Pittsburgh City Council approved a 20% property tax increase to fund a $693.2 million budget, amid mixed reactions and ongoing review by Mayor Gainey's administration, as the city faces financial challenges and debates over fiscal priorities.
Pittsburgh City Council approved a 20% property tax increase to address a $20-30 million budget shortfall, raising the millage rate from 8.06 to 9.67, amidst opposition from some council members and residents who criticized the hike and suggested alternative revenue sources like taxing nonprofits.
A Chicago City Council committee approved an alternative budget plan supported by over half the council, which removes the mayor's controversial head tax and introduces new revenue options, sparking debate and upcoming meetings to further discuss the proposal.
Chicago's budget negotiations stalled after opposition aldermen's revised plan, which included removing a garbage fee hike and other revenue measures, failed to sway Mayor Johnson, bringing the city closer to a government shutdown.
The Los Angeles City Council approved significant updates to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, setting a new allowable rent increase range of 1% to 4%, removing additional utility charges, and aiming to balance tenant affordability with landlord interests, amid ongoing housing affordability concerns.
A local Arizona city council race in Mesa has become highly polarized due to a recall effort against councilwoman Julie Spilsbury, driven by supporters of Charlie Kirk and his organization Turning Point Action, highlighting the influence of national politics on local elections following Kirk's recent death.
The Denver City Council has postponed a $27,000 mountain retreat scheduled for next week due to public scrutiny following large-scale layoffs of city workers amid a significant budget shortfall, with plans to reschedule later.
Scott Gilmore, a long-serving Denver city employee and husband of Councilmember Stacie Gilmore, was laid off amid city budget cuts, leading to accusations of retaliation and a lack of transparency in the process. The layoffs are part of a broader effort to address a significant budget deficit, and have sparked criticism from city officials and union representatives.
Amid ongoing layoffs and budget cuts, Denver's city council plans a $26,000 retreat for team building, which was scheduled before the city revealed its financial struggles. The retreat, held at a facility with extensive amenities, is intended to improve council collaboration despite the timing and cost concerns.
The Tucson City Council unanimously rejected the proposed Project Blue data center, linked to Amazon, amid strong community opposition and concerns over transparency and environmental impact. The decision halts the project within city limits, though developers may consider other locations outside Tucson. The council plans to introduce new ordinances to regulate large water users and address future data center impacts.
Danville City Council member Lee Vogler was set on fire at his workplace by suspect Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, who poured flammable liquid on him and then ignited it. Vogler was airlifted for treatment, and Hayes faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and malicious wounding, being held without bond.
In the San Antonio municipal runoff election, Gina Ortiz Jones leads for mayor with 52.33% of early votes, while city council races show strong leads for Sukh Kaur, Misty Spears, and Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, with all winners set to serve four-year terms.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has delayed the final vote on the 2025 budget to Monday, as his proposal, which includes a $68.5 million property tax hike and other fee increases, lacks sufficient support in the City Council. The budget aims to address a $982 million spending gap but has faced opposition due to its tax hikes. Johnson's administration must pass a budget by the end of the year to avoid financial disruptions, but some alderpeople are pushing for workforce cuts instead of tax increases.
Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to delay the vote on Chicago's $17.3 billion 2025 budget due to insufficient support in the City Council, risking a potential city government shutdown. The budget proposal includes a $68.5 million property tax increase and additional taxes and fees totaling $165.5 million, but fails to address a $337.4 million budget gap. Johnson's approach has faced criticism from both progressive and conservative council members, and if a budget deal isn't reached by December 31, the city could face an unprecedented crisis.
The Philadelphia City Council has given initial approval for the construction of a new $1.3 billion Sixers arena in Center City, with a 12-4 vote in favor. The decision follows extensive negotiations and public hearings, with a final vote expected on December 19. The project includes a $60 million community benefits agreement aimed at addressing concerns about the impact on nearby Chinatown. The arena, planned to open in 2031, is supported by Mayor Cherelle Parker but faces opposition from some council members and community groups worried about gentrification and displacement.