COGFA Annual Pension Update

On Monday, the Commission of Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) released their FY 2024 pension briefing. As of June 30, 2024 all five state retirement systems had actuarial (five-year smoothed) assets of $122.009B and unfunded liabilities of $144.305B for a combined funded ratio of 45.8%. Assets are up 5.74% and unfunded liabilities are up 2.06% over FY 2023. The actuarial funded ratio of the state pension system increased by 0.9% since the end of FY 2023. FY 2024 was a strong year for investment returns, helping to balance out and supersede negative returns from the COVID-impacted FY 2020 and FY 2021, which are still included in the current five-year actuarial period. Illinois is statutorily obligated to remain on track to reach 90% pension funding at the end of FY 2045. To reach the long-standing funding goal, the state will need to contribute a projected $11.264B to pensions in FY 2025 and $11.719B in FY 2026.

Welch and Harmon Provide Insight into FY 2026 Budget

In November, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) released its Annual Economic and Fiscal Policy Report which included a projected budget deficit of $3.173B in FY 2026. The projected deficit has provoked concerns about how to balance the upcoming budget. Despite mounting fears, GOMB has projected a budget deficit greater than $1B every year since FY 2019 and a deficit greater than $3B every year since FY 2021. These projected deficits have not been realized in any of those years, with Illinois balancing its budget every year since FY 2019 and carrying a significant surplus in every year since FY 2021.

Even if fears of a multi-billion-dollar deficit are likely overblown, FY 2026 stands to be one of the tightest budgets in recent memory. Limited projected revenue growth paired with new funding asks and growing costs of existing programs will be a challenge for the General Assembly to navigate throughout the 2025 session. Springfield is being asked to provide additional funding to Chicago Public Schools (CPS), to help balance the City of Chicago’s budget, to close Chicago area’s $700M transit funding deficit, and to provide state support for new stadiums for the Chicago Bears and White Sox. Following a series of hearings throughout the summer and fall, the General Assembly is largely expected to pass changes to the current Chicago region transit system in the next year or two. The other new funding asks have received much less support from legislative leaders.

House Speaker Chris Welch and Senate President Don Harmon each recently spoke about the FY 2026 budget process. Harmon called GOMB’s projection “professionally pessimistic,” but still confirmed the state’s focus on increasing saving rather than spending into the FY 2026. Welch stated, “we have to tell the caucuses there’s not going to be any new spending” in FY 2026 but also remained confident that the state will balance the budget. Regarding taxpayer funding the Bears’ and White Sox’s stadium proposals, Welch echoed previous comments from Gov. J.B. Pritzker that “publicly funding a stadium makes no sense in this economy.” However, he did leave the door open for appropriating capital funds for infrastructure needs related to a new privately financed stadium. Harmon shut down questions about increased state funding to CPS comparing the situation to his mortgage: “I owe the bank a fair amount of money on my mortgage, but they’re not getting more than the monthly payment that’s due this month. Gov. Pritzker has previously shut down the idea of providing additional funding to Chicago or CPS on the grounds that they already receive funding in every state budget, as does every other municipality and school district.

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

January 2-7 – Tentative Lame Duck Session

January 8 – Inauguration of the 104^th General Assembly

January 24 – LRB Request Deadline

February 7 – Bill Introduction Deadline

February 19 – Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address

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

Biden commutes sentences of two Illinois mega-fraudsters – Chicago Sun Times, December 12, 2024

Ex-Dixon comptroller Rita Crundwell, who stole $54 million from the northwest Illinois city, and ex-Northbrook CEO Eric Bloom, who lost his investors more than half a billion, saw their federal sentences slashed Thursday.

The impact of an Illinois law barring police from working with immigration agents – WGN9, December 12, 2024

On a crisp October day two guys sped away from Illinois State Police and later, officers from two county sheriff’s departments. The men were arrested only after they tried to flee through a corn field where their car caught fire. Inside, police say they found three kilos of drugs laced with fentanyl. Police reports say the men denied knowing the drugs were hidden in the floorboard of the car they claimed to have “borrowed” from someone in California. One said they “fled in fear of being deported,” according to a police report.

Opinion: Eliminate the estate tax to keep Illinois competitive – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 13, 2024

Illinois’ overall population has declined by more than 260,000 residents since 2020, according to Census figures. For many reasons — skyrocketing taxes, high prices, staggering increases in crime — far too many Illinoisans and businesses are leaving our state. It’s a shame.

