Chicago Metro Area and Cook County Experience Population Growth in 2024
The U.S. Census Bureau released new population estimates showing that the Chicago Metropolitan Area and Cook County have begun growing again after a brief period of estimated declines in the COVID-19 pandemic. Between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, the 12-county Chicago Metro Area added 70,762 residents, a 0.8% increase, bringing the region’s total population of 9.4 million. Included within the Metro Area population increase figure, Cook County added 40,095 residents, also a 0.8% increase, bringing its total population to nearly 5.2 million.
Chicago’s metro area added the ninth-most residents of any metro area in the U.S. last year, while Cook County ranked seventh among all U.S. counties. The Census Bureau also revised previous estimates, now indicating that the Chicago Metro Area grew in both 2023 and 2024, likely due to their revision of Illinois ongoing population estimates following the 2020 Census Post-Enumeration Survey which found that the state’s population was significantly undercounted in the 2020 Census.
Similar to New York City and Los Angeles, Chicago’s population growth was primarily driven by international immigration. Roughly 40% of the nation’s metro areas recorded more domestic out-migration than in-migration. The Chicago Metro Area added 96,448 international immigrants last year, which offsets the domestic migration loss of 45,217. The Chicago area almost entirely fueled Illinois’ population gains in 2023 and 2024, with domestic out-migration and stagnation persisting in many Downstate communities.
The Census Bureau indicated they are using a new methodology that now better accounts for humanitarian migrants, including Venezuelan refugees and Ukrainian immigrants, tens of thousands of whom have settled in Chicago since the start of the war in Ukraine. In addition to immigrants settling in the Chicago area, natural increase is also contributing to the overall growth. Over the last two years, births have outnumbered deaths in the Chicago area by roughly 20,000.
Overall, Chicago’s population growth represents a reversal of the pandemic-era trend of declining large city populations. Fewer people are choosing to leave job centers such as core urban areas. Chicago and other large metro areas will continue to be the top destinations for international immigration given their access to employment and resources to support new arrivals.
Senate Transportation Committee Considers Competing Transit Reform Proposals
The Senate Transportation Committee held a subject matter hearing on March 11, where discussions continued around proposed legislation to address funding and other long-standing issues facing Chicago area mass transit systems. Two bills, SB 5 and SB 1938, were discussed in the hearing. SB 5/HB 1833, backed by transit advocates, would abolish the CTA, Metra, Pace and RTA boards and replace them with a single entity called the Metropolitan Mobility Authority (MMA). The competing SB 1938/HB 2963 is backed by labor unions and includes reforms to strengthen the RTA’s governance over the existing transit agencies without merging them.
Under SB 5, the MMA would create a board to oversee all Chicago area transit modes, streamlining operations, fares, services, and procurement. Advocates of the MMA proposal argue that consolidation offers the best strategy to reduce existing redundant positions, thereby saving costs. Additionally, it would unify what is currently a fragmented transit system, providing reliable multi-modal service across the Chicago area. On the other hand, under SB 1938, labor activists aim to reimagine the current RTA structure by introducing reforms such as a consolidated fare collection system directed by the RTA. Additionally, this bill creates the Road Usage Charge Advisory Committee to evaluate a road usage charge pilot program, to explore taxing motorists by miles driven rather than gallon of gas. Such a proposal would provide a replacement for declining gas tax revenues as consumers transition to electric vehicles. Supporters of the labor proposal criticized the governance structure of the proposed MMA for providing a one-size-fits all solution that does not reflect each transit agency’s expertise in their respective mode or diverse needs of transit riders across the region.
Despite drawing plenty of media attention, Governor Pritzker’s proposed FY 2026 budget proposal doesn’t include any funding to address the $770M transit funding deficit beginning in 2026. Stakeholders expressed warning that without any financial support to address these transit issues, the state’s transit system would face a fiscal cliff, likely leading to significant service reductions or cost increases.
Notably, advocates of both transit reform proposals call for additional state funding to close the deficit and address issues that have plagued Chicago’s transit. Transit workers and union representatives highlighted urgent issues, including staffing shortages, aging infrastructure, and safety concerns. CTA operators voiced fears about how a fiscal cliff could affect transit operations and service reliability. Witnesses at the hearing stressed the need for dedicated funding to improve safety and expand staffing within the state’s transit systems. They also raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of fare structures, ensuring affordability for low-income riders, and bridging service gaps between urban and suburban areas.
