Facing a budget deficit challenge, Johnson aims to safeguard youth and workforce

CHICAGO ( WGN ) — Three weeks before delivering his 2025 budget address, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was asked, “What type of future do we want to create for Chicago?”

The mayor and his financial team face an enormous challenge. The city is looking to close a gaping $1.2 billion deficit. Yet, pushback from the City Council continues, as many alders have pledged not to approve Johnson’s budget unless he re-ups on the terminated ShotSpotter contract.

At a press conference Friday, Johnson made his priorities clear.

“Right now, we’re looking at all our options,” said Johnson, referring to where the city can reduce expenses.

Johnson did offer some clarity on what he wouldn’t cut.

“Thirty-thousand young people, we are going to hire next summer,” Johnson said. “That’s on the line with this budget.”

Johnson, who spoke at a Garfield Park press conference on Westside economic growth, also prioritizes affordable housing.

“Now we’re getting into the thousands of affordable homes that are available to people since I’ve been mayor,” said Johnson, referring to a new phase of Harvest Homes, a 28th Ward affordable housing development.

The mayor, along with Westside Alderman Jason Ervin (28th Ward), is vowing to include targeted community investments, such as the $250,000 grant presented Friday for the Westside NAACP, despite budget limitations.

Enticing grocery store chains to open in underserved communities is another priority for the Johnson administration.

“The things that we just cannot afford to sacrifice are youth and workforce,” the mayor said.

Questions linger about the sustainability of the mayor’s vision. With the city’s looming shortfall presenting seemingly insurmountable challenges, Johnson responded to the “What type of future do we want to create for Chicago?” inquiry.

“A Chicago that invests in people?” Johnson stated. “Or a Chicago that narrowly focuses on a few people’s dreams, even if that means the rest of us are living nightmares?”

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