Chicago City Council Faces Critical Vote on Revised $17.3B Budget

Mayor Brandon Johnson's updated budget proposal removes a controversial property tax hike but still faces resistance over spending cuts and alternative revenue measures.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's revised $17.3 billion budget eliminates a proposed $68.5 million property tax increase after significant opposition from aldermen and residents.
The updated plan introduces increased taxes on amusement, cloud computing, parking, and downtown congestion, along with new event fees and expanded speed camera enforcement to generate revenue.
Johnson made additional concessions, including restoring 162 police jobs to comply with federal oversight and cutting $90 million in pandemic relief spending, but critics argue these measures are insufficient to address structural deficits.
The City Council's 'Common Sense Caucus' has demanded deeper cuts, including eliminating departments and programs, while some aldermen suggest unpaid furloughs for city workers as a shared sacrifice solution.
Failure to pass a budget by December 31 could lead to a government shutdown and a severe blow to Chicago's credit rating, intensifying pressure on the council and mayor to reach an agreement.