The U.S. Census Bureau published its 2023 City and Town Population Estimates. Illinois’ estimated population stands at 12,549,689, ranking it as the sixth most populous state in the country. The Census Bureau estimates that Illinois lost 263,780 residents, or approximately 2% of its population, since the last decennial Census between 2020 and 2023. These numbers reflect an accelerated nationwide shift in population away from the Northeast and Midwest to the South and West since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in the last year Illinois’ population losses have slowed, with the state only losing an estimated 33,000 people or 0.26% of its population from 2022 to 2023.
Over 70% of the population loss since 2020 comes from the estimated 188,000 people who left Cook County, Illinois’ most populous county and home to Chicago. Chicago is estimated to have lost 81,900 people, or approximately 3% of its population from 2020 to 2023. However, the city appears to be moving in the right direction, with an estimated loss of just 0.02% between 2022 and 2023. Chicago remains the third-largest city in the United States, trailing New York City and Los Angeles. Since 2020, Chicago is estimated to have lost the second most total residents of any city in the country, only ahead of New York City, and the third most residents on a per capita basis, ahead of New York City and Philadelphia. Many Cook County suburbs appear to have experienced similar population trends to Chicago since 2020, with losses between 1.5% and 5% of their population.
The collar counties of DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will, and McHenry experienced variation in their population change since 2020. Lake, Kane, and DuPage Counties each lost roughly 1% of their residents from 2020 to 2023, whereas Will and McHenry Counties both gained roughly 1%. Will and McHenry Counties likely gained population due to land availability and real estate price increases in closer-in suburban areas. Kendall County, an exurban county to Chicago, experienced the greatest percentage population gain in the state from 2020 to 2023, growing by 6.1%. Kendall County was already growing quickly prior to the pandemic for similar reasons to Will and McHenry Counties.
The Peoria, Springfield, and Rockford areas saw population losses of around 1% since 2020, continuing trends that existed since before the pandemic. The Bloomington-Normal and Champaign-Urbana areas, which had been among the fastest growing in the state prior to the pandemic, experienced little to no change in population from 2020 to 2023.
The post-2020 figures listed above are annual estimates, rather than the official decennial Census household survey results. Annual estimates are based on factors such as tax returns, Medicare filings, and moving data in and out of the state. It is important to note that Census annual estimates largely projected a population loss from 2010 to 2020, which was not ultimately realized in the 2020 Census figures. Given that the estimated losses already appear to be slowing, relative to 2021 and 2022, Illinois could be gaining in population again by the next official Census count in 2030. Additionally, the Census annual estimate methodology likely failed to account for the arrival of approximately 41,000 migrants to the Chicago area since August 2022.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
May 17 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 24 – Adjournment
May 25-31 – Contingent Session Days for Budget
November 5 – 2024 General Election
In the News
Pritzker expresses need to spread money around as groups fight for limited state funds – The Daily Line, May 17, 2024
Gov. JB Pritzker reiterated the state needs to share limited available funding resources among many priorities as the governor and legislature get inundated with several high-profile funding requests at the same time they try to finalize a tight budget.
Frerichs: Optimism about state budget passage, and the state still has money – WGIL, May 16, 2024
The Illinois Comptroller would be more interested in how any negotiations over a proposed state budget for the next fiscal year. But Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs says his office does have a role to play.
Legislator calls Pritzker a ‘population denier’ after data show Chicago loses more – Source, May 16, 2024
When asked why he thinks the state’s major cities are losing population, Pritzker said the state gained population and the annual estimates calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau are wrong.
Vice President Kamala Harris takes optimistic tone at fundraising event in Glencoe – Chicago Tribune, May 16, 2024
A week after President Joe Biden’s latest campaign stop in Chicago, Vice President Kamala Harris appeared at a fundraiser in Glencoe, where she offered a message of hope for the Democratic ticket in November despite some polls that indicate otherwise.
SCOTUS considers whether to take Illinois’ gun ban challenges – The Center Square, May 16, 2024
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to take up cases challenging Illinois’ gun and magazine ban. Illinois banned the sale and possession of more than 170 semi-automatic firearms and magazines over certain capacities in January 2023
Federal funds to provide food for low-income kids in Illinois this summer – The Pantagraph, May 16, 2024
More than 1 million children in Illinois will have additional access to food assistance through a federally funded program this summer. Governor Pritzker announced the Illinois’ summer EBT plan. Under the plan, eligible children will receive a one-time $120 issuance.