While SB 1938 and SB 5 propose structural changes and reforms, the lack of immediate funding in the Governor’s budget proposal casts doubt on when—or if—these transit improvements will become reality. The State of Illinois, City of Chicago, Cook County, and the suburban collar counties will have to figure out a funding solution or risk economic losses resulting from diminished public transit service.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
March 21 – Initial Chamber Committee Deadline
April 11 – Initial Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 9 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 23 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 31 – Adjournment
In the News
Illinois department streamlines online licensing system – Capitol News Illinois, March 13, 2025
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation updated lawmakers Wednesday on its new online licensing system to streamline the process and eliminate backlogs.
Illinois stands to become leader in the production of sustainable aviation fuel – The Center Square, March 13, 2025
Corn and soybean farmers in Illinois look to benefit from another byproduct of their fields.
Illinois bill could allow select group of people serving life in prison to petition for post conviction hearings – WAND, March 13, 2025
Illinois judges are required to consider a person’s youth during sentencing, yet many people are serving life sentences without parole because they were sentenced before state law changed in 2012.
Illinois legislators consider ban on ‘black market’ restaurant reservations – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 13, 2025
Illinois legislators are considering a ban on so-called black market restaurant reservations, following the lead of New York, which recently passed a law banning the practice.
U.S. reps want Illinois to quit delaying project to block invasive carp from Great Lakes – The Detroit News, March 13, 2025
Bipartisan members of Congress from Great Lakes states are urging the state of Illinois to “promptly” end its delay of construction of a $1.15 billion project to prevent invasive carp from the state’s waterways from infiltrating Lake Michigan.
Illinois eyes taxing drivers by the mile — rather than by the gallon of gas – Chicago Sun Times, March 13, 2025
Under proposed legislation, Illinois would explore the viability of reducing reliance on the state’s gas tax by putting in place a “road usage charge,” essentially a tax on the number of miles driven.
Illinois House Violence Prevention Committee approves violent crime reporting bill – WAND, March 13, 2025
State representatives could soon vote on a plan to require law enforcement submit quarterly reports on the number of homicides and violent crimes in their communities. The legislation calls for the Illinois State Police to send the number of homicides and aggravated assaults with a firearm to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Law enforcement would also be required to document when the crime occurred and the status of each violent crime case.
Illinois bill banning copays for sexual assault examinations, testing heads to House floor – WAND, March 11, 2025
The Illinois House Insurance Committee unanimously approved a bill Tuesday to waive copays for sexual assault examinations.
Trans people facing gender-affirming care bans flee to Illinois, shield law states – Chicago Sun-Times, March 12, 2025
Trans people across the country, from teens to retirees, are eyeing moves to Illinois in the wake of anti-trans executive orders and legislation that puts their access to gender-affirming care at risk. Others are looking to leave the country entirely.
Could IL townships be dissolved? Bills supporting the decision are resurfacing, but some oppose the idea – WCIA News, March 11, 2025
Some officials across Central Illinois are worried several townships could be dissolved if proposed bills continue to move forward.
WATCH: Elon Musk, trans issues, renewable energy debated on Illinois House floor – The Center Square, March 11, 2025
National politics continues to be a point of contention for some Illinois legislators, mentioning Elon Musk’s name several times Tuesday.
Illinois Republicans slam Democrats for focusing on ‘bad bills’ amid budget crisis – Fox 32 Chicago, March 11, 2025
Republicans in Illinois have criticized the Democratic-led General Assembly for focusing on what they consider “bad bills” and “misplaced priorities.”
Partisan politics infiltrating non-partisan local Illinois elections – Capitol News Illinois, March 11, 2025
Illinois Democrats backing candidates in new strategy to get involved in all elections.
Bill looks to prioritize local farms in state food purchasing – The Daily Line, March 12, 2025
A measure proposed in the Illinois General Assembly would require state agencies to begin prioritizing Illinois farmers and quality when purchasing food.
Pritzker to speak to New Hampshire Democrats about dangers of second Trump administration – Chicago Sun Times, March 11, 2025
Gov. JB Pritzker has not yet announced whether he’ll seek a third term, and he has consistently tamped down talk of his presidential aspirations. But for now, he is depicting himself as a leader of the Democratic resistance against President Donald Trump.
State Rep. Buckner forecasts looming Trump threats, Springfield session – Hyde Park Herald, March 11, 2025
Local state Rep. Kam Buckner (D-26th) is a man of metaphors and analogies. Just like a high school or college football coach, the former Illini offensive lineman turned state House Assistant Majority Leader has a habit of elucidating simple points with vivid images.
