November 17 — Today in the Committee on Finance, the 2026 Revenue Ordinance (i.e. how we fund our government in 2026) was called for a vote. I, and many of my colleagues, believed that the vote should have been delayed but that vote failed on an 18-18 split. As the first name called in any roll call I don't have the benefit of watching how the chips fall; my vote is always a vote of conscience.

That said, in reviewing your emails, texts, survey responses, and comments at the recent budget town hall, I voted yes on the Revenue Ordinance. I was thinking of those who recognize the necessity of a TIF surplus in maintaining our school budgets, the importance of continuing our holistic investments in community safety, and the fairness in asking corporations in Chicago to pay incrementally more for the safety we all benefit from.

The Revenue Ordinance failed and all other votes have been indefinitely delayed, proving that we have much work to do in developing a stable and responsible budget that has the political support to pass. As they stand, I would have been 'no' votes on the bond and management ordinances as they fail to achieve the transparency and responsibility demanded by 1st Ward residents. I remain committed to doing the hard work of crafting the budget you deserve over the coming weeks.

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