Budget Update: November 14, 2024
On Thursday, November 14, my colleagues and I convened a special meeting and voted unanimously against Mayor Johnson’s proposed $300 million property tax levy. 48th Ward neighbors have been hit hard this year with property assessments, and I’m committed to working with my colleagues to find alternatives that don't put such a large burden on residents. The special meeting yesterday represents a positive change in the budget process: one where instead of rubber-stamping the Mayor’s budget proposal, City Council takes an active role to create a better budget that works for our constituents.
Over the last month, I have shared our budget survey with the 48th ward in my newsletter and social media platforms. Over 170 neighbors have responded so far, and the message is clear: safety, transportation, housing, and the environment are among the top priorities for 48th ward neighbors. This is a difficult budget season that will require tough compromises; I will continue to represent the 48th ward’s interests and priorities at City Hall as we work to find creative solutions to passing a balanced budget despite the nearly $1 billion deficit we face.
Since November 6, I have participated in the budget hearings where every city department comes before City Council, and we have the opportunity to ask questions about their budget for 2025. We have seen 22 departments and offices so far including the Chicago Department of Public Health, Department of Housing, Department of Family Support Services, and many more.
Remaining hearings were delayed in light of the vote against the $300 million property tax levy, and resume today. In the coming weeks, we will meet with the remaining departments and agencies including more bodies related to public safety, infrastructure, environment, and administration. See a full list of previous and remaining hearings for the 2025 budget at the bottom of this post.
On Monday, November 25 at 6pm we’re hosting a 48th ward budget briefing on Zoom. The Better Government Association will join us to share their analysis. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to stay engaged by attending the budget hearings virtually or in person, signing up for the Better Government Association’s “budget snapshot” emails, and continuing to share feedback through our budget survey.
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 2025 and beyond.
Yours in Community,
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman
Previous Hearings (as of November 14, 2024):
Office of Budget Management
Department of Finance
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR)
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)
Department of Buildings (DOB)
Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS)
Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)
Department of Housing (DOH)
Department of Planning and Development (DPD)
Chicago Public Library (CPL)
City Clerk
Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
Board of Ethics
Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA)
Police Board
Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA)
License Appeal Commission
Public Safety Adminitration
Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC)
Remaining hearings (as of November 14, 2024):
Department of Water Management (DWM)
Chicago Department of Aviation
Board of Elections
Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT)
Chicago Fire Department (CFD)
Chicago Police Department (CPD)
Department of Fleet and Facility Management
Department of Law
Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS)
Department of Technology and Innovation
Chicago Animal Care and Control
City Treasurer
Department of Administrative Hearings
Department of Environment (DOE)
Department of Human Resources (DHR)
Department of Procurement Services