Mental health care providers advocate for bill setting minimum reimbursement rate – The Daily Line, March 11, 2025
After more than two years of work, advocates for a bill creating a minimum insurance reimbursement rate for mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse care are hopeful they’ll see it pass both chambers this session. Currently, insurance companies set their own reimbursement rates — ones that care providers say fall far below the actual cost of services. As a result, patients pay high out-of-pocket costs, and some providers don’t even accept insurance.
Illinois food assistance higher than pre-pandemic levels – The Center Square, March 7, 2025
More Illinoisans are getting taxpayer subsidized food assistance now than from before the pandemic.
Stadelman pushes to eliminate degree requirements for Illinois state jobs – WTVO, March 8, 2025
Illinois Senator Steve Stadelman is pushing to eliminate degree requirements for state jobs. The bill would stop state agencies from requiring applicants to have a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for hire going forward.
As anti-DEI movement grows, women descend on Springfield calling for more trade jobs – Advantage News, March 5, 2025
As the backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives continues across the country, scores of women gathered at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield calling for more trade jobs.
Pritzker stops by Urbana restaurant with Democratic primary winner – WCIA, March 8, 2025
Governor JB Pritzker had a busy day on Thursday but still took some time to hang out with the Democratic primary winner in the race for Urbana Mayor and eat at one of his favorite restaurants.
Proposed bill package aims to reduce the amount of food waste in Illinois landfills – The Daily Line, March 10, 2025
A bill package in the Illinois Senate aims to decrease the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills.
Illinois Pitches Two New Prisons as a Way to Modernize and Address Aging Facilities. Some Advocates Aren’t Sold – WTTW, March 10, 2025
As Illinois’ prison population sits at a near 30-year low, the Illinois Department of Corrections has put out a bid to build two new 1,500-single-celled facilities.
Gov. JB Pritzker’s $300M proposal seeks to attract developers to abandoned sites that now draw only vandals – Chicago Tribune, March 10, 2025
Nature has taken over the vacated Dwight Correctional Center, where a thin forest of spindly trees covers a 160-acre campus that old photos show once featured well-tended lawns and stately oaks.
Trump isn’t alone in his geopolitical aspirations. Some in Illinois and Oregon want change too – Associated Press, March 9, 2025
As President Donald Trump floats grand ideas like reacquiring the Panama Canal and taking over Greenland, some rural residents of Illinois and Oregon are promoting geopolitical change of their own: They want to break away from their states, and perhaps unite with Indiana and Idaho.
‘Something should be done’: Illinois Democratic lawmakers hear from public frustrated about President Donald Trump’s initiatives – Chicago Tribune, March 10, 2025
A retired engineer from Downers Grove who leaned liberal but was never overly engaged in politics, Bill Blair has had an awakening since Donald Trump was elected president a second time.
State lawmakers mull ban on declawing cats – Daily Herald, March 7, 2025
Amid complaints from animal welfare activists that declawing cats is cruel and often unnecessary, Illinois lawmakers have been debating for more than two years whether to ban the practice.
DOGE cuts impact U.S. Army Corps Griffith location; lease being terminated – Chicago Tribune, March 9, 2025
As the Department of Government Efficiency continues to make cuts, one Northwest Indiana agency is affected.
Some groups want federal protection for Great Lakes gray wolves dropped as role of Endangered Species Act examined – Chicago Tribune, March 9, 2025
For three days in 2019, the howls of gray wolf Zeus at Big Run Wolf Ranch in Lockport echoed for miles as he mourned his mate Chenoa, who died from a gastric condition.
Illinois Joins Lawsuit Seeking to Halt ‘Illegal’ Mass Firings of Federal Workers – WTTW, March 7, 2025
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined on to a wide-ranging lawsuit that seeks to halt the mass layoffs of federal probationary employees under President Donald Trump’s administration and the reinstatement of those who have already been terminated.
Will federal cuts to national parks lead to more state park visitors? Travelers are monitoring effect – Shaw Local News Network, March 8, 2025
Federal budget cuts and staffing reductions are reaching the National Park Service, raising questions for longtime federal employees.
Eye On Illinois: Government overlap forces planning for actions beyond direct control – Shaw Local News Network, March 8, 2025
“And so this, I think, is performative. We don’t know what will happen. There’s a lot of things that we have no control over.” State Rep. William Hauter, R-Morton, delivered that quote Wednesday at a House budget committee meeting during a discussion covering the impact of potential cuts to federal Medicaid funding.
