( CNN ) -- The announcement that Chicago , Illinois , will not host the 2016 Olympic Games took the hopeful wind out of many in the Windy City . Dreams of hosting the 2016 Olympics were dashed for many Chicagoans . But for others , the news was welcome . But for almost half of the city 's dwellers , the International Olympic Committee 's decision was winning news . A spokeswoman for No Games Chicago , a grass-roots organization opposed to hosting the Olympics , said she was `` relieved '' by the vote Friday in Copenhagen , Denmark . Chicago 's Olympic fever , spotty as it was , broke abruptly when the city was the first of four final contenders to be knocked out of the running . The prospective host cities had been whittled down to four finalists -- Chicago ; Rio de Janeiro , Brazil ; Tokyo , Japan ; and Madrid , Spain . The bid went to Rio de Janeiro , making it the first South American city to host the Olympic Games . Chicago had been seen as a front-runner in recent days , especially after it sent to Copenhagen America 's biggest guns -- President Obama and his popular wife , Michelle -- for a last-minute sales pitch . But a poll taken by the Chicago Tribune and CNN affiliate WGN revealed in early September that 45 percent of the city residents did n't want the Olympic Games . And 84 percent of Chicagoans objected to the idea of public money being used to support the effort . Earlier this week , about 250 Olympic-bid protesters gathered in front of City Hall , WGN reported . A sign in the crowd read : `` Have the audacity of nope . '' Many who gathered for the bid slapdown were affiliated with No Games Chicago , which sent three delegates to Copenhagen to state their case . After the vote , however , spokeswoman Francesca Rodriguez said No Games Chicago is `` in no way taking any pleasure in this '' and feels `` sympathy '' for those who are disappointed . `` In reality , Chicagoans who were for the Games and those who were against them were committed to the same goal : Working hard for what they thought would be best for the city of Chicago in the coming decades , '' she said . `` We 're glad that the city wo n't now be burdened by the distraction of the Olympics at the expense of improving Chicago 's schools , transportation , parks and the numerous other public policy initiatives on which the city needs to be focused . '' Those who believe the Olympics can bring lasting change to a city -- beyond the spike in economic activity during the event -- are often misguided , suggested economist Rob Baade of Lake Forest College in Lake Forest , Illinois . `` There is no reason to expect that the Olympics , or any mega-event , is going to induce a sustainable boost in the economy , '' he said . `` The cost overruns are pretty legendary . Costs are generally understated and the gains overstated . '' One Web site set up to rally against bringing the Olympic Games to town relied as much on humor as it did reason . Its name : Chicagoans for Rio 2016 . The site showcased unflattering head-to-head comparisons , such as `` Naked people dancing '' vs. `` Chubby people eating . '' The increasing budget deficit in Chicago was contrasted with a $ 0 total for Rio . `` If you 're a Chicagoan , Rio 's budget deficit does not matter , '' the site said . `` It would be exciting to host the Olympics here in Chicago . But you know what would be even better ? Rio de Janeiro , '' the site announced . `` Just let Rio host the 2016 Olympics . We do n't mind . Honest . '' Wish granted .
For about half of Chicago 's dwellers , losing out on the Olympics is welcome news . Olympic opponents prefer the city 's focus to be on schools and other needs . About 250 anti-Olympic protesters rallied outside Chicago 's City Hall this week . Comment: