D.C. v. Chicago: Lessons for 2016

Photo courtesy of Reuters

D.C. authorities are estimating crowds of 1-2 million will descend on the nation's capital this Tuesday to witness the historic swearing in of President-elect Barack Obama. Though that number is down from the original estimate of 4 million, it is still far beyond the scope of any event the District has hosted in the recent past.

Earlier this week the White House declared a state of emergency in the District, allowing for increased money, personnel and equipment to support public safety efforts. Visitors can even sign up to receive emergency text alerts concerning everything from transportation to weather conditions.

All of this prior-planning has got me thinking about Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid. Could the city handle such a large-scale event? Would the Olympics bring financial gold to the city or the agony of an even higher cost of living? I don't have answers to these questions but I admit I'm doubtful.

I'm eager to see how the District handles the demands on public transportation and crowd control over the next few days. If all goes all, D.C. authorities could write the book on how to prepare for a national celebration. If Chicago authorities were smart, they would be first in line to buy that book and read it front to back before the IOC comes to visit this spring.

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