C
hicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has scaled back his $300 million property tax proposal to $150 million in a bid to win over City Council support for his $17.3 billion budget plan. The revised figure is the result of intense negotiations between Johnson and city officials, including budget director Annette Guzman and senior advisor Jason Lee, who met with council members over the weekend.

    However, some council members remain unconvinced that the concession goes far enough to ease financial burdens on residents. The Progressive Caucus, a 19-member voting bloc, has expressed opposition to the proposed 4% property tax hike, which is intended to help cover a $982 million budget shortfall. Johnson has met with caucus leaders to discuss possible adjustments without committing to further cuts.

    Alderman Maria Hadden has vowed to vote down the property tax levy, while others are exploring alternative revenue sources, including a potential tax on Delta 8 and other hemp products, as well as an "alley tax" on private garbage haulers. These measures could spread the tax burden more equitably and generate additional income, according to Alderman Andre Vasquez.

    Some council members also support increasing the city's garbage collection fee, which currently covers only 41% of costs. Raising fees on items like plastic bags and water bottles could provide nearly $200 million in revenue, Hadden said. The city's $272 million supplemental pension payment is another point of contention, with some council members suggesting reallocation but city CFO Jill Jaworski warning that such cuts could lead to a credit rating downgrade and increased borrowing costs.