With the Democratic National Convention (DNC) set to run from Aug. 19 through Aug. 22, many Chicago-area businesses still likely have questions about the day-to-day logistics of the massive event. Here are some of the most important questions business owners may have about their operations during the DNC.

Ten Questions About the DNC

1) What types of security restrictions are planned for the DNC?

There will be a multi-layered security perimeter around the United Center and McCormick Place. The perimeter typically includes law enforcement officers, physical barriers, and vehicle and pedestrian screening checkpoints. (See maps below for details.)

2) When will the restrictions begin?

Businesses and residents around McCormick Place will see security restrictions take effect on the evening of Friday, Aug. 16. Businesses and residents around United Center should expect security restrictions to start on the evening of Aug. 17. There may be some disruptions before then to allow for necessary construction.

3) What kind of traffic will be allowed within the Vehicle Screening Perimeter? Will business deliveries be affected?

As the OEMC notes, “All deliveries entering the security perimeters must go through the Commercial Vehicle Screening Site. Upon completion of the screening process, all delivery vehicles will be sealed and must proceed to make their deliveries.”

On another page, the OEMC defines the Vehicle Screening Perimeter thusly: “Residences and businesses inside the Vehicle Screening Perimeter will be accessible to the public. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to freely enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter from any area. Vehicles will be permitted to enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter, though they must enter through a vehicle screening point, which are marked with checkmarks on the map. Rideshare/taxi drop-off and hot food delivery will be permitted in the Vehicle Screening Perimeter; drivers will just need to enter through a vehicle screening point.”

4) What streets will be closed?

There are several streets that will be closed near the United Center and McCormick Place. Here’s a detailed listing of the streets:

A) United Center Road Closures:
– West Washington Boulevard from Damen Avenue to South Wood Street.
– Damen Avenue from Jackson Boulevard to West Washington Boulevard.
– West Warren Boulevard from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street.
– West Madison Street from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street.
– West Monroe Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street.
– West Adams Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street.
– South Horner Street from West Monroe Street to West Adams Street.
– South Wood Street from West Washington Boulevard to West Jackson Boulevard.
– South Seeley Avenue from West Madison Street to West Adams Street.

Restricted vehicle traffic: Jackson Boulevard from South Damen Avenue to South Wood Street.

B) McCormick Place Road Closures:
– Indiana Avenue from 18th to E. 24th Place.
– Michigan Avenue from 21st to 25th Street.
– Cermak Road from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive.
– 23rd Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue.
– Prairie Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place.
– 24th Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue.
– Calumet Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place.
– 24th Place from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive.
– MLK Drive from Cermak Rd. to 25th Street.
– E 21st Street closed from, and inclusive of, S. Michigan Avenue to S. Calumet Avenue.
– E 21st St is open from west of S Michigan Avenue to inclusive of S Wabash Avenue and E 21st

5) What about the expressways around Chicago? Will traffic there be affected?

There will be some restrictions on I-55/Stevenson Expressway. They include:
A) No trucks or anything larger than passenger cars permitted on Interstate 55 between DuSable Lake Shore Drive and South State Street in both directions.  
B) The MLK Blvd exit from I-55 northbound lanes, including the I-55 turnaround lane (northbound to southbound), will be closed except to vehicles specifically authorized by the United States Secret Service.

6) Is information available in languages other than English?

Go here to find informative flyers in Spanish, Polish, Hindi, and Chinese.

7) What are some good resources where I can find the latest info?

A) The OEMC DNC page has links to many topics, including Impacted Areas, Alerts and Notifications, and Getting Around.
B) Download the free Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) app here for IOS and here for Android. The app will send you important safety alerts and provide instant access to all available resources.

8) Is there a way I can get alerts when something notable affects local businesses?

You can sign up for CHIBIZ Emergency Alerts,  a partnership between the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and the OEMC. To get these alerts, text “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3 visit the city’s website.

9) What should business owners within the affected areas do to encourage customers to keep visiting?

The city recommends on the OEMC website to share the public safety maps with your customers to encourage advance planning. “As a business owner, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to develop a plan that minimizes disruptions while still creating a safe and secure environment for all.”

10) Will employees be able to come to their workplaces if they’re within the perimeters?

People who work within the Vehicle Screening Perimeter will be able to access their place of employment as normal, although ID verification may be required. If they are driving into the perimeter, they’ll need to enter it through a vehicle screening point.

DNC MAPS

United Center

McCormick Place