Mayor Brandon Johnson’s revised 2025 Chicago budget proposal, the fourth draft, has eliminated plans for a property tax increase and unpaid furlough days for city employees, following resistance from the Chicago City Council. The updated plan seeks to close a $68 million budget gap through alternative measures.
Included in the Proposal:
- Short-Term Loan:
Alderman Raymond Lopez (15th Ward) criticized the reliance on a $40 million loan, stating, “That’s not gonna help us in the long term.” - Increased Fines and Fees:
Although avoiding a property tax hike, the budget includes revenue increases from speed cameras, higher costs for city stickers, residential parking, and even entertainment services like Netflix, according to Ald. Lopez.
Johnson’s initial budget proposal included a $300 million property tax hike, which was unanimously rejected.
His most recent $68 million tax increase also failed to gain sufficient support during Friday’s council meeting.
Former Chicago Inspector General Joe Ferguson noted that Chicagoans might tolerate higher fees or taxes if they saw improvements in fiscal responsibility and city services.
A coalition of 90 organizations plans to advocate reallocating funds from unfilled police positions to public health and safety initiatives.
With a $17.3 billion budget on the table, Mayor Johnson needs the support of at least 26 aldermen to avoid a government shutdown. His budget team is actively lobbying for votes ahead of the next council meeting.
Last month, Chicago residents expressed mounting frustration with Mayor Johnson and the Democratic leadership, citing issues like surging crime, mismanagement of funds, and neglect of citizens in favor of policies benefiting illegal immigrants.
Their discontent has boiled over, with outspoken residents openly criticizing the administration’s failures and declaring support for former President Donald Trump.
At a City Council meeting, Chicago resident Dennis White took aim at the leadership, declaring, “You underestimate us. You underestimate the black people, and you underestimate Chicago Red.” Highlighting growing Republican support in Illinois, he warned, “Illinois is turning purple. We’re going red.”
Jessica Jackson delivered a sharp critique of the Mayor’s perceived ineptitude, calling him a “schoolyard bully” who will eventually face accountability. She warned, “At some point, that bully gets cornered in the alley… and he ain’t going to have nobody to help him.”
Other residents echoed these sentiments, including Mrs. Lawrence, who blasted the misuse of taxpayer dollars: “Get rid of the illegals and take your money right back.” She condemned Mayor Johnson’s priorities, adding, “14% rating is what you appear to have… now you want to siphon $300 million out of the citizens’ pocket.”