Alicia Tate-Nadeau, first woman to lead state’s disaster response, leaving post – Chicago Sun-Times, March 7, 2025
A former Illinois National Guard brigadier general, Tate-Nadeau was the first woman to lead the state agency. In 2023, the Sun-Times reported an IEMA executive assistant accounted for $240,761.30 in billings — double the salary of her boss between February and August 2023.
LGBTQ+ town hall focuses on state legislation, safety, rights – The Pantagraph, March 7, 2025
State Rep. Sharon Chung and State Sen. Dave Koehler spoke at the event at Heartland Community College.
‘This experience is very traumatizing’: Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot testifies about death threat she received in 2022 – Chicago Tribune, March 13, 2025
Growing occasionally emotional, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday testified during a bench trial that she was disturbed and traumatized by a profane and racist death threat sent to her in 2022 through a city feedback email system.
CPD launches internal investigation after cop’s gun found in courthouse bathroom – Chicago Tribune, March 13, 2025
The Chicago Police Department on Thursday opened an internal investigation after an officer’s gun was found unattended in a bathroom of the Leighton Criminal Court Building.
David Greising: What can be done to save mass transit in Chicago and the suburbs? – Chicago Tribune, March 13, 2025
The mass transit systems serving Chicago and the collar counties face a $770 million budget shortfall in the fiscal year starting July 1. The gap could exceed $1 billion in coming years.
‘The end of an era’: Top Madigan prosecutor known for bringing blockbuster mob, corruption cases, stepping down – Chicago Tribune, March 14, 2025
Ailing Chicago mobster Frank “The German” Schweihs was all scowls in June 2018 when he was pushed into a federal courtroom in a wheelchair for a hearing in his racketeering case and two young federal prosecutors he’d never seen before were staring back at him.
Trump takes aim at Chicago again — this time with a federal task force on antisemitism – Chicago Sun-Times, March 13, 2025
Jason Lee, a senior adviser to Mayor Brandon Johnson, was not surprised at the DOJ initiative. He noted the new Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism is targeting three of the same cities whose mayors were summoned to Washington to defend their sanctuary city status before a congressional committee.
Northwestern faculty and students say efforts to appease Trump chill free speech – WBEZ Chicago, March 13, 2025
Some students and faculty say a new anti-bias training characterizes criticism of Israel as antisemitic. They worry it could put student activists at risk.
Chicago attorneys accuse federal agents of violating immigrants’ rights and take legal action – WBEZ Chicago, March 13, 2025
In one case, attorneys say a Chicago resident was detained for hours and only released after federal agents realized he was a U.S. citizen.
The Chicago metro area and Cook County are growing again – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 13, 2025
The Chicago area’s population is finally growing again, with the metro area and Cook County among those nationally that added the most total residents last year, according to new Census Bureau estimates. The 12-county metro area added 70,762 residents between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, an increase of 0.8%, to 9.4 million. Cook County added 40,095 residents, also an increase of 0.8%, to almost 5.2 million.
Chicago fur ban rejected by City Council: ‘About personal choice’ – Chicago Tribune, March 13, 2025
Aldermen rejected an effort Wednesday to ban the sale of new fur products in Chicago. The failed ordinance aimed to fight animal cruelty with “compassion and empathy,” sponsor Ald. Raymond Lopez, 15th, said. But the opponents who won out argued the regulation would put family-owned fur stores out of business in an act of government overreach.
City clerk wants closer scrutiny of CTA, CPS, Chicago’s other sister agencies – Chicago Sun Times, March 13, 2025
City Clerk Anna Valencia has joined forces with Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) on a resolution directing the Council’s Committee on Ethics and Government Operations to create a subcommittee charged with “examining the process for appointing board members at sister agencies and establishing best practices relating to transparency, accountability and the democratic process.”
Suburban counties, labor unions testify in opposition of Chicago-area transit consolidation – The Daily Line, March 12, 2025
Suburban municipalities want to ensure they keep a seat at the table as the General Assembly looks at possible reforms for Chicago-area transit agencies.
‘Silos’ and ‘steamrollers’: Rival plans to save Metra, Pace and the CTA go under the microscope – Daily Herald, March 11, 2025
Two separate reform proposals for public transit got an airing Tuesday during a Senate Transportation Committee hearing that produced pointed questions.
Johnson’s labor liaison to leave City Hall – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 11, 2025
Bridget Early, Chicago’s deputy mayor for labor relations, has resigned her position effective March 15, according to an email to colleagues obtained by Crain’s.
