The nonbinding ballot question was introduced by 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee. It asks whether Chicago should develop a permanent festival and outdoor event space, but does not identify a location, explain how a project would be funded or set out what would happen if voters support it.

Lee’s City Council resolution says a dedicated site could let Chicago host major events while reducing their effects on surrounding neighborhoods and public resources. In comments to Block Club Chicago, Lee said she was uncertain whether hosting events such as Lollapalooza in city parks was a good investment for the city and said she did not have a specific site in mind.

The question follows years of complaints from some residents about festivals in public parks, including Lollapalooza in Grant Park and Riot Fest in Douglass Park. Little Village organizer Sara Heymann, whose group Únete La Villita has opposed Riot Fest’s use of Douglass Park, said the group did not help develop the ballot measure but supports giving voters a say.

Heymann said a permanent site could address longstanding concerns about how parks are used. She also wants neighborhood groups involved in any planning, and cautioned that decisions should not be made through private negotiations that leave companies with most of the benefits. She has suggested locations including Soldier Field, the proposed South Loop development known as The 78 and the former Damen Silos site, while emphasizing that a venue should be accessible and close to public transit.

Chicago already owns outdoor venues, including the Millennium Park pavilion, which is generally used for free festivals such as Blues Fest and Jazz Fest. The city also owns Northerly Island, where Live Nation operates Huntington Bank Pavilion under contract.

A Vanderbilt University study has raised questions about public-private arrangements for concert venues. It found that half of Live Nation’s amphitheaters are publicly owned and estimated that at least $420 million in public money nationwide has benefited the company. The study’s lead author, Brian Shearer, has urged cities either to operate venues themselves or to set public protections in contracts, such as competitive bidding, market-rate rent and access for artists beyond those represented by the operator.

Supporters of the Chicago measure point to Milwaukee’s Summerfest grounds as one possible model. The city owns the site, which a nonprofit operates throughout the year for Summerfest and other events.

Recent rainy weekends at Lollapalooza and Riot Fest left muddy conditions at their park sites. Organizers are required to pay for repairs, but the conditions also prompted concerns about access for attendees with disabilities.

If Chicago voters favor the proposal, the next steps remain uncertain. The question does not say whether the city would own and operate a venue or hire a private operator, nor does it specify how residents would participate in choosing a location or setting the terms.