Chicago City Builders Book Club: Grafters and Goo Goos

Join us for the November gathering of the Chicago City Builders Book Club!

We bring together professional city builders to explore Chicago-centric books that unpack the city’s urban form, political history, and civic future.

We meet every six weeks at locations near the Loop for spirited conversation, local snacks, and shared curiosity about how cities work and how they change.

This month, we’re reading Grafters and Goo Goos: Corruption and Reform in Chicago by James L. Merriner, a sweeping look at the tug-of-war between machine politics and idealistic reformers. From ward bosses to watchdogs, Merriner maps the power struggles that continue to shape Chicago’s civic landscape.

If you're passionate about public service, urban design, or the messy mechanics of reform, you’ll find your people here.

Hosts

Marla Westervelt Berg, Principal, Cityfi, [email protected]

Lauren Mattern, Founder & TDM Lead, Journey, [email protected]

Mike Ernst, Associate, Arup, [email protected]

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Host or Publisher Cityfi and Journey