CHICAGO – The City of Chicago today approved its 2025 budget, a comprehensive financial plan that prioritizes working-class families, invests in long-term community safety and equity and upholds fiscal responsibility—all while avoiding service cuts, job reductions or property tax increases. 

“For too long, Chicago’s budgets balanced on the backs of working people, forcing them to bear the burden of cuts to schools, clinics, public housing and critical services,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The budget we passed today is an investment towards a better, stronger and safer future for Chicago where our young people, workers and families are prioritized and where equity is no longer an afterthought but the foundation of our decisions.” 

The 2025 budget makes several key investments, including the largest city-funded youth jobs program in Chicago’s history, with 29,000 jobs available next summer. This expansion reflects a critical commitment to ensuring Chicago’s young people have access to meaningful opportunities that set them on the path to success. 

It also sustains critical investments in community safety, with a focus on building on the City’s progress in reducing crime and violence across nearly every category. The budget includes funding for the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) program, a nationally recognized initiative that deploys mental health professionals to respond to individuals in crisis. This program shifts the responsibility from law enforcement to trained professionals, ensuring compassionate and effective care. 

The budget further commits to maintaining robust City services, including snow removal, garbage collection, pothole repair and street lighting, reinforcing that City Hall works for the people of Chicago. 

“This budget is a reflection of shared leadership,” said Budget Director Annette Guzman. “By working hand-in-hand with the Mayor and City Council and centering our residents in every decision, we have delivered a budget that not only addresses immediate needs but also sets the stage for sustainable growth and equity in the years ahead.” 

City Comptroller Chasse Rehwinkel highlighted the operational focus of the budget, stating, “This plan ensures Chicagoans can count on their government to deliver full, uninterrupted services. From keeping streets clean to ensuring safe and healthy neighborhoods, we are committed to upholding the trust our residents place in us every day.” 

Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski pointed to the budget’s long-term fiscal strategy, emphasizing its focus on addressing legacy costs. “With full pension contributions, including supplemental payments, this budget takes critical steps toward improving the city’s financial health while creating room for future investments in Chicago’s priorities. It’s a bold but responsible plan.” 

A record $570 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) surplus will also be released under the 2025 budget, with funding directed to Chicago Public Schools, libraries, parks and City Colleges. This represents a major reinvestment of tax dollars into the institutions that strengthen neighborhoods and provide essential services for residents. 

The passage of the 2025 budget reflects a new era of collaboration between the Johnson administration and City Council, with unprecedented input and dialogue shaping the process.