Lawmakers consider tax break for news publishers, state-sponsored journalism scholarships – Capitol News Illinois, May 16, 2024
A new measure being debated in the Illinois General Assembly would create a tax credit for certain news publishers based on the number of reporters they employ.
Illinois House OKs ban on prize contests for killing coyotes, other fur-bearing mammals – The Pantagraph, May 16, 2024
Over heated opposition from downstate lawmakers, the Illinois House approved legislation on Wednesday that would ban contests organized around the killing of fur-bearing mammals for cash or prizes.
New bill could waive building permit fees for disabled veterans in Illinois – Central Illinois Proud, May 16, 2024
Illinois Senate Bill 2751, will amend the codes in Illinois counties, townships and municipalities so that disabled veterans or their caretakers will not be charged any building permit fee.
Why Workers Opt Out of Illinois ‘Secure Choice’ Automated Retirement Savings Program – Pew Trusts, May 16, 2024
Most retirement saving is done through workplace retirement plans. As a result, an employee’s lack of access to an employer-sponsored plan can be a critical impediment to workers saving for retirement. Low-wage workers and workers of color have lower rates of access to employer-sponsored plans.
Illinois legislators considering tax and spend policies in final days of session – The Center Square, May 15, 2024
Illinois legislators continue to consider tax increases on businesses heading into the final nine days of scheduled session. Conversations also continue about zeroing out Illinois’ grocery tax and whether local governments will get state taxpayer funds to offset losses to local coffers.
IL House GOP: State could RISE to $82.4B in property tax relief – The Center Square, May 15, 2024
Illinois’ economic growth is not big enough, or fast enough, to keep pace with competing states, say Illinois House Republicans. “Bad public policy is squandering our potential,” said State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (pictured, left) (R-Beecher City), adding Illinois should be a “powerhouse” but instead is bereft of opportunity “for regular folks from all walks of life.”
Mail delivery changes in Springfield halted until 2025 – The State Journal-Register, May 16, 2024
The United States Postal Service has chosen to pause the implementation of its Delivery For America plan across the country until January first of next year, halting the change of Springfield’s Packaging and Distribution Center (PDC) into a Local Processing Center (LPC).
Civic Federation Calls for Caution in State Budget, Praises Illinois’ Recent Financial Progress – WTTW, May 16, 2024
As Illinois legislators decide how much of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed budget they’ll leave intact, a fiscal watchdog is weighing in and advising serious introspection. The Civic Federation praises Illinois’ “significant progress on stabilizing its finances” and praises steps Pritzker wants to take to further do so, like bringing the state’s malnourished pension systems to 100% funding.
Illinois voters’ information partially removed by right-wing outlet following judge order – The State Journal-Register, May 15, 2024
A Lake County judge gave a publisher of right-leaning websites until Monday at 5 p.m. to remove personal voter information from its sites. As of Tuesday afternoon, it had mostly met the standards of the agreed order.
Democrats meeting June 5 to choose Walker’s replacement in House – Daily Herald, May 14, 2024
Northwest suburban Democratic Party leaders will meet in Mount Prospect on June 5 to select a person to fill the Illinois House seat left open when state Rep. Mark Walker was appointed to the state Senate.
Opinion: Eye On Illinois: Self-appointed power comes with responsibility to follow through – Shaw Local News Network, May 14, 2024
We try to address a wide variety of state government topics here at Eye On Illinois, but even while spraying to as many fields as possible there are unavoidable trends. One such theme is lack of follow through. Put another way: the state giving itself more power than it can effectively exercise.
Environmental & ag groups push for IL cover crop expansion – 1430 WCMY, May 14, 2024
A coalition of environmental and agricultural groups are encouraging state lawmakers to expand the Illinois Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program (FCSS). Farmers who are accepted into the program receive a $5-an-acre subsidy on their next year’s crop insurance for every acre of cover crops they plant.
Pritzker encountering legislative resistance to $52.7 billion budget proposal. Now what? – The State Journal-Register, May 13, 2024
Less than two weeks until its scheduled adjournment, state lawmakers and Gov. JB Pritzker appear to be at-odds in budget negotiations. The Democratic governor is requesting legislative approval of a $52.7 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, accompanied with approximately $800 million in tax increases.
Pritzker: $800 million cut memo sends message to balance budget – The Center Square, May 13, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says the message being sent by a memo directing state agencies to anticipate $800 million less to spend than what he proposed is that he will not sign an unbalanced budget. In February, Pritzker proposed spending $52.7 billion. Last week, his administration sent agency directors a memo saying the $1 billion in tax increases he proposed aren’t popular and to anticipate they won’t be approved.