Judge won’t acquit former AT&T Illinois boss in Madigan bribery case after hung jury – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 12, 2024

A federal judge on Thursday declined to acquit former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza after his September trial on charges that he bribed ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan ended in a hung jury.

Lobbyist testifies ‘loyalty’ to Madigan led him to make payments to ousted staffer – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 12, 2024

After nearly a dozen years working for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, Tom Cullen went out on his own in 1999, building up a lengthy roster of diverse – and often high-paying – clients that kept him busy.

Madigan judge says ex-Rep. Eddie Acevedo must testify at trial, rejects competency concerns – Chicago Sun Times, December 11, 2024

Acevedo plays a role in two alleged bribery schemes in Madigan’s trial involving ComEd and AT&T Illinois. He has never faced criminal charges for that specific conduct, but he served a six-month sentence for a tax evasion charge in a spinoff prosecution.

Chicago and Illinois have sanctuary laws, but what does that actually mean? – Chicago Sun Times, December 11, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump and his allies have promised to deport people without legal status en masse and to crack down on existing protections and programs that create pathways to legal status.

New Illinois law could impact your job searches in 2025 – NBC Chicago, December 11, 2024

If you’re looking for a new job next year, a new Illinois law may add a new wrinkle to that employment search. Under the provisions of HB 3129, which amended the state’s Equal Pay Act, most Illinois-based businesses will be required to include information on pay scale and benefits on job listings beginning on Jan. 1.

What to know about an effort to make college in Illinois more affordable – WBEZ Chicago, December 12, 2024

Legislators are considering a funding formula that would make Illinois a model for other states to emulate, but would come at a hefty cost.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon stalling nursing home retaliation bill, advocates claim – Chicago Sun Times, December 11, 2024

A bill pending in Springfield would give nursing home residents a better chance to sue facilities over retaliation claims that advocates say are rampant in Illinois. But a powerful industry trade group with deep financial ties to Illinois Senate President Don Harmon is lobbying against them.

Recent incidents prompt heightened Statehouse security – Capitol News Illinois, December 11, 2024

Visitors coming to the Illinois Statehouse to see their lawmakers in action, or just to tour the historic building, may see longer lines to get through security screening during the upcoming legislative sessions.

Gov. JB Pritzker promises to protect immigrants, but says those convicted of violent crimes need to go – Chicago Tribune, December 11, 2024

Two days after President-elect Donald Trump’s “border czar” said the threatened mass deportations of undocumented immigrants would begin in Chicago, Gov. JB Pritzker again gave assurances that Illinois would protect all immigrants while also repeatedly saying he shared a desire to deport undocumented people convicted of violent crimes.

Speaker Welch on projected deficit: ‘Don’t come in the door looking to spend more money’ – Capitol Fax, December 11, 2024

Greg Hinz: Arguably, the main thing the General Assembly does every year is pass a budget, and there’s big storm clouds on the horizon. The governor’s own budget office has projected a deficit of more than $3 billion. There are lots of people and lots of governments, local governments, who want more money. Mr. Speaker, why don’t you take this one first? How are you going to tackle this? Is anything in particular on the table, off the table in coming up with a balanced budget?

Durbin takes Trump’s dare to make a ‘Dreamer’ deal. ‘Name the time and place, Mr. President, I’ll be there.’ – Chicago Sun Times, December 10, 2024

Illinois Democrats Sen. Dick Durbin, Sen. Tammy Duckworth and other Senate Democrats urged Biden on Tuesday to take decisive actions on the immigration front before he leaves office and President-elect Donald Trump orders mass deportations.

Madigan prosecutors seek to avoid getting hung up again on AT&T conspiracy case – Chicago Sun Times, December 10, 2024

For the second time in three months, the feds have begun to lay out evidence of an alleged conspiracy involving AT&T Illinois. This time it’s Michael Madigan himself who is on trial, along with ally Michael McClain, and accused of a much broader racketeering conspiracy.

Postal officials investigating letter sent to state Rep. Barbara Hernandez’s Aurora office after staffer who opened it gets sick – Chicago Tribune, December 10, 2024

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating a piece of mail sent to state Rep. Barbara Hernandez’s office in downtown Aurora after one of the office’s staff members, who opened the letter, fell ill and was taken to the hospital.

One former legislator testifies as competency of another questioned at Madigan trial – Cities 929, December 10, 2024

A judge is expected to rule Wednesday on potential testimony from former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo, D-Chicago, as former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial enters the AT&T phase.

Governor appoints acting IDOT Secretary after Osman retires (Updated) – Capitol Fax, December 10, 2024

Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced his appointment of transportation expert Gia Biagi to lead the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), pending Senate approval. Biagi brings decades of experience in urban planning, transportation, and public policy, including previously serving as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation. The announcement comes alongside Omer Osman’s retirement from IDOT after 35 years of service to the agency.

‘What is the story on this?’: Jury in Madigan corruption trial hears more on alleged Chinatown land transfer scheme – Chicago Tribune, December 10, 2024

In the final days of the spring 2018 legislative session, a lobbyist approached then-Illinois state Rep. Avery Bourne with a slightly cryptic request to add an amendment to the otherwise ordinary land transfer bill she was sponsoring.

As budget tightens, report finds Illinois better prepared for recession than in recent past – Capitol News Illinois, December 10, 2024

State lawmakers will face a projected budget deficit and slowing revenue when they return to Springfield in January, but a new report shows fiscal decisions made in recent years have put Illinois in a better position to handle a recession than any time in recent decades.

Welch, Harmon tell Bears, Sox to look elsewhere as tough budget year looms – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 10, 2024

This is not the year to come to Springfield with your hand out. With the state facing one of its toughest budgets in recent memory as the last of pandemic-relief money fades away, legislative leaders are practicing how to say no. That starts with the Chicago Bears and the White Sox, each of which are looking for state money to build new stadiums.

Illinois workers can claim unpaid wages totaling more than $4.2M – Chicago Tribune, December 10, 2024

More than 5,500 Illinois workers owed back pay totaling more than $4.2 million can claim their unpaid wages online, the U.S. Department of Labor said Tuesday. The funds are the result of investigations by the department’s wage and hour division, which recovers back pay for workers when they are underpaid in violation of laws, including minimum wage and overtime laws.

JB Pritzker’s property tax bill will be nearly $1.29 million – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 10, 2024

In the wake of their recent purchase of $19 million worth of Gold Coast condos, Gov. JB Pritzker and first lady MK Pritzker can expect to receive property tax bills totaling almost $1.29 million in early 2025.

Power of the ‘Sphinx’ — U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski testifies about influence of Madigan during Pritzker ascension – Chicago Sun Times, December 9, 2024

The congresswoman was an aide to Gov. JB Pritzker when then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan allegedly agreed to help Danny Solis land a paid seat on a government board.

Illinois better prepared for possible recession than it was in 2007 or 2020, study shows – Chicago Tribune, December 9, 2024

While Fed monetary policy has so far managed to tame post-pandemic inflation without precipitating a recession, there is growing concern among some economists that planned tariffs and mass deportations under President-elect Donald Trump might endanger that soft landing.

Civil rights groups urge IL lawmakers to pass measure amid recent rise in hate crime – WGN9, December 9, 2024

Civil rights groups are calling on state lawmakers to pass legislation to address a recent rise in hate crimes. Representatives from 15 civil rights organizations met on Monday at The Chicago Urban League on the city’s South Side.

Former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo has dementia, may not testify in ex-Speaker Mike Madigan trial – ABC 7 Chicago, December 9, 2024

Monday was an unusually short day in the corruption trial of Michael Madigan. But, it did reveal the nickname Governor-elect JB Pritzker’s staff had given the then-speaker by late 2018.

Illinois Legislative Black Caucus holding policy summit – ABC 7 Chicago, December 9, 2024

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will hold its most critical policy summit in Chicago this week. It’s happening as the future of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs and the Department of Education face concerns and challenges with the pending Trump Administration.

House Minority Leader Part of Midwest Delegation to Israel – 93.5 FM, December 10, 2024

Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is in Israel as part of a Midwest Delegation organized by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

State representative’s staffer sickened, hospitalized after opening mail at Aurora office – ABC 7 Chicago, December 9, 2024

The Aurora building housing State Rep. Barbara Hernandez’s office was evacuated on Monday afternoon. Police confirmed that one of her staffers became sick after opening a piece of mail. That employee was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Jim Nowlan: Illinois taxes are going to go up. How do we still encourage job creators? – Chicago Tribune, December 10, 2024

Illinois’ population declined from 12.9 million in 2011 to 12.5 million in 2023, while our neighboring states have been seeing population growth. There is something wrong with this picture. Many of those who departed our state, such as billionaire Ken Griffin, took with them much higher-than-average wealth, tax-generating income and job-building creativity. Can we shape an atmosphere that attracts rather than repels the creative class? Not easy; not impossible.

