From the city that works to the city that shrinks...

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As Richard M. Daley wraps up his reign, one thing is certain. The city's population shrank dramatically during his tenure. According to the 2010 census, Chicago's population is the lowest its been since 1920, the year Prohibition was enacted.

A key factor in the decline: black flight. The next mayor of "the city that works" may want to think about investing outside of the Loop - in ways that revitalize the neighborhoods. Education and affordable housing are two key areas to explore.

The population decline of Chicago is the most read story in the WSJ online edition today.

The Chicago Tribune and the Sun-Times also cover the story.

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