emanuel initially called "misguided".<ref name="washingtonpost.com">{{cite news|title=Justice Department will investigate practices of Chicago police|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/12/06/justice-department-will-launch-investigation-into-practices-of-chicago-police/|author=Sari Horwitz|date=December 6, 2015|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=January 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228232902/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/12/06/justice-department-will-launch-investigation-into-practices-of-chicago-police/|archive-date=December 28, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Illinois state legislator [[La Shawn Ford]] also introduced a bill to recall the mayor (an effort most pundits claim was more symbolic than practical).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/10/politics/rahm-emanuel-recall-bill-protests/|title=Illinois lawmaker Rep. La Shawn Ford introduces 'recall Rahm Emanuel' bill|author=Gregory Krieg|date=December 10, 2015|work=[[CNN]]|access-date=January 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305142533/http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/10/politics/rahm-emanuel-recall-bill-protests/|archive-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

Protests erupted soon after the release of the video, and on [[Black Friday (shopping)|Black Friday]] protesters shut down part of the city's [[Magnificent Mile]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/27/us/chicago-protests-laquan-mcdonald/|title=Laquan McDonald's killing: Black leaders seek fed probe|author=Michael Martinez|date=November 27, 2015|work=[[CNN]]|access-date=January 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103050109/http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/27/us/chicago-protests-laquan-mcdonald|archive-date=January 3, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Rev-Jesse-Jackson-Calls-for-March-on-Michigan-Avenue-on-Black-Friday-353942231.html|title=Mag Mile Reopens After Protesters Block Traffic, Stores|work=NBC Chicago|date=November 25, 2015 |access-date=January 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101112833/http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Rev-Jesse-Jackson-Calls-for-March-on-Michigan-Avenue-on-Black-Friday-353942231.html|archive-date=January 1, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Public calls for resignation grew steadily over this period, including a well-circulated op-ed published in ''[[The New York Times]]''.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite web|title=Cover-Up in Chicago|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/opinion/cover-up-in-chicago.html|date=November 30, 2015|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218193128/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/opinion/cover-up-in-chicago.html|archive-date=February 18, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> By early December, Emanuel's approval rating had sunk to 18%, with 67% of Chicagoans disapproving of his job performance, and slightly more than half of those polled calling for his resignation.<ref name="abc7chicago.com">{{cite web|title=Rahm Emanuel's approval rating sinks to 18 percent, according to new poll|date=December 9, 2015|url=http://abc7chicago.com/politics/poll-rahm-emanuels-approval-rating-sinks-to-18-percent-/1114915/|publisher=[[ABC7 Chicago]]|access-date=January 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111160440/http://abc7chicago.com/politics/poll-rahm-emanuels-approval-rating-sinks-to-18-percent-/1114915/|archive-date=January 11, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> During the week of December 10, protestors blocked streets and continued to call for Emanuel to resign.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsweek.com/protesters-block-downtown-chicago-streets-call-mayor-rahm-emanuel-resign-403158|title=Protesters Block Downtown Chicago Streets and Call on Mayor Rahm Emanuel to Resign|date=December 9, 2015|access-date=December 13, 2015|work=[[Newsweek]]|last=Gorman|first=Michele|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213092929/http://www.newsweek.com/protesters-block-downtown-chicago-streets-call-mayor-rahm-emanuel-resign-403158|archive-date=December 13, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Protesters In Chicago Call For Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Resignation|url=https://www.npr.org/2015/12/10/459250022/protesters-in-chicago-call-for-mayor-rahm-emanuels-resignation|publisher=[[NPR]]|date=December 9, 2015|access-date=December 13, 2015|first=David|last=Schaper|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212235424/http://www.npr.org/2015/12/10/459250022/protesters-in-chicago-call-for-mayor-rahm-emanuels-resignation|archive-date=December 12, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Additional protests against Emanuel and Chicago's Police Department were held on the city's busy Michigan Avenue shopping area on December 24, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|author-link=Kim Jansen|first=Kim|last=Kass|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|title=About 100 'Black Christmas' protestors block shoppers on Mag Mile|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-black-christmas-protests-1225-met-20151224-story.html|date=December 24, 2015|access-date=December 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227003436/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-black-christmas-protests-1225-met-20151224-story.html|archive-date=December 27, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 26, 2015, a police officer killed two people in another shooting, including a woman whom the officer had shot by mistake. On December 28, Emanuel announced that he was cutting short his vacation in Cuba to deal with the crisis.