‘We’re on the friends and family plan now’: New details emerge in alleged AT&T scheme to bribe House speaker – Chicago Tribune, May 13, 2024
Less than two weeks after AT&T Illinois’ bill to end mandated landline service became law in 2017, the utility’s then-president, Paul La Schiazza, allegedly received a request from a relative of House Speaker Michael Madigan to sponsor a nonprofit event.
Lawmakers weigh Illinois child tax credit as they negotiate budget – WGEM, May 13, 2024
Illinois lawmakers have less than two weeks left in the 2024 legislation session to hammer out the next state budget. One proposal being weighed is a $300-per-child tax credit for nearly half of Illinois parents. Though lawmakers filed a bill proposing the tax credit, lawmakers would pass it through the state budget.
Hitting their pocketbooks: How Illinois backs Israel, hinders its opponents – The State Journal-Register, May 13, 2024
While student protesters have called for divestment from Israel, state governments including Illinois have increased their investment during the Israel-Hamas War. Since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has directed two, $30 million in total, Israeli bond purchases.
Labor-backed bill banning ‘captive audience’ meetings awaits House action – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 10, 2024
With two weeks left before the General Assembly’s spring session is set to adjourn, negotiations continue on a labor union-backed initiative that would allow Illinoisans to skip religious and political work meetings without reprimand.
State Rep. Walker appointed to vacant Illinois Senate seat – Daily Herald, May 12, 2024
Former state Rep. Mark Walker will replace Ann Gillespie as the state senator for the Northwest suburbs’ 27th District, Democratic Party officials decided Saturday. Walker, a Democrat who’s represented the state House’s 53rd District since 2019, said in an announcement that he’s honored by his selection and expects a seamless transition.
Illinois legislators consider more tax credits; Invest in Kids not among them – The Center Square, May 11, 2024
Illinois legislators continue to consider different types of tax credits, but some are urging the General Assembly to renew one that expired at the end of last year. At a recent House Revenue and Finance Committee, legislators heard about a tax credit for affordable housing. State Rep. Dagmara Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, said the measure is needed to create more housing options.
McCombie on End of Session: Lawmakers “Going Through the Motions” – The Illinoize, May 12, 2024
With just two weeks to go before the scheduled adjournment date of the General Assembly, Republicans again find themselves on the outside looking in. But for House GOP Leader Tony McCombie, she’s watching the calm before the inevitable storm in the final days before adjournment.
For Many Illinoisans in Flood-Prone Areas, Buyouts Are the Only Way Out – Capitol News Illinois, May 13, 2024
Every day, Berdeena Leturno checks her email for an update on when the state of Illinois will finally pay her $80,000. It’s been over two months since she signed the paperwork to sell her flood-damaged home as part of a buyout program, and over a year and a half since the creek across the street rose so high that it filled her home with water.
Springfield woman charged with making false bomb threat targeting 2 state buildings last month – Chicago Tribune, May 10, 2024
A 23-year-old Springfield woman has been arrested and charged with making a false bomb threat that targeted two Illinois state buildings last month, the Illinois State Police announced Friday.
There’s green to be made in Chicago’s blue waters, Johnson argues to Quebec biz leaders – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 16, 2024
In a bid to position Chicago as the center of a burgeoning “blue and green economy,” Mayor Brandon Johnson met in Montreal with Quebec companies focused on sustainability and water management.
Protesters plan Gaza-focused DNC march, won’t apply for Chicago permit – Chicago Tribune, May 16, 2024
The organizers of many of Chicago’s biggest pro-Palestinian rallies are planning a march during this summer’s Democratic National Convention — and vowed Thursday not to apply for a city protest permit.
Police clear pro-Palestinian protesters’ encampment at DePaul – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 16, 2024
Chicago police cleared out a pro-Palestinian student encampment on DePaul University’s campus early this morning. The student protest encampment was the longest-running and last remaining protest encampment in the city.
Chicago won’t give up nearly $50 million it’s owed under Bears proposal – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 16, 2024
A big selling point of the Chicago Bears’ proposal to tap into government bonds to help pay for a new lakefront stadium is it would save the city short-term pain tied to paying off the debt on Soldier Field.
Chicago Tribune journalists file discrimination suit against paper – Chicago Sun-Times, May 16, 2024
Seven Chicago Tribune journalists filed a class action Thursday against the newspaper and its owner, alleging violations of equal pay based on sexual and racial discrimination.
