Mariah Woelfel

A WBEZ analysis shows the city of Chicago hired or promoted 490 people since a hiring freeze was put in place in September.

Johnson’s flip-flop on his campaign pledge not to raise the tax is part of a proposed $17.3 billion budget that avoids layoffs.

The 29 council members who asked for the meeting are critical of Mayor Brandon Johnson's plan to close a gaping budget hole next year in part by raising property taxes.

The city's top doctor says Chicago won't reopen more mental health clinics next year and won't have as many EMTs to answer 911 calls instead of police.

The mayor and council members are now negotiating hikes to taxes and fees on alcohol, streaming services and garbage collection, among others.

The staffers were placed on the list by former communications head Ronnie Reese, who now stands accused of sexual harassment and misogyny.

Cristina Pacione-Zayas made the comments in an interview with WBEZ amid fallout over allegations of misogyny against former communications director Ronnie Reese.

Some City Council members say Johnson's budget should include more spending cuts rather than increases to property taxes. Even some progressive allies of the mayor said Johnson's budget process lacked consensus building.

The approved budget includes cutting middle management positions and reducing the city's debt obligation payment by $40 million.

From streaming services to plastic bags, a host of taxes and fees are going up to help balance Chicago's budget gap.