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Mayor Rahm Emanuel Cuts Trip to Cuba Short After Police Shooting in Chicago|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/29/us/mayor-rahm-emanuel-cuts-trip-to-cuba-short-after-police-shooting-in-chicago.html|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=December 28, 2015|access-date=January 2, 2016|issn=0362-4331|first=Alan|last=Blinder|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101131208/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/29/us/mayor-rahm-emanuel-cuts-trip-to-cuba-short-after-police-shooting-in-chicago.html|archive-date=January 1, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel curtails Cuba trip after police shooting kills 2|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/12/28/mayor-rahm-emanuel-cuts-cuba-trip-short-after-police-shooting-left-2-dead/77979002/|website=[[USA Today]]|access-date=January 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102074758/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/12/28/mayor-rahm-emanuel-cuts-cuba-trip-short-after-police-shooting-left-2-dead/77979002/|archive-date=January 2, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rahm Emanuel's Cuban Vacation|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/article/429173/rahm-emanuel-cuba-vacation-cut-short|website=National Review Online|date=January 2, 2016|publisher=National Review|access-date=January 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104064509/http://www.nationalreview.com/article/429173/rahm-emanuel-cuba-vacation-cut-short|archive-date=January 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Emanuel announced several changes to the Chicago police department on December 30, including doubling the number of Tasers issued to officers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/12/30/461518814/chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-announces-further-police-reforms|title=Chicago Mayor Announces More Tasers, Training For Police|date=December 30, 2015|work=NPR.org|access-date=April 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415124841/https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/12/30/461518814/chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-announces-further-police-reforms|archive-date=April 15, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On New Year's Eve, the Emanuel administration released e-mails revealing they had sought to coordinate with independent agencies such as the Independent Police Review Authority regarding public relations after the shooting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-laquan-mcdonald-emails-met-0101-20151231-story.html|title=New emails show Emanuel City Hall scramble on McDonald shooting|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|department=Chicago Tribune Exclusive|date=December 31, 2015|access-date=January 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101202859/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-laquan-mcdonald-emails-met-0101-20151231-story.html|archive-date=January 1, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/chicago-releases-hundreds-emails-fatal-police-shooting-36030970|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101085903/https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/chicago-releases-hundreds-emails-fatal-police-shooting-36030970|archive-date=January 1, 2016|title=Newly Released Emails Reveal Coordination After Teen's Death|work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|first1=Michael|last1=Tarm|first2=Tammy|last2=Webber|first3=Sophia|last3=Tareen|agency=Associated Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/31/document-drop-reveals-damning-evidence-in-laquan-mcdonald-shooting/|title=Documents: Attorney For Laquan McDonald's Family Accused City Hall Of Cover-Up, Warned Of Controversy|publisher=CBS Chicago|date=December 31, 2015|access-date=January 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104171837/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/31/document-drop-reveals-damning-evidence-in-laquan-mcdonald-shooting/|archive-date=January 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The same day ''[[The New Yorker]]'' added to the wave of negative media attention surrounding the mayor by publishing "The Sudden But Well-Deserved Fall of Rahm Emanuel," an article critically reevaluating Emanuel's legacy as a political operative since the early 1990s.<ref name="newyorker.com"/>

In February 2016, ''Chicago Tribune'' polls reported that Emanuel approval ratings had dropped to 27%, for his role as the Mayor of Chicago.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Emanuel job approval hits record low as Chicagoans reject McDonald video explanation |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-laquan-mcdonald-poll-20160131-story.html |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=February 2016 }}</ref> The ''Chicago Tribune'' stated that this all-time record low job approval confirms a "public crisis in confidence" for Emanuel who had been subjected to weeks of public protests, allegations of him covering up the [[Murder of Laquan McDonald|Laquan McDonald]] police shooting video, as well as federal civil rights investigation of his police department.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-02-01 |title=Emanuel job approval hits record low as Chicagoans reject McDonald video explanation |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-laquan-mcdonald-poll-20160131-story.html |access-date=2023-09-13 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> For several months, Emanuel claimed that making the video public would jeopardize a federal investigation into the shooting and had refused to allow the video to be shown to the public, even though the Justice Department had not raised any issues with the public release of the footage. It wasn't until a judge forced its release that it was later seen that the contents in the video contradicted the police's narrative of what had occurred. Public backlash resulted from Emanuel's handling of the video, with a "steady barrage" of "Resign Rahm" protests since November".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lartey |first=Jamiles |date=2016-01-20 |title=Rahm Emanuel faces wrath of Chicago's black community over police violence |language=en-GB |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/20/rahm-emanuel-faces-wrath-chicago-black-community-over-police-violence |access-date=2023-03-14 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

