Dear Neighbors,
On October 21, the Mayor presented his proposed budget for 2027 to the City Council. The City faces a $882.4 million budget gap, and we are gearing up for a challenging budget season that is sure to require a number of tough compromises.
To prepare for the budget hearings, I’ve been talking with my fellow alderpeople, constituents, and advocacy groups about priorities. I understand how hard our community has already been hit this year due to the property assessments, and I want you to know that I am against any proposal to raise property taxes to close the budget gap.
The proposed $17.6 billion budget includes $131.5 million in investments, $119.8 million in savings and efficiencies, and $664.2 million in increased revenue.
Investments
$30m for Housing and Homelessness Support
$24m for Youth Employment
$14.5m for Streets & Sanitation Operations
$30.9m for Library Funding
$32.1m for Other Investments
Savings & Efficiencies
$85.4m in Operational Efficiencies
$34.4m in Personnel Savings
Increased Revenue
$42.9m in TIF Surplus
$61.4m in Improved Revenue Projections
$75m in Parking Meter Sale Revenue
$447.2m in Revenue Enhancements
$37.7m Catalyst Fund Revenue
See the full 2027 budget overview here.
Budget hearings begin Monday, October 26 at 10am in the Council Chambers, and are open to the public either in-person or via livestream at the City Clerk website. Learn more about attending the meetings here and view the full hearing schedule here.
Join us for a Budget Town Hall on Monday, November 2 to learn more and ask questions. With your help, I hope to pass a balanced budget that reflects our values, supports working families, and sets our city up for a successful 2027 and beyond.
Yours in Community,
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman
