CHICAGO — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will have to wait for a final vote on two crucial financial measures.
On Wednesday, not long after the full City Council gaveled in, the mayor’s allies used a procedural maneuver to delay votes.
One item was to approve $70 million in migrant funding, which would fulfill a reported promise Mayor Johnson made to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Cook County President Preckwinkle months ago.
The other delayed measure was the mayor’s $1.25 billion bond plan.
The ambitious plan, which would raise funds for affordable housing and job growth, passed the Finance Committee, an important first step. But some alders were reluctant to sign off without stricter City Council monitoring.
“Simply, I wanted more Aldermanic oversight over how we spend billions of dollars of our tax dollars, frankly, in this bond deal – and sadly, we fell a few votes short today,” said Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward).
The mayor allies say despite the delay, they’re confident both packages will get final approval.
After Council, the mayor reacted to the delay.
“There are individuals that want to opine or articulate and express their hopes and aspirations for this mission but there questions to be asked,” Johnson said.
Also delayed on Wednesday was the ShotSpotter measure, which would authorize alders in each ward to decide whether or not to utilize the gun detection technology.
