Emanuel will take office at a time when Chicago’s budget is stretched precariously thin and will have to make deep across the board cuts. He’s also going to have to deal with a city council and other city bureaucracies eager for more power after 20+ years of heavy handed leadership from former mayor Richard M Daley.
This is Emanuel’s first stint in an executive position, after serving in both the Clinton and Obama White Houses and as a congressman representing Chicago. He’s known as a savy dealmaker, skills that he will draw heavily on while Mayor.