“The 2022 Recovery budget is a once-in-a-generation investment that provides us with the opportunity to transform Chicago’s future. This budget is a reflection of our values, the City's needs, and the priorities and ideas of our Council colleagues, community and business partners, and countless residents who were engaged in what was one of the most inclusive budget engagement processes that the City has ever seen. The amendments made today are a result of the dialogue that continued through this week with our Council colleagues and with labor partners and represent our commitment to transparency, inclusion, and equity as we build a more prosperous Chicago together.  

First, to strengthen transparency and accountability on the City’s expenditures around its pandemic recovery, we are proposing the creation of the Subcommittee on the Chicago Recovery Plan to review and discuss the Chicago Recovery initiatives and expenditures, progress toward equitable goals, and potential course corrections.   

Second, building upon the $86 million in mental health support services already in the 2022 budget, we are proposing that CDPH add 10 Clinical Therapist III positions, 5 Behavioral Health Assistants, 1 Staff Assistant, 1 Finance Officer, and 1 Senior Personnel Assistant to support both the launch of child/adolescent mental health services and the expansion of evening hours across all 5 CDPH Mental Health Clinics. 

Third, in addition to the $202 million currently in the budget to expand services and housing opportunities for those experiencing homelessness, the Department of Family and Support Services will be adding additional staff to create a Homeless Outreach Program. 

Fourth, Labor harmony and continuity of our operations are critical to the safety, security, and efficiency of our airports. We are proposing a change to the Management Ordinance that will result in changes to the labor peace provisions of our City Service Provider Program license agreements.  

Lastly, we are proposing an increase in DSS tree trim crews for a total of 30 to transition from a complaint-based system to an area-based approach. 

Together, these amendments reflect the city's approach to creating an equitable budget for all our city's residents.” 

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