City Council Majority and Business Leaders Push Back on Revived Head Tax as Johnson Files Mayoral Signatures

Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing opposition from both alderpeople and the business community over the tax proposals in his proposed $17.6B budget for 2027. According to CBS News, while Johnson is taking a second attempt at a corporate head tax, a majority of the City Council says the measure is dead on arrival. ABC7 Chicago similarly reported that Chicago business leaders are pushing back against Johnson's revived head tax proposal. Meanwhile, WTTW News reported that Johnson has promoted the $17.6B spending plan for 2027 with the message, "Let Us Plant the Seeds of a Fair Chicago."

The budget rollout and its tax measures have prompted broader debate across City Hall and in local commentary. PBS aired segments on its "Chicago Tonight" program examining Johnson's unveiling of the $17.6B proposed budget for 2027 as well as reactions from alderpeople to the 2027 budget plan and its proposed taxes. In the Chicago Tribune, an editorial argued that as the city moves through another budget crisis, Johnson is offering a campaign manifesto. Separately, Chicago Tribune columnist David Greising wrote that the dispute over Chicago's budget is healthy and contended that the city now needs a charter.

Alongside the budget debate, campaign activity and council politics continued at City Hall. WTTW News reported that Johnson made his bid for Chicago mayor official by filing thousands of signatures. At a City Council meeting, Darren Bailey made a pitch to Chicago and told attendees, "I owe you an apology," according to AOL.com. In addition, City Journal published a report examining the growing influence of socialists on Chicago's City Council.

Beyond the citywide budget and election activity, council members moved forward on neighborhood development and ward-level spending. Urbanize Chicago reported that the City Council approved a revised development at 3244 W. Bryn Mawr, while Chicago YIMBY reported that a project at 2648 West Lawrence Avenue received full approval in Lincoln Square. Separately, CBS News examined how Chicago alders receive $1.5 million for their wards each year and how they use those funds to conduct participatory budgeting.