Suspend 8 CPD Officers Responsible for Woman Who Died in Chicago Police Custody for No More Than 2 Months Each: Misconduct Agency, Top Cop Agree – WTTW, May 16, 2024
Eight Chicago Police Department officers responsible for the 33-year-old woman who died by suicide while being detained inside a South Side police station in December 2021 should be suspended for no more than two months, the city’s top cop and the agency charged with investigating police misconduct agreed.
Former city staffer removed from do-not-hire list by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration, appeals from two other Lightfoot holdovers remain pending – Chicago Tribune, May 16, 2024
One of three city staffers placed on the do-not-hire list by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office recently got his designation removed and he’s now on an alderman’s payroll, while two others fired in the early days of the Johnson administration are still barred from holding city jobs.
Housing committee delays vote on reauthorization of CHA grievance hearing agreement over accountability concerns, lack of hearings – The Daily Line, May 17, 2024
The City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate approved a measure Wednesday to tweak language in the Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO) to specify the ways developers must comply with the requirements of the affordable housing law.
At Tense East Side Town Hall, Activists Blast Alderman’s Support For City Mining Ordinance – Block Club Chicago, May 16, 2024
Southeast Side community organizers and environmentalists shouted down the local alderman and walked out of a town hall meeting Wednesday, demanding the freshman City Council member withdraw a controversial ordinance that would allow mining in some parts of Chicago.
News in brief: County board calls on state to pass One Fair Wage; County passes Morita’s Asian American data inclusion requirement measure – The Daily Line, May 17, 2024
The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved two measures Thursday, one to call on the state to eliminate the tipped wage and the other to mandate more comprehensive data collection practices for the county’s Asian American population.
Chicago’s population loss slowed last year – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 16, 2024
Chicago’s population continued to shrink last year, but the pace of decline slowed significantly. The number of residents in the nation’s third-largest city dipped 0.3% in 2023 to 2.66 million from 2.67 million the year before, according to Census Bureau estimates. That’s an improvement from 2022 and 2021, when the population slid 1.2% and 1.4%, respectively.
Suburban Cook County biggest area population loser in recent years, census estimates show – Chicago Tribune, May 16, 2024
Though the city of Chicago has lost residents in recent years, the suburbs in Cook County have lost more, while suburbs far from the city are booming, new U.S. census estimates show.
Crime, housing issues and cutting red tape: Civic leaders size up Johnson’s first term – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 16, 2024
When Mayor Brandon Johnson took office, Chicago faced a trifecta of problems: the migrant crisis, rising crime rates and a business district still reeling from the pandemic. Despite these challenges, the mayor released a progressive and aspirational transition plan to create a more just and vibrant city for all.
Advocates tell mayor: Fund transit, not stadiums – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 15, 2024
As Mayor Brandon Johnson pushes for public funding to help pay for the Chicago Bears’ revamped lakefront home, transit advocates are urging the administration to invest those dollars in the region’s distressed public transit system instead.
County legislation committee approves resolution supporting elimination of statewide tipped wage – The Daily Line, May 16, 2024
The Cook County Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee approved a resolution Wednesday that calls on the state legislature to eliminate the tipped wage statewide. The resolution will receive final consideration at Thursday’s County Board of Commissioners meeting, which kicks off at 10 a.m.
PPP fraud investigation sees former Cook County correctional officer charged – Chicago Sun-Times, May 15, 2024
A former Cook County Jail guard has been charged with defrauding the federal Paycheck Protection Program that was created to help struggling businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chicago youth struggle with higher rates of unemployment post-pandemic, new report finds. ‘I need a job ASAP’ – Chicago Tribune, May 15, 2024
As Carmell Massey and Saul Rodriguez, both 18, get ready to graduate next month from Innovations High School, the teens said they are afraid of being out of school and jobless as they are having a hard time finding employment.
Federal Judge Overseeing Chicago Police Department Reforms Won’t Ban No-Knock Warrants or Tighten Restrictions on Raids – WTTW, May 15, 2024
The federal judge overseeing efforts to reform the Chicago Police Department declined Wednesday to ban no-knock warrants or tighten restrictions on when – and how – officers can raid Chicagoans’ homes, according to a new ruling.
Chicagoans Doubled Bike Trips In Past 5 Years. The South Side Saw Some Of The Biggest Increases – Block Club Chicago, May 16, 2024
Chicagoans took more than twice as many bike trips last year as they did in 2019, with increases of nearly 200 percent in some parts of the South Side, according to recent estimates. But that growth isn’t uniform, as ridership is growing more slowly on the Far South and Southeast sides — mirroring trends elsewhere on the city’s outskirts.
