This research focuses upon the economic development policy-making and planning activities of Chicago's Mayor Harold Washington during his first term in office (1983-1987). This thesis documents the major economic development policy initiatives of this administration as well as its record of achievement. In addition, this research describes how the mayor and his senior planners sought to re-orient economic development policies in order to provide greater benefits to Chicago's poor. Finally, the research evaluates the degree to which Mayor Washington succeeded in institutionalizing a progressive approach to local economic development planning in Chicago.