According to ''Chicago Tribunal'' polls, the majority didn't believe Emanuel to be honest nor trustworthy, and 83 percent of polled Chicagoans didn't believe Emanuel's statements on the video, and 68 percent felt that he was not justified in withholding the video from the public.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Amber |date=2021-11-25 |title=This poll is very, very bad news for Rahm Emanuel |language=en-US |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/02/01/this-poll-is-very-very-bad-news-for-rahm-emanuel/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> In response to the public backlash, Emanuel forced the resignation of Chicago's police chief, Garry McCarthy, as well as generating a plan that promised to reform the city's police department.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pilkington |first=Ed |date=2015-12-03 |title=Laquan McDonald shooting puts Rahm Emanuel in battle over the truth |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/dec/03/laquan-mcdonald-shooting-rahm-emanuel-chicago-political-battle |access-date=2023-09-13 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

====Public education====
In 2012, during the contract negotiations between the city and the [[Chicago Teachers Union]] (CTU), compromise could not be reached over issues like health insurance increases, teacher evaluations, and seniority pay increases.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2012/0911/In-Chicago-strike-teachers-draw-a-line-on-education-reform-video|title=In Chicago strike, teachers draw a line on education reform|date=September 11, 2012|access-date=December 11, 2012|first=Amanda|last=Paulson|work=[[Christian Science Monitor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208130028/http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2012/0911/In-Chicago-strike-teachers-draw-a-line-on-education-reform-video|archive-date=December 8, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 8, 2012, the CTU voted 90% to authorize a [[Chicago Teachers Union#2012 strike|strike]].<ref name="Moran - 28 Aug 2012">{{cite news|last=Moran|first=Theresa|title=Chicago Teachers Say They'll Strike for the Kids|url=http://labornotes.org/2012/08/chicago-teachers-say-theyll-strike-kids|access-date=September 11, 2012|newspaper=Labor Notes|date=August 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913053354/http://labornotes.org/2012/08/chicago-teachers-say-theyll-strike-kids|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 10, the CTU began a strike<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timeoutchicagokids.com/things-to-do/hipsqueak-blog/180381/chicago-teachers-union-rally-photos|title=Chicago teachers union rally|publisher=Time Out Chicago Kids|access-date=September 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019085033/http://timeoutchicagokids.com/things-to-do/hipsqueak-blog/180381/chicago-teachers-union-rally-photos|archive-date=October 19, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> after CTU President Lewis declared that negotiations with the city were not succeeding.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/09/09/160855857/no-deal-chicago-teachers-to-strike-after-contract-talks-fail|title=No Deal: Chicago Teachers To Strike After Contract Talks Fail|publisher=[[NPR]]|date=September 9, 2012|access-date=September 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910051000/http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/09/09/160855857/no-deal-chicago-teachers-to-strike-after-contract-talks-fail|archive-date=September 10, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 14, the CTU reached a tentative agreement with the city which included preferences for teachers who have been laid off due to a school closing to be hired in another school and student test scores having less of a role in teacher evaluations than the city had originally planned.<ref name="striketentativeend">{{cite news|title=Chicago teachers reach tentative agreement to end strike|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/chicago-teachers-reach-tentative-agreement-to-end-strike/2012/09/14/b0d01452-feae-11e1-8adc-499661afe377_story.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|first=Lyndsey|last=Layton|date=September 15, 2012|access-date=September 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084439/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/chicago-teachers-reach-tentative-agreement-to-end-strike/2012/09/14/b0d01452-feae-11e1-8adc-499661afe377_story.html?hpid=z4|archive-date=December 12, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> This tentative agreement did not hold, and the strike continued, after which Emanuel announced his intention to seek a legal injunction, forcing teachers back to work.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-chicago-schools-idUSBRE88E0IV20120917|title=Emanuel's court bid to end strike stalls, teachers call it 'vindictive'|first1=James B.|last1=Kelleher|first2=Adam|last2=Kirby|work=[[Reuters]]|date=September 17, 2012|access-date=October 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004014737/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/17/us-usa-chicago-schools-idUSBRE88E0IV20120917|archive-date=October 4, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 17, Emanuel's efforts to end the strike stalled as the walkout went into the second week.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/17/13915011-judge-declines-to-expedite-hearing-in-chicago-teacher-strike|title=Judge declines to expedite hearing in Chicago teacher strike|work=[[NBC News]]|date=September 17, 2012|access-date=September 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919235611/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/17/13915011-judge-declines-to-expedite-hearing-in-chicago-teacher-strike|archive-date=September 19, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Delegates from the CTU voted to end the strike on September 18, 2012,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/18/chicago-teachers-vote-to-end-strike/|title=Chicago teachers vote to suspend strike|publisher=[[CNN]]|access-date=September 18, 2012|date=September 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921021314/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/18/chicago-teachers-vote-to-end-strike/|archive-date=September 21, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chicago teachers suspend seven-day strike|work=[[USA Today]]|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/18/chicago-teachers-are-suspending-seven-day-strike/57799352/1|access-date=September 18, 2012|date=September 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921061819/http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/18/chicago-teachers-are-suspending-seven-day-strike/57799352/1|archive-date=September 21, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> and students began their return to the schools the following day.<ref>{{cite news|title= School Days Resume in Chicago as the Lessons From a Strike Are Assessed|work= [[The New York Times]]|first1= Monica|last1= Davey|first2= Steven|last2= Greenhouse|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/20/us/chicago-strike-ends-and-schoolchildren-return-to-class.html|date= September 19, 2012|access-date= September 19, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120920063100/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/20/us/chicago-strike-ends-and-schoolchildren-return-to-class.html|archive-date= September 20, 2012|url-status= live}}</ref>

