Today, Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson signed Executive Order No. 2025-1, marking the start of a comprehensive initiative to address and improve the city's financial sustainability. The order establishes a working group tasked with streamlining operations, enhancing service delivery, and exploring potential revenue strategies to close the structural budget gaps.
The executive order calls for a thorough review of municipal operations and programs by the Office of Budget and Management (OBM). It also directs OBM to create a working group consisting of a diverse array of stakeholders from local businesses, non-profits, civic organizations, labor unions, and the City Council. These stakeholders will be responsible for developing proposals aligned with Chicago's commitment to equity and fiscal discipline.
Mayor Brandon Johnson stated, "Our city faces two challenges: a structural deficit and a hostile federal administration that has threatened to cut off billions in funding for Chicagoans. This executive order is about bringing Chicagoans together so that we can continue the critical work of investing in our people. I have confidence in the collective wisdom and expertise of this wide range of stakeholders that will generate sustainable solutions to the challenges in front of us."
Under the executive order, the working group will submit a preliminary report by August 31, 2025, with a final report expected by May 31, 2026. The process emphasizes community engagement and transparency to ensure reforms reflect the diverse voices and needs of Chicagoans.
Budget Director Annette Guzman commented, "This working group represents a historic opportunity to rethink and recalibrate how we manage public funds. By collaborating closely with business, civic, labor and community leaders, we are ensuring a diverse set of stakeholders are at the table lending their collective expertise to help solve the fiscal challenges facing our city."
OBM will use the preliminary report to work with city departments in incorporating recommendations into the FY2026 budget plan. The office will also ensure the execution of recommendations in the final budget to achieve measurable improvements.
The initiative marks an important step in Chicago's efforts to establish a more resilient and equitable government.
The full text of Executive Order No. 2025-1 will be available online once processed: https://bit.ly/4crxq4z.