Wiretapped calls detail Madigan confidant’s confoundment over complicated land deal – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 6, 2024

It was the last day of the General Assembly’s spring legislative session in 2018 when veteran Statehouse lobbyist Mike McClain realized his bill wasn’t going anywhere.

New report shows Illinois ranks near bottom for wage gains – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 9, 2024

A new report shows Illinois ranks among the weakest states for wage growth, as the nation overall saw an uptick in November after more than two years of slowing wage increases.

Muslim voters in Illinois were more dissatisfied with major presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in this election, with Gaza the defining issue – Chicago Tribune, December 8, 2024

Longtime Bridgeview resident Itedal Shalabi typically votes Democratic but when the time came to pick a candidate for U.S. president this year, she took a pass.

Sen. Dick Durbin will decide if he will seek another term after the first of the year – Chicago Sun Times, December 8, 2024

The biggest political guessing game in Illinois is whether Durbin will seek a sixth term in 2026.

Del Mar To Step Down Next Year As State GOP Co-Chair To Seek Statewide Office – Journal & Topics, December 6, 2024

Palatine Township Republican Committeeman Aaron Del Mar, who also serves as co-chair of the Illinois Republican Party, plans to explore a run for a statewide office and will step down as state party co-chair in January or February, the Journal & Topics has learned.

Electoral Board rules Mayor Thaddeus Jones can be on ballot while state representative; residency challenge continued – Chicago Tribune, December 6, 2024

Calumet City Clerk Nyota Figgs’ effort to prevent Mayor Thaddeus Jones from reelection was undercut Friday after the city’s Election Board dismissed her claim that he cannot serve as both mayor and as an Illinois state representative.

Mistakes by once all-powerful Michael Madigan exposed at trial – Chicago Sun Times, December 6, 2024

In 2017, then-Ald. Danny Solis mentioned a “quid pro quo” while talking to Madigan about a deal. It should have sent Madigan running, but he kept relying on Solis, who was wired by the feds.

State Week: Prosecutors move closer to wrapping up their case against Madigan – NPR Illinois, December 6, 2024

After weeks of testimony and recorded conversations, prosecutors have indicated they are inching toward resting in the case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime friend and advisor, Mike McClain.

COGFA: Illinois job growth rate is about a tenth of national growth rate since October of 2019 – Capitol Fax, December 6, 2024

Incorporating November’s gains into the total, General Funds receipts through the first five months of FY 2025 are now down $291 million [-1.5%] as compared to receipt totals through November of FY 2024.

Ex-Rep. Edward Acevedo granted immunity, compelled to testify in Madigan corruption trial – Chicago Tribune, December 6, 2024

Former state Rep. Edward Acevedo’s name has been thrown around five separate federal criminal trials in recent years involving the sweeping corruption probe of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Will Chicago’s guaranteed income program survive Friday’s budget vote? – The Triibe, December 12, 2024

The Chicago City Council is expected to vote on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $17.3 billion 2025 budget on Friday. The proposed budget package now includes a $68.5 million property tax increase along with a Personal Property Lease Transaction tax on cloud-computing services that’s expected to generate $100 million in revenue for the city.

Mayor Brandon Johnson calls off vote on 2025 city budget – Chicago Sun Times, December 13, 2024

Even some members of the mayor’s Progressive Caucus, including Alds. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, Jessie Fuentes and Angela Clay, were refusing to play along by passing a budget balanced with the help of a $68.5 million property tax and a slew of other taxes.

Johnson budget promise risks securing one vote at the expense of another – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 12, 2024

One day before a scheduled City Council vote on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $17.3 billion 2025 budget, the the Fifth Floor wouldn’t answer if the mayor made a million-dollar commitment to fund a sidewalk snow removal program.

Sterling Bay’s Marcey Street Development still stalled – The Daily Line, December 13, 2024

A two-tower development that would bring more than 600 apartments to Lincoln Park will have to wait for approval, as it was neither approved or rejected by Chicago’s City Council Wednesday despite a council committee voting against it earlier in the week.

CTA’s Red Line extension approved – The Daily Line, December 13, 2024

The Chicago City Council approved zoning changes Wednesday that will allow the Chicago Transit Authority to extend the Red Line to the city’s southern border at 130th Street.

Cook County’s commercial property assessment process is broken — and here’s Preckwinkle’s plan to fix it – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 12, 2024

Toni Preckwinkle is tired of the bickering over how Cook County values commercial properties for tax purposes. She’s hoping a new set of recommendations will fix the problem.

