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Mayor Brandon Johnson

All articles tagged with #mayor brandon johnson

local-government22 days ago

Chicago Approves $16.6B Budget Amid Political Tensions

Chicago's $16.6 billion 2026 budget was approved after Mayor Brandon Johnson chose not to veto it, despite disagreements over tax proposals and budget priorities. The budget relies on tax hikes, borrowing, and revenue from debt collection, while sidestepping some of the mayor's initiatives like the head tax. It includes full pension payments and aims for cost savings, but remains heavily dependent on short-term fixes and increased taxes that could hinder economic growth. Future reforms are needed to ensure fiscal stability.

politics2 months ago

Pritzker Opposes Chicago's Proposed Corporate Head Tax Amid Budget Concerns

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker opposes Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's plan to reintroduce a tax on large corporate payrolls, arguing it would deter major employers and harm the city's economic recovery efforts. Pritzker advocates for cost-cutting measures instead to address the city's budget deficit and improve Chicago's business environment.

politics4 months ago

Chicago Leaders Respond to Trump’s Threats of National Guard Deployment

Mayor Brandon Johnson strongly opposes President Trump's threats to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, emphasizing that such actions are uncoordinated, could harm community trust, and are unnecessary as the city has made significant progress in reducing crime through local efforts. He highlights that the National Guard cannot address issues like housing, hunger, or mental health, and advocates for continued investment in community-based solutions instead.

politics1 year ago

Mayor Johnson Faces Budget Challenges as Chicago Council Delays Vote

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed budget allocates funds for over a thousand police officer positions that are unlikely to be filled, continuing a trend of budgeting for "ghost cops" seen in previous administrations. This practice has drawn criticism for lacking transparency and has prompted calls to redirect these funds to public health and safety programs. Despite the city's budget gap and declining crime rates, Johnson, like his predecessors, is hesitant to cut these vacancies, fearing future difficulties in restoring them.

politics1 year ago

Mayor Johnson Faces Criticism Amid Tense Chicago Budget Talks

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is negotiating a budget deal to reduce a proposed property tax increase to $68.1 million, down from an initially proposed $300 million. The compromise involves eliminating certain programs funded by federal pandemic relief, such as guaranteed basic income and small business assistance, and restoring police vacancies to comply with a federal consent decree. The plan also includes maintaining a garbage collection fee freeze and scrapping a proposed liquor tax increase. The budget aims to secure 26 City Council votes for passage, with discussions ongoing about alternative revenue sources and budget reforms.

politics1 year ago

Mayor Johnson Faces Backlash Amid Chicago Budget Turmoil

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed 2025 budget, which included a $300 million property tax hike, faced immediate backlash from the City Council, including from his allies, leading to its rejection. The proposal's failure has raised questions about the ability of progressives to govern effectively and has left the city scrambling to find a budget solution before the year's end. The situation is further complicated by internal city government issues and the need to address a significant budget gap without resorting to layoffs or service cuts.

politics1 year ago

Chicago Mayor Johnson Faces Backlash Over $70M Migrant Funding Allocation

A Chicago resident confronted Mayor Brandon Johnson for reallocating taxpayer funds for illegal immigrants, calling it disrespectful and uniting the city against him. The mayor is seeking an additional $70 million for sanctuary city resources despite previous spending of $300 million on migrant support. Residents protested at a City Council meeting and a petition to recall the mayor is gaining traction. The resident criticized the allocation, citing the city's struggles to fund basic resources like education, and expressed a desire for change at the national level, including support for former President Trump.

politics1 year ago

"Chicago Mayor Faces Backlash Over Migrant Funding and Affordable Housing Plan Delays"

Black Chicago residents expressed outrage at Mayor Brandon Johnson's request for an additional $70 million in taxpayer funds to address the city's migrant crisis, while a recall petition gains momentum. Critics argue that the money should be used to address local needs instead. The progressive mayor's handling of the migrant crisis and crime has led to frustration among residents, prompting a recall effort. The petition drive needs to collect 56,464 valid signatures by August 5 for the question to go on the ballot in November.

crime1 year ago

Rash of Armed Robberies Strikes Chicago's North Side

Chicago police are investigating three armed robberies that occurred within 15 minutes on the North Side, with victims being robbed at gunpoint by multiple male suspects in black sedans. No injuries were reported, and the suspects remain at large. In addition, a nearby Lululemon store was also targeted by burglars around the same time. Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling are set to announce a robbery prevention strategy in response to the incidents.

crime-and-justice1 year ago

"Graphic Video: Chicago Police Fire 96 Shots in Fatal Traffic Stop"

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability released a harrowing video showing Chicago police officers firing dozens of bullets at 26-year-old Dexter Reed during a traffic stop in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, resulting in his death. Mayor Brandon Johnson called the footage "deeply disturbing" and emphasized the need for accountability and building trust between communities and the police. The shooting remains under investigation, with the mayor and other officials expressing commitment to finding justice for all parties involved. Reed's family and their attorneys called for accountability and questioned the officers' response to a simple traffic violation.

real-estate1 year ago

"Chicago Mayor Secures $150M for LaSalle Street Office Building Conversions"

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is moving forward with the LaSalle Street Reimagined Initiative, originally proposed by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, to convert four downtown office buildings into apartments, with at least 30% designated as affordable housing. The initiative aims to repurpose vacant space, attract new investment, and revitalize the central business district, with approximately $150 million in tax increment financing allocated for the renovations. While proponents see this as a positive step, some question the use of taxpayer dollars for downtown restoration. The plan requires approval from the City Council and other committees.

politics1 year ago

"Chicago Mayor Stands by Council Member Amid Flag-Burning Controversy"

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson defended Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez's right to speak at a pro-Palestinian rally where an American flag was burned, calling it "morally reprehensible and irresponsible" to repudiate him. At least 15 aldermen have called for a special meeting to vote on removing Sigcho-Lopez as chair of the City Council Housing Committee, but Johnson refused to condemn him, stating that it's disturbing to debate protected speech in America. Sigcho-Lopez's colleagues have called on the mayor to reprimand him, but he has defended the rally and the veteran who burned the flag, refusing to apologize.