Chicago Is Better Off Without 2016 Olympics

International Olympic Committee representatives are currently visiting Chicago, one of four cities vying to host the 2016 Summer Games. But Chicagoans should hope the honor goes elsewhere, writes Steve Chapman for Reason. The Olympics tend to be a huge cost and hassle with little benefit. Does Chicago, home state of the most powerful man in the world, need any more exposure?

Studies have found that the massive publicity hosting the Olympics gives a city doesn’t really confer any measurable reward. Then there’s cost: London’s budget for the 2012 Games has tripled since it won the bid. Even if they don’t pay out of pocket, residents pay in manifold inconveniences as their city is hijacked for 2 weeks. All in all, Chapman concludes, this is one honor Chicago can do without. (More Chicago Olympics stories.)