The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce has expressed its concerns following the approval of Chicago's fiscal year 2025 budget. The statement, issued by the Chamber, highlights dissatisfaction with the city's approach to funding government expenses primarily through increased revenue from residents and businesses.

The Chamber criticizes the city's reliance on raising taxes rather than implementing reforms and reducing spending. "With only days remaining until the start of the new fiscal year, it is disappointing that, once again, the city is relying almost entirely on Chicago residents, families, and businesses to pay for the ever-rising costs of government by raising revenue rather than embracing shared sacrifice and doing the much more effective work of identifying meaningful and lasting reforms, spending reductions and efficiencies within city government," reads part of their statement.

Several tax increases are noted as problematic by the Chamber. These include a 22% increase in the Personal Property Lease Transaction Tax—also known as the "cloud tax"—as well as higher amusement taxes on cable and streaming services, parking and transportation taxes, bag taxes, among others. The statement emphasizes that these measures will impact every resident financially in the coming year.

Jack Lavin, President and CEO of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, stated: "We understand government is not free, but businesses and residents deserve a government that does not immediately turn to revenues before identifying reasonable spending reductions that protect our essential city services, including our first responders."

Lavin also expressed readiness to collaborate with city officials to find sustainable solutions for fiscal stability. He emphasized this cooperation could help attract businesses to Chicago while expanding its tax base and fostering economic development opportunities.