Chicago City Council Unanimously Rejects Mayor Johnson's $300 Million Property Tax Proposal

The decisive vote signals a shift toward greater council independence and sets the stage for challenging budget negotiations.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed property tax increase was unanimously rejected by a 50-0 vote in the Chicago City Council, highlighting a significant political setback.
The rejection forces the city to address a $300 million budget gap for 2025, with aldermen and the mayor now tasked with finding alternative revenue sources or budget cuts.
Johnson initially framed the tax hike as necessary to prevent layoffs but later described it as a strategy to prompt serious budget discussions.
The council's growing independence is evident, with members opposing the tax increase due to constituent pressure and concerns over repeated tax hikes in recent years.
Potential solutions discussed include reallocating federal pandemic funds, increasing various city fees, and reconsidering the city's pension payment strategy.