School districts approve Arlington Park tax deal with Bears – The Daily Herald, December 12, 2024

Three Arlington Heights-area school districts have given stamps of approval to an agreement with the Chicago Bears that resolves a property tax dispute over Arlington Park and other issues.

Opinion: We cannot tax our way to prosperity – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 11, 2024

It’s no secret that we are at a fiscally trying time for local governments. Chicago is facing a nearly billion-dollar deficit along with a transit funding cliff, Chicago Public Schools budget gaps, the end of federal pandemic funds and an ongoing pension crisis. Rather than finding a lasting and sustainable solution, public officials once again are turning to tried and failed property tax increases to close the gaps without taking a meaningful look at reforms and cost efficiencies.

Mayor Brandon Johnson narrowly avoids showdown over North Side development plan – Chicago Tribune, December 11, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson and his allies fended off a challenge Wednesday from a City Council opponent over the fate of a controversial megadevelopment project near the stalled Lincoln Yards site, following a heated debate two days before he hopes to pass his 2025 budget.

Plans For South Side Quantum Campus Get City Council OK – Block Club Chicago, December 12, 2024

City Council has cleared the way for a multibillion-dollar quantum computing campus to be built on the former U.S. Steel South Works site in South Chicago, voting to grant a crucial zoning change for the project.

Red Line Extension Zoning Changes Approved By City Council – Block Club Chicago, December 12, 2024

Alderpeople approved a series of zoning changes at City Council Wednesday that set the stage for the Chicago Transit Authority to extend the Red Line south to 130th Street.

After much revision, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget plan ekes through Finance Committee – Chicago Tribune, December 10, 2024

The key planks of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget proposal barely made it through two City Council committees Tuesday, setting up a tight finish for his administration as it tries to pass the $17.3 billion 2025 spending plan.

Chicago and Illinois have sanctuary laws. What does that actually mean? – WBEZ Chicago, December 11, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump and his allies have promised to deport people without legal status en masse and to crack down on existing protections and programs that create pathways to legal status.

Pritzker brushes off Trump ‘border czar’ promise to start deportations in Chicago – WGN 9, December 10, 2024

The Pritzker administration on Tuesday brushed off a promise made a day earlier by President-elect Donald Trump’s ‘border czar’ to make Chicago ground zero for mass deportations.

Johnson says billionaires and visitors would pay for a new football stadium – The Center Square, December 10, 2024

Even with the city facing a budget deficit of nearly $1 billion, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he still favors a new lakefront stadium for the Bears. Johnson said he remains committed to keeping the National Football League club in the city.

Labor Department investigating alleged HelloFresh child labor violations at Aurora facility – Chicago Sun Times, December 10, 2024

An Aurora facility for meal-kit delivery service Factor75, owned by HelloFresh, is under federal investigation for allegedly working with underage migrants, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Labor confirmed.

Sterling Bay project opposed by Ald. Scott Waguespack rejected by zoning committee – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 9, 2024

A City Council committee rejected Sterling Bay’s plan for a big Lincoln Park apartment project that was opposed by Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, upholding the controversial tradition of aldermanic prerogative in the face of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s desire to see the development approved.

Zoning committee advances right-of-first-refusal changes in Northwest Housing Preservation Ordinance – The Daily Line, December 10, 2024

The City Council zoning committee on Monday approved changes to the Northwest Housing Preservation Ordinance, an anti-gentrification and affordable housing protection law that offers tenants the chance to buy their building before it’s sold to a third party.

Mayor’s revised budget proposal to face key committee votes – The Daily Line, December 10, 2024

Alderpeople on Tuesday will consider the mayor’s revised 2025 budget proposal at two committee meetings, and during the council budget committee meeting alderpeople will consider an ordinance that would start the city budget process earlier in the year and add other transparency measures.

A different kind of homeless shelter for men opens in Rogers Park – Chicago Tribune, December 9, 2024

A new shelter for homeless single men has opened in Rogers Park, rejecting typical shelter hallmarks such as congregate living and a ban on residents remaining during the daytime.

Mayor Brandon Johnson says top adviser voting in Texas is ‘personal matter’ – Chicago Tribune, December 9, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson declined to weigh in Monday on the fact that his top adviser voted last month in Texas, saying any questions about whether it was improper for him to cast his ballot in Houston are the responsibility of election officials there.

