Daley, Richard Michael (1942-…) was the longest-serving mayor in Chicago’s history. Daley, a Democrat, served as the city’s mayor from 1989 to 2011. Daley’s father, Richard J. Daley, was a powerful Chicago mayor who served from 1955 until his death in 1976.
In 1990, after his first election victory, Richard M. Daley introduced an ordinance that guaranteed a portion of city contracts to women- and minority-owned businesses. In 1992, Daley helped create the city’s Department of Environment. The department centralized control of several government functions, including setting and enforcing environmental policy. In 1995, Daley took control of the Chicago public school system in an effort to improve the system’s finances, effectiveness, and student performance.
Daley became known for his efforts to make the city more attractive to its visitors and residents. During the 1990’s and early 2000’s, the city planted thousands of trees, landscaped miles of street medians, and created new parks and rooftop gardens. Daley supported the renovation of Navy Pier, with its many shops and entertainment facilities, and the development of Millennium Park, which includes an outdoor concert area and large-scale works of art.
Daley was born on April 24, 1942, in Chicago. He received undergraduate and law degrees from DePaul University. He served in the Illinois State Senate from 1972 to 1980. He served as Cook County state’s attorney from 1980 to 1989. Daley became mayor in 1989, when he won a special election to fill the last two years of the term of Harold Washington, who died in office. Daley was reelected in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007. He did not seek reelection in 2011.
