November 10, 2025 – Since Mayor Johnson delivered his 2026 budget address on October 16, the City Council has held eight Committee on Budget and Government Operations meetings, with at least four more scheduled this next week.

I have heard from many of you, via our Budget Survey (more than 200 neighbors), over 80 emails for and against various aspects of the budget, many walk-ins and phone calls on proposed cuts to the Chicago Public Library, and more than a dozen calls in support of the social services in this budget.

At the end of October, I submitted my budget feedback to the administration, which was largely informed not only by your specific feedback on this budget, but on the values I know you share:

What I Support

The 2026 Budget proposes numerous good policies that I applaud the City for pursuing:

  • Public Safety: In the new Community Safety Fund, there are great social and health services that will give our neighborhoods the investments they need.

  • Environmental Accountability: The Chief Sustainability Officer and the Department of the Environment are empowered to make numerous environmental inspections.

  • Parking Enforcement: Additional parking enforcement aides under the Department of Finance will help address the parking issues you call my office about.

  • Economic Development: Maintaining budgets for departments like Planning and Development and Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is crucial to continuing improvements to “cut the tape” at City Hall.

 

My Concerns

Right now, the recommended budget includes several issues that need to be addressed:

  • Library Funding: Cutting Chicago Public Library funding, especially for new books, is insulting to who Chicago is and what our libraries mean to you.

  • Gender-Based Violence Funding: We cannot cut services that will result in more violence and deaths, especially after a year that has already seen a 30% increase in domestic violence related homicides.

  • Hiring Freeze: A twelve month hiring freeze will severely hamper the ability to actually execute this budget.

  • Speed Camera Revenue: The City refuses to separate Automated Speed Enforcement (speed camera) revenue into a separate fund, which is required by State and Municipal law. When we try to work with our neighbors to emphasize that speed cameras are not cash cows and instead fund investments that make our streets safer, we need a budget that reflects those values.

  • Pension Payment: The City’s credit outlook now has a negative update, due to the proposed reduction in advance pension payments in the 2026 budget. I will not vote for a budget that results in a credit downgrade.

Wait, there’s more!

I am also working with the City to advocate for a number of other improvements to this budget:

  • Bond Funding

    • As it stands: This budget proposes using bonds to fund operating expenses, like backpay owed to the Chicago Fire Department for their new contract.

    • What we need: Bonds should be used to fund long-term capital assets that strengthen Chicago’s economy. Issuing bonds to cover operating expenses is a bad fiscal decision.

  • City Services

    • As it stands: This budget proposes crucial cuts to the Department of Transportation and the Department of Streets & Sanitation.

    • What we need: We need to fully fund these departments. You call my office daily about tree trims, rodent abatement, potholes, garbage bins, resurfacing, and other crucial services.

  • Corporate Head Tax

    • As it stands: This budget includes a tax on every employee once a corporation exceeds 100 full-time employees.

    • What we could do: Make this tax marginal (e.g., only taxing any employees above 100), among other amendments that could be made.

What You Can Do

It makes a big difference to hear from you! You can do the following to discuss the budget proposal and your city services priorities: ·

  • Provide your feedback using our general service request form.

  • Schedule a ward night with Alderman La Spata, which is a 15-minute meet and greet.

  • Call (872-206-2685) or visit the 1st Ward office (1958 N. Milwaukee), which is typically open between 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.