A Better, Stronger, Safer Chicago? Mayor Brandon Johnson’s First Year – Block Club Chicago, May 14, 2024
Brandon Johnson’s go-to campaign slogan has remained his refrain throughout his first year in office as Chicago’s mayor. “It’s just our first step toward a better, stronger, safer Chicago,” he told alderpeople while introducing his 2024 budget proposal last fall.
Johnson dog-paddles into second year with approval numbers under water – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 15, 2024
As he flips the calendar on his first year in office today, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faces an array of challenges, not the least of which is the need to dig out from a net approval rating of -29%.
News in brief: County committee to consider support for One Fair Wage; City housing committee to tweak language in Affordable Requirements Ordinance – The Daily Line, May 15, 2024
On Wednesday, a Cook County Board of Commissioners committee will consider a measure to call on state lawmakers to eliminate the tipped minimum wage, and the City Council’s housing committee will tweak language in the Affordable Requirements Ordinance.
One of Johnson’s picks for civilian police oversight board stalled in committee as nominee’s job in aldermanic office raises conflict-of-interest concerns – The Daily Line, May 15, 2024
The City Council Committee on Police and Fire approved six of the mayor’s seven nominees to the city’s civilian police oversight commission on Tuesday but postponed a vote on one nominee over concerns the appointment could lead to a conflict of interest.
Cutting teen unemployment key to lowering Chicago crime rate, study suggests – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 15, 2024
A new report published today uses U.S. Census Bureau data to conclude Latino and especially Black Chicago teens and young adults had stunningly high unemployment rates during and after the pandemic—worsening a historic economic gap between the North Side and the South and West sides—and posits a possible connection between that and soaring COVID-era crime rates.
Civil rights group says Chicago mayor, top cop should take tougher action against officers linked to extremist Oath Keepers – Chicago Sun-Times, May 14, 2024
A leading civil rights organization sent a letter Tuesday urging Mayor Brandon Johnson and his handpicked police superintendent to conduct a more thorough investigation into cops linked to the Oath Keepers, a far-right group at the center of the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.
This year’s Israel Independence Day ‘tinged with sorrow,’ say Chicago Jews – Chicago Tribune, May 14, 2024
Members of the Jewish United Fund in Chicago raised a flag in Daley Plaza on Tuesday to honor the date of the formal establishment of the state of Israel. The holiday, called Yom Ha’atzmaut in Hebrew, held more significance amid the deadliest round of fighting in the history of the conflict between Jews and Palestinians to date.
NASCAR is no Lollapalooza — but it sort of wants to be – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 15, 2024
Organizers hope embracing alternative entertainment will attract attendees to the event who might not initially be intrigued by the racing. Once fans are there, they believe the sport will sell itself.
CTA drama drives the day – POLITICO, May 14, 2024
Some Chicago City Council members have lost patience with the Chicago Transit Authority’s post-Covid return to business and with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s seeming refusal to make a change at the top of the agency.
Rep. Buckner on the CTA: ‘There will be no new revenue without reform’ – Capitol Fax, May 15, 2024
Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) is one of the prime movers behind a proposal to consolidate the four Chicago-area mass transit agencies — the RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace — into one super-agency with beefed-up powers.
CTA riders, victims recall robberies, attacks: ‘I’m very paranoid’ – Chicago Sun-Times, May 14, 2024
Four robberies or beatings occurred on the Red Line from May 6-10, carried out by at least four young women and a male, Chicago police said in a community alert. A spokesperson with the department said there were no updates Tuesday.
Mayor Johnson touts his pro-business bona fides as he marks his first anniversary – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 14, 2024
Backed by powerful unions and an army of volunteers, Brandon Johnson’s ascent to the fifth floor of City Hall was the result of a decade-long project by progressive organizers to take control through confrontation of Chicago’s traditional power structure.
Fire CTA President Dorval Carter, a new City Council resolution says – Chicago Tribune, May 13, 2024
A group of aldermen are calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. J.B. Pritzker to replace embattled Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval Carter. Twenty aldermen, including several progressive Johnson allies and other more conservative aldermen, have so far signed onto the resolution that also calls for Carter to resign, according to its author, Ald. Andre Vasquez, 40th.
Treasurer faces additional $10,000 fine; ethics leaders chastise Johnson – Chicago Tribune, May 13, 2024
The Chicago Board of Ethics issued an additional $10,000 fine to city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Monday related to the firing of two top aides who alleged she misused taxpayer resources and pressured government workers to help her political allies.