On September 17, 2013, Emanuel's appointed [[Chicago Board of Education]] announced the closing of 50 Chicago public schools, 49 elementary schools and a high school — the largest school closure in Chicago history.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/05/23/cps-approves-largest-school-closure-in-chicagos-history/|title=CPS approves largest school closure in Chicago's history|date=May 23, 2013|first1=Noreen S.|last1=Ahmed-Ullah|first2=John|last2=Chase|first3=Bob|last3=Secter|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=January 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202210325/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-05-23/news/chi-chicago-school-closings-20130522_1_chicago-teachers-union-byrd-bennett-one-high-school-program|archive-date=February 2, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The trends in dropout and graduation rates have shown considerable improvement in the last five years, but researchers point out the alternative school performance does not follow the general trend.<ref>Carp, Sarah. (19 March 2019). "Dissecting The Soaring Graduation Rate For Black Boys In Chicago." [https://interactive.wbez.org/2019/graduation-rates/ WBEZ News website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507182531/https://interactive.wbez.org/2019/graduation-rates/ |date=May 7, 2019 }} Retrieved 1 May 2019.</ref><ref>University of Nevada, Las Vegas; UNLV's MGM Resorts Public Policy Institute with Todd, Chuck, host. (April 23, 2019)."Conversation with Harry Reid and John Boehner. Also appearing Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago, IL. 5:40 minutes in. [https://www.c-span.org/video/?459932-1/conversation-harry-reid-john-boehner C-Span website] Retrieved 1 May 2019.</ref>

