Chicago mayor: 'We do not have a spending problem' as spending, deficit grows

(The Center Square) – Mayor Brandon Johnson says Chicago does not have a spending problem, even as city government spending soars and the projected budget deficit grows. Johnson addressed a question Tuesday about a report from his budget working group. “One of the things that it’s clear to note that the working group fully established that we do not have a spending problem in Chicago. We have a revenue challenge in Chicago,” Johnson said. The mayor’s fiscal sustainability working group included union officials and several of Johnson’s allies on the city council. The mayor emphasized the finding by his group that the city does not have a spending problem. “That’s an important conclusion that I believe was necessary for the people of Chicago to hear,” Johnson added. The city budget grew from $16.6 billion in 2024 to $17.1 billion this year. According to the mayor’s office, the projected budget deficit has grown from $1.12 billion to $1.15 billion. The mayor’s working group also recommend