Chicago City Council

Alderman Marty Quinn will retire from Chicago City Council after 15 years. He represents the Southwest Side 13th Ward.

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.

Chicago closed 2025 with a $52 million unassigned balance due to spending controls and higher-than-expected revenues, marking a $381 million improvement from 2024. The surplus was reduced by $166 million in retroactive pay raises for firefighters funded through city borrowing, while pension obligations and reserve fund declines remain challenges.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration secretly offered $3.3 billion to reclaim Chicago’s parking meters, exceeding Stonepeak’s $2.5 billion winning bid. City officials withheld the bid details from the City Council under a confidentiality agreement, prompting criticism from alderpeople like Matt O’Shea, who accused the mayor of opacity.

Chicago City Council faces criticism for proposing measures to restrict youth in public spaces, while youth organizers highlight successful restorative justice programs reducing violence. Ald. Brian Hopkins' new curfew proposal aims to empower police to target youth gatherings, contrasting with community-led efforts like GoodKids MadCity's peaceful summer events.

Chicago bars and restaurants in neighborhoods like Beverly, Lake View, and Mount Greenwood have received state approval for video gambling machines but require city approval to operate. Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks to block the machines, fearing competition with the upcoming Bally’s Chicago Casino, while a City Council decision last fall authorized their expansion despite his objections.

Chicago City Council voted against implementing stronger consequences for parents related to their children's misconduct. The council also considered measures such as purchasing the West Loop Greyhound station and banning sweepstakes machines in local bars.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's allies defeated Ald. Anthony Beale's attempt to ban sweepstakes machines in Chicago, allowing approximately 7,000 such devices to remain operational. Beale argued the machines compete unfairly with video gambling terminals and avoid city revenue, while opponents, including Ald. Jason Ervin, claimed banning them would harm Black-owned businesses excluded from other legal gambling sectors.

Chicago's city council rejected Alderman Raymond Lopez's plan to fine parents for their children's crimes, citing the need for systemic solutions and reinvestment in neighborhoods.

The Chicago City Council voted on a proposal regarding sweepstakes machines, a decision that could affect bars and restaurants across the city. The proposal aimed to address the impact of these machines on local establishments.

Chicago’s City Council passed an ordinance imposing up to $4,000 fines for buying or selling stolen air bags, targeting a surge in thefts that rose from 70 cases over three years to over 1,200 in four months. The law requires businesses to track air bag sources but does not address how police will enforce it, as only one arrest has been made despite the spike in crimes.

Chicago City Council approved the purchase of the Greyhound bus station at 630 W. Harrison St. for $19.2 million, expanding the Canal/Congress TIF district to fund the acquisition and future improvements. The 38-10 vote followed debates over city finances and transportation access, with some alderpeople opposing the purchase due to budget concerns while others emphasized the need for affordable transit options.

Chicago City Council held a hearing on delays affecting DACA recipients in Chicago. The hearing addressed the impact of these delays on individuals protected by the DACA program.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is pushing the City Council’s Committee on Workforce Development to repeal Chicago’s video gambling ban, citing potential conflicts with Bally’s casino host agreement. The move has sparked debate over revenue and commitments, with Council members like Mike Rodriguez indicating ongoing vote-counting and discussions about Bally’s financial obligations to the city.

Chicago City Council members are seeking answers from Cook County's court system regarding how individuals on electronic monitoring are tracked. The council is requesting more information about the electronic monitoring process.

22 Chicago City Council members plan to reject the sale of city parking meters to Stonepeak Partners, accusing Mayor Brandon Johnson of withholding critical information and unilaterally setting a June 30 deadline for council approval. The alderpersons argue the mayor's actions violate the separation of powers by making binding decisions without legislative input.

Chicago Ald. Pat Dowell criticized parents and businesses after seven teens were injured in two separate shootings in Bronzeville over two nights. The first shooting wounded four children, and the second injured three more, with investigations ongoing. Dowell called for accountability from parents and businesses hosting teen gatherings.

Chicago City Council members are urging the Johnson administration to replace the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, which was removed two years ago. Community organizers argue that the system is effective in quickly providing assistance to individuals who have been shot.

The Chicago mayoral election is scheduled for February 23, 2027, with a potential runoff on April 6 if no candidate secures a majority. Susana Mendoza, Maria Pappas, Mike Quigley, Joe Holberg, and Liam Stanton have announced their candidacies. Brandon Johnson and other Chicago City Council members are potential candidates.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson linked the restaurant industry to 'slavery' while defending his policy to eliminate the tipped wage, surviving a City Council effort to block it. He emphasized reparations for Black and Brown workers and denied claims of non-compliance with state transparency laws for his Reparations Task Force. Restaurant owners argue the policy will raise prices and cut jobs.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson defended his plan to eliminate the tipped wage, linking the restaurant industry to slavery and rejecting a City Council effort to block the policy. The phaseout of the subminimum wage for tipped workers, set to raise base pay to the full minimum wage by 2028, faces opposition from restaurant owners who warn of rising prices and job cuts.

Chicago lawmakers have voted to name a playground after an armed gunman who was killed by police in a 'justified' shooting. The decision has sparked controversy over honoring a perpetrator of violence.