====Public health====
On August 16, 2011, Emanuel unveiled "Healthy Chicago", the city's first public health blueprint with [[Chicago Department of Public Health]] Commissioner [[Bechara Choucair]].<ref name="Healthy Chicago">{{cite web|url=http://www.publichealthnewswire.org/?p=886|title=Chicago leaders unveil city's first-ever public health blueprint|access-date=October 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005032654/http://www.publichealthnewswire.org/?p=886|archive-date=October 5, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Emanuel initiated the consolidation of City Council committees from 19 to 16 in a cost control effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-258606696.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508153215/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-258606696.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 8, 2013|title=Mayor-Elect Emanuel Announces City Council Reorganization|date=May 11, 2011|access-date=December 7, 2012|work=HighBeam Research}}</ref> On October 30, 2012, Emanuel voiced his support for the demolition of the abandoned [[Old Prentice Women's Hospital Building|Prentice Women's Hospital Building]], in order for [[Northwestern University]], which owns the property, to build a new facility. [[Historic preservation|Preservationists]] supported historical landmark status.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/10/31/bell-tolls-for-old-prentice/|title=Bell tolls for old Prentice|date=October 31, 2012|access-date=December 8, 2012|first=Ron|last=Grossman|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101085940/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-10-31/news/ct-met-old-prentice-emanuel-20121031_1_chicago-architect-bertrand-goldberg-prentice-commission-on-chicago-landmarks|archive-date=November 1, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Days later, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks voted that the building met landmark status criteria then reversed their decision later in the same meeting. On November 15, a judge granted a temporary stay of the decision in order for a lawsuit filed by preservation coalitions against the landmark commission to be heard.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/11/15/prentice-womens-hospital-gets-a-temporary-reprieve/|title=Prentice Women's Hospital gets a temporary reprieve|date=November 15, 2012|access-date=December 8, 2012|first=Ron|last=Grossman|work=[[The Chicago Tribune]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118170248/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-11-15/news/chi-preservationists-sue-over-prentice-womens-hospital-20121115_1_landmark-status-temporary-reprieve-chicago-landmarks|archive-date=November 18, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Lack of transparency ====
During Emanuel's time as mayor of Chicago, two of Emanuel's appointees, [[Barbara Byrd-Bennett]] and Amer Ahmad, were convicted of corruption charges.<ref name="staff">{{Cite web |last=staff |first=Chicago Tribune |date=May 16, 2019 |title=That's a wrap. Here are Rahm Emanuel's top controversies and accomplishments as Chicago's mayor. |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-cb-rahm-emanuel-accomplishments-controversies-20190515-story.html |access-date=2021-07-16 |website=chicagotribune.com}}</ref> A third appointee, [[Forrest Claypool]], resigned after the inspector general accused him of a cover up. Emanuel received backlash for defending him against the accusations.<ref name="staff" />

Emanuel rejected requests under the [[Freedom of Information Act (Illinois)|Illinois Freedom of Information Act]] from the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' for various communication and information logs for himself and his staff as "unduly burdensome". After a second request by the ''Chicago Tribune'', they were informed that 90 percent of the emails had been deleted by Emanuel and his top aides.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/11/30/emanuel-denies-records-requests-on-fee-hikes-speed-cameras/|title=Emanuel denies records requests on fee hikes, speed cameras|date=November 30, 2008|access-date=December 11, 2012|work=[[The Chicago Tribune]]|first=David|last=Kidwell|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508154319/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-11-30/news/ct-met-emanuel-fees-records-20111130_1_speed-cameras-vehicle-sticker-rate-hikes|archive-date=May 8, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, Emanuel came under fire for going against his campaign promise to create "the most open, accountable, and transparent government that the City of Chicago has ever seen".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2011/12/01/the-most-transparent-government-chicago-has-ever-seen-part-1|title=The most transparent government Chicago has ever seen, part 1|date=December 1, 2011|access-date=December 11, 2012|work=[[Chicago Reader]]|first=Mick|last=Dumke|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509063437/http://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2011/12/01/the-most-transparent-government-chicago-has-ever-seen-part-1|archive-date=May 9, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Emanuel and his office were found guilty of breaking state law by withholding government emails by transferring them onto his personal phone.<ref name="staff" /> In March 2017, the ''Chicago Tribune'' reported Emanuel released 2,696 emails he had previously withheld. In the emails there were found to be 26 possible violations of lobbying laws. On at least 26 occasions lobbyists, corporate executives, donors, and friends of Emanuel got access to Emanuel or other city officials without registering as a lobbyist or reporting their contact to the ethics board.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dardick|first=Bill Ruthhart, Hal|title=Emails to Emanuel raise questions about dozens of possible lobbying violations|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-emails-lobbyists-registration-met-20170321-story.html|access-date=2021-11-25|website=chicagotribune.com|date=March 21, 2017 }}</ref>

