Chicago mayor: 'We do not have a spending problem' as spending, deficit
grows
[September 18, 2025]
By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Mayor Brandon Johnson says Chicago does not have a
spending problem, even as city government spending soars and the
projected budget deficit grows.
Johnson addressed a question Tuesday about a report from his budget
working group.
“One of the things that it’s clear to note that the working group fully
established that we do not have a spending problem in Chicago. We have a
revenue challenge in Chicago,” Johnson said.
The mayor’s fiscal sustainability working group included union officials
and several of Johnson’s allies on the city council.
The mayor emphasized the finding by his group that the city does not
have a spending problem.
“That’s an important conclusion that I believe was necessary for the
people of Chicago to hear,” Johnson added.
The city budget grew from $16.6 billion in 2024 to $17.1 billion this
year.
According to the mayor’s office, the projected budget deficit has grown
from $1.12 billion to $1.15 billion.
The mayor’s working group also recommended that property taxes be raised
along with inflation rates. Johnson said he did not agree with that
proposal.
Chicagoans already pay some of the highest taxes in the United States.
The city’s business owners pay commercial property taxes at more than 4%
of their properties value, or more than double the national average of
1.81%.
Chicago gas taxes are among the highest in the nation, and the city
council is expected to consider a grocery tax proposal next week.
Aldermen are considering video gaming legislation which could bring in
tens of millions of dollars in revenue, but the measure faces potential
opposition from the same mayor who cited a “revenue challenge.”
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson during a news conference in Chicago
June 3, 2025
Chicago Mayor's Office | Facebook
Alderman Anthony Beale proposed an ordinance to legalize video
gaming terminals in the city, with potential revenues directed to
fund pensions.
Johnson has expressed opposition to VGT’s, but Beale said it’s time
to move forward.
“Are we to just sit back in this body and look down the barrel of a
$1.2 [billion], $1.5 billion deficit with nothing in sight, or are
we to look for additional revenues that don’t affect everyone like
property taxes, people driving down the street with tickets, being
hit every other day?” Beale asked.
During the Illinois General Assembly's spring session, state
lawmakers begged Chicago officials to legalize VGT's and scolded a
member of Johnson's administration for rejecting potential VGT
revenues.
Beale said his measure would bring in between $60 million and $100
million.
“Are we going to turn our blind eye on $60 [million] to $100
million, or are we going to look to increase property taxes,
increase ticket fees, increase garbage fees?” Beale asked.
The city council’s License and Consumer Protection Committee
approved the ordinance Tuesday by a vote of 8-6.
The full council’s next meeting is scheduled Thursday, Sept. 25.
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