Chicago’s City Council approves Mayor Johnson’s plans to borrow $1 billion and use $70 million in reserves to support migrants
The fiery debate exposed divisions within the City Council over the mayor’s first major development plan and the increasing cost of supporting migrants.
By Tessa Weinberg
April 19, 2024, 5:01pm CT
After hours of tense and bitter debate, the Chicago City Council approved Friday two of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s top priorities: his $1.25 billion dollar borrowing plan for economic development and affordable housing and $70 million to help the city shelter migrants.
Fractures among the council and its caucuses were on full display during debate over the spending items. The votes came after alderpersons from across the political spectrum aired their discontent with Johnson for a lack of transparency over spending and wanting a greater commitment for long disinvested communities.
“While the city was able to tap into the rainy day fund to come up with $70 million dollars to bring the migrants inside, Black folks are left standing outside in the rain again,” said Ald. Desmon Yancy, 5th Ward, who urged Johnson to commit the same amount to the Black community and “no longer put Black Chicago on the back burner.”
https://www.wbez.org/stories/city-council-approves-johnsons-1-billion-borrowing-plan/ea70409f-d209-491b-8056-60b396b10207