Brandon Johnson hits back – Politico, May 13, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson pushed back at critics who say he’s not doing anything to avoid chaos at the Democratic National Convention this August in Chicago. “Keeping people safe and protected is something that is a top priority for me,” Johnson told Playbook in an interview Saturday before he joined convention organizers to mark the event’s 100-day countdown.
Unlikely allies? Suburban mayor, GOP legislator backs Bears’ lakefront plan – Daily Herald, May 13, 2024
The governor of Illinois and top leaders in both chambers of the state legislature have thrown cold water on the Bears’ request for public subsidies to develop a new Chicago lakefront stadium. But the plan has a key supporter who wields influence in the Northwest suburbs, city of Chicago and hallways of the state Capitol in Springfield: Brad Stephens.
Illinois Speaker Chris Welch Launches Democratic Party of Proviso – Fox 44 News, May 13, 2024
On the heels of being named Proviso Township Committeeman, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is focusing on building the local party with the launch of the Democratic Party of Proviso. Community members and elected officials can join the Democratic Party of Proviso and volunteer for various committees by visiting ProvisoDems.com and completing the membership form.
Cook County foster care advocates provide teens a path to independent adulthood – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 13, 2024
The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Cook County, or CASA, is leading an effort to empower foster teenagers aging out of the system. The Creating Independent Transitions for Youth, or CITY, program aims to equip them with life skills through educational modules and employment assistance.
Police and Fire Committee to consider Johnson’s nominees to civilian police oversight board – The Daily Line, May 14, 2024
The City Council Committee on Police and Fire will vote Tuesday on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s nominees to the city’s civilian police oversight board. The slate of seven candidates up for consideration to serve four-year terms on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) are the first batch chosen through a nominating committee process.
Mayor Johnson at one year in office: Former activist grapples with being the boss – Chicago Tribune, May 12, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson paused to soak in the scene as row after row of longtime union members and leaders sprang to their feet. As he approached his first anniversary in office, the freshman mayor whose political career began at the firebrand Chicago Teachers Union looked right at home before the adoring crowd of self-proclaimed troublemakers at the annual Labor Notes conference in April near O’Hare International Airport.
Trump may owe $100M from double-dip tax breaks on Chicago tower – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 11, 2024
A massive trove of tax information obtained by ProPublica, covering thousands of America’s wealthiest individuals, reveals what’s inside the billionaires’ bag of tricks for minimizing their personal tax bills — sometimes to nothing.
The DNC Is Preparing for the Worst in Chicago — Without the Help of the City’s Mayor – Politico, May 10, 2024
President Joe Biden’s top advisers are all too aware the ghosts of 1968 may haunt their convention here, but they’re grappling with a pair of more urgent and thoroughly modern-day challenges as summer nears: How far can they go in reprising their virtual 2020 convention to mitigate the threat of disruption inside the arena, and how will they navigate a rookie mayor who unabashedly sympathizes with protesters?
How has Chicago transit ridership recovered from the pandemic? – WBEZ, May 10, 2024
Chicago-area public transit agencies could soon face an existential crisis. When ridership plummeted at the onset of the pandemic and fare revenue was gutted, $3.5 billion in COVID-19 relief funding from the federal government kept the system afloat.
Republican committee chair blasts Northwestern president ahead of hearing – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 10, 2024
Before the U.S. House Committee on Education & the Workforce calls Northwestern University President Michael Schill to Capitol Hill later this month, the committee’s chairwoman berated Schill and Northwestern’s board of trustees chair in a fiery missive today.
Finance committee to vote on bill relief for water line leaks, $1.75M legal settlement in Irene Chavez police custody death, bonds for Humboldt Park affordable housing project – The Daily Line, May 13, 2024
The City Council Committee on Finance will meet Monday and consider a measure to create a pilot program to help customers that have experienced spiking water and sewer bills after leaks. The finance committee will also consider a legal settlement related to a woman’s death in police custody, the issuance of housing bonds to help build a new affordable development in Humboldt Park and multiple allocations of tax increment financing (TIF) dollars.
Calumet City meeting erupts into shouting match between Ald. James Patton, Mayor Thaddeus Jones – Chicago Tribune, May 10, 2024
Shouting could be heard from beyond the walls of Calumet City’s closed-door session Thursday as Mayor Thaddeus Jones sparred with an alderman over management of the City Council agenda.
