CHICAGO - Today, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Office of Budget and Management (OBM) announced a series of Budget Engagement Forums to update the public on key initiatives including, the upcoming 2022 budget, and receive feedback and suggestions from residents for the City's budget recommendations including, American Rescue Plan funding.  

"Transparency, along with equity and inclusion, must be at the root of everything we do here in Chicago—including how we approach the budget process," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "Last year, community feedback and engagement significantly enhanced our approach to what was the most challenging and unprecedented budget in Chicago's history. This year's Budget Engagement Forums will only build off that momentum and ensure that our residents remain connected to this important process, are able to communicate their needs and concerns and see those issues be addressed in the final budget." 

The City’s commitment to transparency and engaging with representatives from community-based organizations, faith-based leaders, labor organizations, City leaders, and residents began in June, with six regional roundtables and a series of budget stakeholder meetings with nearly 200 participants. 

“Each year, we plan a budget reflecting the needs of Chicago residents with the goal of improving citywide systems, services, and communication,” said Susie Park, Budget Director. “The public’s input is important and the information that we get from these forums will collectively serve as a valuable source to be included in the 2022 budget planning process, along with other inputs and budget considerations.” 

Based on these initial discussions and feedback received, OBM will be drafting the2022 Budget Community Engagement Proposed Responsive Initiatives that reflect the participant's key priorities. These recommendations will be the focus of three upcoming Budget Engagement Forums and allow residents and community stakeholders to review and comment on the proposed Responsive Initiatives. Once finalized, these will be presented with the 2022 Budget Recommendations. This sequence ensures a clear and transparent process for how the City plans to incorporate the community engagement feedback into the budget and City operations. 

The meetings will begin with presentations from Budget Director Susie Park and other City leaders, provide an opportunity for residents to work in small group sessions, and end with time for public comment. The Budget Engagement Forums will be live-streamed on the City of Chicago’s social media channels.  

The full details of the Budget Engagement Forums are below. Note that the doors will open an hour before the Forum begins for a City department resource fair that will provide information on City services and programs for the public.  

Saturday, August 7 from 10 am-12 pm 

XS Tennis  

5336 S. State St. 

Wednesday, August 11 from 6 pm-8 pm 

Malcolm X College Gymnasium

1900 W. Jackson Blvd.

Thursday, August 12 from 6 pm-8 pm 

Truman College 

1145 W. Wilson Ave. 

To register for Forum, please go to Chicago.gov/2022budget. Pre-registration is requested but not required. ASL and Spanish interpreting will be available. If you require other language accommodations, please contact officeofnewamericans@cityofchicago.org by Monday, August 2. 

Information on the community engagement efforts conducted to date, results of the roundtables and community leader meetings, and information on the upcoming town halls can also be found at Chicago.gov/2022budget.  

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