Jane Byrne Quotes

A collection of quotes by Jane Byrne.

Jane Byrne was an American politician who served as the 40th mayor of Chicago from 1979 to 1983. She was born on May 24, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in the city's south side. Byrne graduated from Mundelein College in 1956 and later received a master's degree in urban studies from the University of Chicago.

Her political career began in the early 1960s when she worked as an assistant to then-Mayor Richard J. Daley. She went on to hold various government positions, including commissioner of consumer sales and commissioner of the Chicago Department of Buildings.

In 1979, Byrne made history by becoming the first woman to be elected mayor of Chicago. During her tenure, she focused on improving public housing, reducing crime rates, and revitalizing the city's downtown area. She successfully implemented policies to increase minority representation in city government and established programs to address issues such as homelessness.

Byrne faced significant challenges during her mayoralty, including a severe blizzard in 1979 and conflicts with city unions. However, her efforts to improve the city's image and address its pressing problems garnered both praise and criticism.

After leaving office in 1983, Byrne remained active in local politics and was involved in various community organizations. She passed away on November 14, 2014, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer and a significant figure in Chicago politics.