Olympic Bid Seeks Washington's Help

• LeeAnn Maton
• June 11, 2009

As the October selection of an Olympic host city grows closer, Chicago 2016 is gearing up by lining up help from government officials. According to a recent Chicago Tribune article, Chicago's bid committee has hired a "well-connected lobbying firm" seeking to secure federal money should the city win its Olympic bid.

The article reports that lobbyists have been working with the bid committee since September 2007, and are trying to ensure that Washington will pay for security if the Games come to Chicago. Lobbyists are also seeking commitments from government agencies that telecommunications and other services required by the International Olympic Committee will be available.

In a nod to the Chicago bid, President Obama's administration recently granted an ethics waver for senior aide Valerie Jarrett, also the former vice chair of the Chicago 2016 bid committee, to spearhead the federal government's push to land the Olympics.

The city's hosting of an Olympic Games would be a big boost to Chicagoland's construction industry. The Builders Association is proud to be involved in this effort as a member of the Chicago 2016 Committee and the Legacy Committee.

You can show your support at a pair of upcoming events: A cocktail party on June 25 will count down the final 100 days until the IOC's decision, and the US Olympic Committee Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony with an accompanying  fund raising dinner will take place at McCormick Place West on August 12.