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Chicago Inspector General Witzburg Won’t Seek Second Term

City Council ethics reforms limiting city lawyer presence during investigative interviews have cemented the office’s independence.

Overview

  • Deborah Witzburg announced she will not pursue a second four-year term and plans to leave office next April.
  • She said City Council’s recent ethics reforms removing barriers to internal investigations have strengthened the office’s independence.
  • The new ordinance allows OIG investigators to limit city lawyers’ presence during interviews and provides broader access to city records.
  • Witzburg frequently clashed with Mayor Brandon Johnson over probes, including a probe of his administration’s gift-logging practices.
  • The reforms also cap future inspectors general to two four-year terms and establish a mayor-appointed, council-approved committee to select her successor.