====Tax-exempt status of Lollapalooza====
[[Lollapalooza]], a local summer music festival in [[Grant Park (Chicago)|Grant Park]], was exempt from taxation. Emanuel's brother [[Ari Emanuel|Ari]] is the co-CEO of [[William Morris Endeavor]], which co-owns the event. In 2011 Rahm Emanuel asked the City Council to appoint an independent third party negotiator, to avoid having the negotiation seen as biased. Although the deal was reached before Emanuel took office, tax breaks must be negotiated every year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/7087418-418/emanuel-wants-independent-look-at-lollapalooza-tax-break.html|title=Emanuel wants independent look at Lollapalooza tax break|date=August 16, 2011|access-date=December 8, 2012|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|first=Fran|last=Spielman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619061528/http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/7087418-418/emanuel-wants-independent-look-at-lollapalooza-tax-break.html|archive-date=June 19, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> It was later revealed that the festival received its tax exemption for 2011 in the final days of the [[Richard M. Daley|Daley]] administration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/County-Changes-Lollapalooza-Tax-Exemption-Rules-138558554.html|title=County Changes Lollapalooza Tax Exemption Rules|date=February 2, 2012|access-date=December 8, 2012|work=[[NBC Chicago]]|first=Lisa|last=Balde|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203102709/http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/County-Changes-Lollapalooza-Tax-Exemption-Rules-138558554.html|archive-date=February 3, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, Lollapalooza paid taxes for the first time in seven years and extended its contract to host in Grant Park through 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chicagoist.com/2012/03/15/city_extends_lollapalooza_until_202.php|title=Chicago Extends Lollapalooza Deal Through 2021, Tax Breaks For Promoters Pulled|date=March 15, 2012|access-date=December 8, 2012|work=[[Chicagoist]]|first=Chuck|last=Sudo|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150727031428/http://chicagoist.com/2012/03/15/city_extends_lollapalooza_until_202.php|archive-date=July 27, 2015}}</ref>

====Hyperloop====
Rahm Emanuel announced preliminary plans to award [[Elon Musk]] a contract to build a [[Hyperloop]] between downtown Chicago and the city's [[O'Hare International Airport]], although it would receive no public subsidies under this plan. However, some criticized the fact that Elon Musk has in the past donated more than $55,000 to Rahm Emanuel's various election campaigns, suggesting a potential conflict of interest between the two.<ref>[https://www.thedailybeast.com/elon-musk-hyperloop-dreams-slam-into-cold-hard-reality Elon Musk Hyperloop Dreams Slam Into Cold Hard Reality] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401112753/https://www.thedailybeast.com/elon-musk-hyperloop-dreams-slam-into-cold-hard-reality |date=April 1, 2019 }} Kelly Weill, 03.29.19, Daily Beast</ref>

====Immigration====
Chicago became a ''de jure'' [[sanctuary city]] in 2012 when Emanuel and the City Council passed the Welcoming City Ordinance.<ref>Chicago code [https://chicagocode.org/2/2-173/ Welcoming City Ordinance Chapter 2-173] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810113045/https://chicagocode.org/2/2-173/ |date=August 10, 2018 }}, ''chicagocode.org'' (January 25, 2017).</ref><ref>Welcoming City Ordinance [https://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/mayor/Office%20of%20New%20Americans/PDFs/WelcomeCityOrdinance.pdf Chapter 2-173 Welcoming City Ordinance] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810111213/https://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/mayor/Office%20of%20New%20Americans/PDFs/WelcomeCityOrdinance.pdf |date=August 10, 2018 }}, ''City of Chicago'' (January 25, 2017).</ref>

===Approval ratings===
{{Graph:Chart
 | width=500
 | height=300
 | xAxisTitle=
 | yAxisTitle=% Support
 | xAxisAngle = -40
 | legend=Candidate
 | interpolate = bundle
 | size = 77
 | xType = date
 | y1Title=Approve
 | y2Title=Disapprove
 | y3Title=Undecided
 | type=line
 | xGrid=
 | x= 09/15/2012, 02/15/2013, 04/06/2013, 08/12/2014, 12/09/2015, 01/28/2016, 05/3/2016
 | y1= 37, 19, 50, 35, 18, 27, 25
 | y2= 36, 35, 40, , 67, 63, 62
 | y3= 27, 45, , , , , 12
 | colors = #008000, #FF0000, #A9A9A9
 | showSymbols = 1
 | yGrid = true
 | linewidth = 2.0
}}

