Robert Reed, Better Government Association Director of Investigations and Programming, moderated the forum, which was hosted by the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) and focused on issues of concern to SOAR members and Streeterville residents.

The Chicago ward map was redrawn after the 2010 census, dividing the Streeterville neighborhood into two wards for the first time. Half of Streeterville remains in the 42nd Ward, while the remaining portion joined the new 2nd Ward, a snaking region covering parts of Streeterville, Lincoln Park, Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park, Bucktown, the Gold Coast and Old Town. With current 2nd Ward Alderman Robert W. “Bob” Fioretti running for mayor, this new ward has six candidates vying to represent it in the city council.

The BGA does not endorse candidates for public office but encourages Chicago residents to attend candidate forums and otherwise learn about candidates running for office in the February 24 municipal election.