Chicago Imposes Citywide Hiring Freeze to Address $1 Billion Deficit

Mayor Johnson announces stringent cost-cutting measures, impacting all departments including police and fire, to close budget gaps.

The freeze includes halting non-essential travel and limiting overtime expenses outside of public safety operations.
Chicago faces a $222.9 million deficit this year and a $982.4 million gap projected for next year.
All city departments, including the police and fire departments, are affected by the hiring freeze.
The budget shortfall is driven by rising personnel, pension, and contractual costs along with reduced revenue from state taxes.
Mayor Johnson's proposed budget plan, detailing solutions to the deficit, will be presented to the City Council for approval by the end of 2024.