Chicago City Council coalition says Johnson's budget lacks votes to pass without changes

Chicago City Council coalition says Johnson's budget lacks votes to pass without changes A coalition of Chicago City Council members is warning Mayor Brandon Johnson that his proposed budget does not have enough support to pass. WLS By Craig Wall Tuesday, November 10, 2026 11:35PM Share CHICAGO (WLS) -- A coalition of Chicago City Council members is warning Mayor Brandon Johnson that his proposed budget does not have enough support to pass and must be revised, as budget hearings conclude and negotiations enter a new phase. Members of the Budget Accountability Coalition sent a letter to Johnson and his administration on the final day of budget hearings, stating that the proposal is unlikely to advance without significant changes. The coalition is calling for the elimination of a proposed corporate head tax and reductions in new spending. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch The coalition, which first outlined its budget demands in September, reiterated what it described as non-negotiable priorities in the letter. The document was signed by 28 alderpersons, enough to defeat the mayor's budget proposal. Finance Committee Chair Ald. Pat Dowell said the city must focus on a more restrained spending plan as it faces a significant budget shortfall. "We're looking for a sensible budget, one that is more of a cake instead of a cake with icing, you know we can't afford the icing. We have an 800 million dollar plus deficit," Dowell said. Dowell also said that adding $131 million in new investments is not prudent while the city faces challenges raising revenue. Among the coalition's objections are the proposed corporate head tax and a 33% increase in the personal property lease transaction tax, or PPLT, which applies to those who rent or lease items. Johnson defended his approach and challenged critics to offer alternatives. "here's the problem with that disagreement: no one has come up with a viable solution other than saying what they do not want. And so, people have to come to the table saying what they do want. What are they willing to do?" Johnson said. Chicago-area weather forecast this week could include 1st snowfall of season 1 hour ago Round Lake mother, longtime green card holder, released on bond after 15 months in ICE custody 15 minutes ago Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, cut off his ankle monitor, DOJ says Dowell responded that responsibility for finding a workable proposal rests with the mayor. "It's on him to put together a budget that we can support," she said. In a letter to council members, Johnson expressed openness to revising the PPLT proposal and making other modifications. Some alderpersons aligned with the mayor called for both sides to continue negotiating. "I invite all of my colleagues to have a collective conversation about how we're going to balance this budget. Again, we're just not in a position to say absolutely no to anything right now," Ald. Jesse Fuentes said. Ald. Mike Rodriguez said he believes the proposed head tax may ultimately be removed but argued that working-class residents should not bear the burden of balancing the budget. "My sense is the head tax may not make it past the finish line, but we're not going to get past the finish line on the backs of working-class Chicagoans," Rodriguez said. The upcoming mayoral election has also become part of the debate over the budget. "I think he's playing politics. A lot of us are not. We're looking at the long-term health of the city," Ald. Scott Waguespack said. Separately, Johnson dismissed petition challenges related to his reelection campaign and said his focus remains on city residents. "What I am most focused on is responding to the challenges of everyday Chicagoans having a tough time having their basic needs met. We're going to be on the ballot. I'll get reelected, and we'll continue to do the work that the people of Chicago have charged me to do," Johnson said. As budget negotiations continue, questions remain about whether both sides will hold firm through December or reach a compromise sooner. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved. Watch Live ON NOW Weather forecast this week could include 1st snowfall of season 1 hour ago Suburban mother released on bond after 15 months in ICE custody 15 minutes ago Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, cut off his ankle monitor, DOJ says Actors talk filming 'Christmas at the Zoo' at Brookfield Zoo Chicago 5 minutes ago Man escapes from police custody at NW Indiana hospital: police 1 hour ago Peoples Gas customers to see money back in November bill credits 2 hours ago Amazon launches Prime Air drone delivery service in south suburbs 40 minutes ago Ex-cop convicted of killing MA woman to keep her quiet about abuse