December 14, 2011

Mayor Emanuel Introduces Ordinance to Ensure Safe and Efficient Operations During Upcoming G8 and NATO Summits

Diplomatic summits will be hosted in Chicago next May

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Today, Mayor Emanuel introduced an ordinance that will allow local, state and federal public safety partners and other public and private entities to efficiently coordinate operations during the upcoming NATO and G8 summits, which will be hosted from May 15 to May 22, 2012.

"The NATO and G8 summits present an exciting opportunity to showcase our extraordinary city to the world,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Hosting these summits puts the spotlight on Chicago as a city on the move and an unparalleled destination for travel, tourism and business."

If passed, the proposed ordinance will:

  • Clarify the Chicago Police Department’s ability to enter into agreements with the necessary law enforcement agencies to deputize law enforcement personnel;
  • Change the fines for resisting a police officer or aiding escape from $25.00-$500.00 to $200.00-$1,000.00;
  • Amend the hours that public parks, playgrounds or bathing beaches are open to the public to be consistent with the Chicago Park District’s hours of 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; and
  • Allow the Mayor or his designee to execute limited agreements with public and private entities for goods, work or services regarding planning, security, logistics and other aspects of hosting the NATO and G8 Summits.

This will be the first time an American city other than Washington D.C. has hosted a NATO summit, and the first time in more than 30 years that any city has hosted both gatherings.

The City’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is the lead City agency responsible for managing and coordinating the upcoming G8 and NATO Summits.

“From international boxing tournaments, former Olympic Games consideration to election night in Grant Park, the OEMC is always planning, coordinating and developing precautionary measures to preserve the safety and integrity of the City of Chicago. This proposal will act as one more tool to assist the City of Chicago in preparing, planning and coordinating for a successful event,” said OEMC Executive Director Gary W. Schenkel.

 

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