Council-Backed Budget Could Lead To $130 Million Shortfall This Year, Mayor Says

Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized the City Council-backed 2026 budget, claiming it could lead to a $130 million shortfall this year due to failed revenue strategies like debt sales and advertising. The council, which rejected Johnson's proposed corporate head tax, accused him of delaying implementation to shift blame. The budget, which legalized video gambling in bars and included debt sales and augmented reality licensing, faces implementation challenges.