Council to consider fur sale ban, Miracle Boyd lawsuit settlement, appointment of permanent BACP head – The Daily Line, March 12, 2025
The City Council on Wednesday will consider final approval of a ban on the sale of most fur products, a nearly half-a-million-dollar police misconduct settlement stemming from an excessive force investigation, a housing development catering to Indigenous culture and a new community arts center.
Toxic dump plan scrapped for South Side Lake Michigan shoreline – Chicago Sun-Times, March 11, 2025
The Southeast Side is expected to eventually get a new green space after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleans up the site near the Calumet River and gives land to the Chicago Park District.
After forcing out COPA chief, oversight boss vows to confront ‘dirty city’ impeding police reform – Chicago Sun-Times, March 11, 2025
Anthony Driver Jr., president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, came to that jarring conclusion while conducting a fact-finding mission into Andrea Kersten, chief administrator of the Civilian Office for Police Accountability.
Chicago’s boutique retail corridors are thriving. Here’s why. – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 11, 2025
A new analysis from Stone Real Estate found that the shopping strips on Damen, Armitage and Southport avenues are thriving, with low vacancy rates and a vibrant mix of tenants. Those three areas, considered Chicago’s primary boutique retail corridors, are often go-to spots for brands looking to set up shop in the city. Their fates could influence Chicago’s ability to attract retailers.
Metra considers replacing rail line names with numbers, letters – Chicago Sun Times, March 11, 2025
The rail system began a public outreach that could rename all lines by number or direction.
Finance committee approves Miracle Boyd settlement, Native American-focused affordable housing development – The Daily Line, March 11, 2025
The City Council Committee on Finance on Monday approved numerous wrongful settlements stemming from police conduct, including vehicle pursuits and a case of excessive force during 2020 racial justice protests. Additionally, the committee approved financial assistance for the city’s first affordable housing development that will specifically cater to Indigenous Americans.
Culture and arts committee approves appointments to Cultural Affairs and Special Events Advisory Council – The Daily Line, March 11, 2025
The City Council Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation on Monday approved six appointments to the Cultural Affairs and Special Events Advisory Council, a 30-member volunteer body that advises the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) on ways to support, expand and promote arts and culture within the city.
Watch: The mass transit fiscal cliff – Capitol News Illinois, March 7, 2025
Four entities that make up the Chicago metro area’s mass transit system face a combined $770 million budget shortfall. That means Chicago’s transportation problems are now a front-and-center issue for state lawmakers from all parts of Illinois.
Amid Loop vacancies, Chicago’s property tax burden shifts to neighborhoods – Chicago Sun-Times, March 7, 2025
“The values are going down downtown. Residential is going to take on a greater share of the tax bill,” an expert says, which could have broader implications for Chicago’s future.
Trump’s ‘whirlwind’ second term takes its toll on Chicago C-suites – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 10, 2025
President Donald Trump had barely finished his oath of office when Chicago’s nonprofit real estate developers suddenly found themselves in a fire drill.
Zoning committee to consider landmark designation for LaSalle Reimagined project; Lincoln Park apartment tower – The Daily Line, March 10, 2025
The City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards will meet on Tuesday to consider a landmark designation for one of the downtown office buildings planned to be converted into mixed-income housing through a city initiative.
Chicago observers relieved a reserved Mayor Brandon Johnson achieved ‘a draw’ with congressional Republicans – Chicago Tribune, March 7, 2025
During his first year in office, Mayor Brandon Johnson infamously went on the offensive when pressed on his plans to visit the southern U.S. border.
Influential bishops with Chicago ties will have a hand in picking the next pope – Chicago Sun-Times, March 8, 2025
Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, and Chicago-born Cardinals Robert Prevost and Wilton Gregory would be part of the papal conclave that elects a new pope. Experts say a selection from the United States is unlikely.
Hazel Johnson launched an environmental movement in Chicago that Trump is trying to end – Chicago Sun-Times, March 8, 2025
Cheryl Johnson, who took charge of People for Community Recovery in 2010, just before her mother’s death, says MAGA can’t end a decadeslong fight that affects poor white communities as well as communities of color.
Metra ‘owes an explanation’: Documents show ‘allegation chart’ and ‘discrimination section’ in secret police probe – Daily Herald, March 9, 2025
The cost of three days’ work preparing a report for the Metra board about alleged police department misconduct? Around $45,000, documents show.
