How You Can Shape Chicago's Budget
Residents can share how they think city dollars should be spent on issues from affordable housing to public safety at upcoming budget roundtables.
Residents can share how they think city dollars should be spent on issues from affordable housing to public safety at upcoming budget roundtables.
What’s Mayor Brandon Johnson walking into?
Before she left office, former Mayor Lori Lightfoot released a mid-year budget forecast that predicted an $85 million shortfall, among the lowest in city history. The move was dubbed unusual and thought to help her be remembered as a “strong steward of city finances,” the Sun-Times reported.
But Johnson is doing his own forecast. Here’s how YOU can weigh in.
There are roundtables open to the public at Kennedy-King College in Englewood Thursday from 6-8:30 p.m. and Truman College in Uptown Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A roundtable for residents ages 13-24 are invited to Harold Washington Library downtown July 25 from 4:45-7 p.m. Bonus: Five attendees could win a pair of two-day Lollapalooza passes.
Are forums even effective?
Some attendees questioned if past forums were meaningful, given the low attendance, and if they were really engaging, South Side Weekly reported. One forum last year was disrupted by a protest.
What’s next?
Johnson is expected to share his budget proposal in the fall.
More about Local Civics
Your Last-Minute Election Guide
In Chicago, primaries often decide winners. So go vote!
Emily MackMar 17, 2026
The Primary Races to Watch
The Illinois primary is coming up in March — and that’s where the action is. Here are the races we’re keeping an eye on.
Emily MackJan 12, 2026
Donald Trump and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week in Court
From National Guard deployment to protest crowd control to ICE arrests, the federal government has had several court losses in Chicago.
Simone AliceaOct 14, 2025