{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Pollster
!Date
!Approve
!Disapprove
!Unsure
!Margin of error
!Sample size
!Polling segment
!Polling method
!Source
|-
|Crain's Chicago Business / Ipsos
|September 2012
|37%
|36%
|27%
|± 4.7%
|Less than 600
|Chicago adults
|Online
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-10-04|title=Rahm's ratings mixed after long, hot summer: Crain's/Ipsos Poll|url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20121004/BLOGS02/121009873/voters-split-on-chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-s-performance|access-date=2020-06-07|website=Crain's Chicago Business|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|Crain's Chicago Business / Ipsos
|February 2013
|19%
|35%
|45%{{Refn|Includes 30% of respondents who said they had "mixed feelings."|group=note}}
|± 4.7%
|Less than 600
|Chicago adults
|Online
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-02-21|title=Emanuel's poll rating turns negative|url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130221/BLOGS02/130229963/chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-s-job-approval-rating-drops-significantly-crain-s-ipsos-poll|access-date=2020-06-07|website=Crain's Chicago Business|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|Chicago Tribune / WGN-TV
|April 30–April 6, 2013
|50%
|40%
|–
|± 3.2%
|800
|Chicago voters
|Telephone
|<ref>{{Cite web|last=reporter|first=Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune|title=Emanuel's approval slips, especially among black voters|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2013-05-09-ct-met-rahm-emanuel-0509-20130509-story.html|access-date=2020-06-07|website=chicagotribune.com|date=May 9, 2013 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|APC Research / Chicago Tribune
|August 6–12, 2014
|35%
|–
|–
|± 3.5%
|800
|Chicago registered voters
|Telephone
|<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Pearson|first1=Rick|last2=Ruthhart|first2=Bill|date=August 14, 2014|title=Chicago Tribune poll: Support for Mayor Rahm Emanuel falling fast in Chicago|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/ct-rahm-emanuel-karen-lewis-met-0814-20140814-story.html|access-date=2020-06-07|website=chicagotribune.com}}</ref>
|-
|Illinois Observer
|December 2015
|18%
|67%
|–
|–
|739
|Chicago likely voters
|–
|<ref>{{Cite web|last=WLS|date=2015-12-09|title=Poll: Rahm Emanuel's approval rating sinks to 18 percent|url=https://abc7chicago.com/1114915/|access-date=2020-06-07|website=ABC7 Chicago|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|Research America Inc. / Chicago Tribune
|January 20–28, 2016
|27%
|63%
|–
|±3.2%
|985
|Chicago registered voters
|Telephone
|<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ruthhart|first=Rick Pearson, Bill|title=Emanuel job approval hits record low as Chicagoans reject McDonald video explanation|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-laquan-mcdonald-poll-20160131-story.html|access-date=2020-06-07|website=chicagotribune.com|date=February 2016 }}</ref>
|-
|Kaiser Family Foundation / New York Times
|April 21–May 3, 2016
|25%
|62%
|12%
|± 4%
|1123
|Chicago adults
|Telephone
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 2016|title=Kaiser Family Foundation/New York Times Survey of Chicago Residents|url=http://files.kff.org/attachment/Topline-Kaiser-Family-Foundation-New-York-Times-Survey-of-Chicago-Residents|access-date=June 7, 2020}}</ref>
|}

===End of tenure===
Emanuel planned to arrange for a smooth transition between his mayoral administration and that of his elected successor [[Lori Lightfoot]]. Reports were that he intended to model the transition between their administrations upon the [[Presidential transition of Barack Obama|U.S. presidential transition between]] the [[George W. Bush]] and [[Barack Obama]] administrations. Emanuel had been part of that transition as Obama's Chief of Staff designate.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sneed|first=Michael|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/mayor-rahm-emanuel-transition-smooth-bush-obama-bolten-election/|title=SNEED: Mayor Rahm Emanuel is modeling his mayoral transition after the seamless handover George W. Bush made to Barack Obama|publisher=Chicago.suntimes.com|date=March 30, 2019|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403012455/https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/mayor-rahm-emanuel-transition-smooth-bush-obama-bolten-election/|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>