Chicago mayor’s chief of staff says ‘peace circle’ plan was for other problems a former top staffer faced – WBEZ Chicago, December 9, 2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s chief of staff denies that she recommended using a “peace circle” to address allegations of sexual harassment or misogyny against former communications director Ronnie Reese, saying that recommendation was made to address other issues Reese was facing in the office.

Chicago to be ground zero for mass deportations, Trump border czar tells Illinois Republicans – Chicago Sun Times, December 9, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump’s designated “border czar” Tom Homan started his remarks at a Northwest Side GOP “holiday party” with some light ribbing: “Chicago’s in trouble because your mayor sucks and your governor sucks.” But he also warned Johnson about his deportation plan, saying, “If he doesn’t want to help, get the hell out of the way.”

Arlington Heights board inks deal to lower Bears’ tax bill until stadium construction begins – The Daily Herald, December 9, 2024

The Arlington Heights village board on Monday approved a deal nearly two years in the making that aims to resolve the property tax dispute between the Chicago Bears and three area school districts.

Opponents rally against cuts to basic guaranteed income in Johnson budget talks – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 6, 2024

A proposal to redirect funding for a basic income program for Chicagoans in order to help close a $1 billion city budget deficit is facing opposition from local community groups concerned about the impact on poor and working-class communities.

Bears to pay $3.6M a year under Arlington Park tax deal – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 6, 2024

The Chicago Bears have reached a tentative agreement to pay $3.6 million annually in property taxes for the Arlington Park site until stadium construction begins, according to documents released by Arlington Heights officials and reported today in the Daily Herald.

Level of support for more CTA funding correlates heavily to the level of usage: Harris Poll – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 9, 2024

The country’s second-largest public transportation system, the Chicago Transit Authority, has struggled to recover after the pandemic. Four years after COVID’s onset, the number of commuters using the CTA is well below 2019 levels, largely due to sustained work-from-home policies reducing daily demand.

Smaller property tax hike, higher bag tax, parking tax, streaming tax among new revenue solutions in revised city budget proposal – The Daily Line, December 9, 2024

Among the Chicago mayor’s budget team’s revised budget proposal, which was presented to some members of the City Council on Friday, are a smaller property tax increase, repurposing of some federal pandemic funds, an expansion of downtown congestion pricing and increased taxes on streaming services, plastic bags and garages and valet parking.

Ordinance would aim to create earlier, more transparent city budget process, beef up COFA – The Daily Line, December 6, 2024

More than half of the City Council has signed on to an ordinance to make the city’s budget process more public-facing and accessible to residents and alderpeople alike and start the budget process earlier. The legislation was proposed as Mayor Brandon Johnson and the council continue to negotiate a budget proposal that can be approved before the end of the year.

Mayor Brandon Johnson Calls for $68.5M Property Tax Hike, $165.5M Increase in Other Taxes to Close Budget Gap as Deadline Looms – WTTW News, December 6, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration briefed members of the Chicago City Council on Friday about his latest proposed spending plan for 2025, which would hike property taxes by $68.5 million and increase a host of other taxes and fees by an additional $165.5 million.

City Clears Humboldt Park Tent Encampment, Vows Enforcement Moving Forward – Block Club Chicago, December 6, 2024

Tent city residents who did not receive housing were asked to move into city shelters, including a new Rogers Park facility that opened this week.

Editorial: Downtown Chicago needs reimagining. It’s OK (this time) to think small. – Chicago Tribune, December 8, 2024

The famed civic architect Daniel Burnham uttered words that became both a mantra and a shackle: “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood.”

Local Ukrainians fearful — and even hopeful — about Trump’s impact on the war roiling their homeland – Chicago Sun Times, December 9, 2024

For local Ukrainians, Trump’s plans for mass deportations also bring into question whether an estimated 30,000 Ukrainian refugees in Chicago — who were allowed to enter the U.S. legally under a Biden executive order — will be safe.

‘Starved for so long’: Pace wants riders to comment on service revamp, $150 million boost – The Daily Herald, December 8, 2024

Pace buses every 20 minutes? Pace buses in every town? Or a hybrid system? It’s in your hands, officials say. As Pace, Metra and the CTA face a looming $771 million shortfall in 2026, the suburban bus service is seizing on the crisis by proposing a Revision initiative.

Update to Cook County process server law heads to Illinois governor’s desk – The Daily Line, December 9, 2024

Illinois lawmakers recently passed a bill further clarifying how fees should be handled for plaintiffs filing civil lawsuits in Cook County.