# Press Availability 7.22.25

- Date: July 23, 2025
- Type: Video
- Length: 46:56
- Topic: Press conferences
- Video: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ufnY50W57g)
- Transcript: Machine transcription, 7,403 words ([text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/youtube/8ufnY50W57g.txt))
- Mayor: [Brandon Johnson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor)

## Description

Mayor Johnson holds press availability

## Transcript

[0:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=0) Today, my administration took an important step towards fulfilling our commitment to build the safest, most affordable big city in America. Part of that commitment means building a transit system that is accessible, reliable, and above all, safe. When it comes to our transit system, the good news is ridership continues to rebound after the pandemic. Overall, CTA ridership for 2024 reached over 300 million riders.

[0:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=30) The system increased by 11 percent. While ridership and service continue to improve, community safety, as well as persistent smoking, remain a challenge to returning to pre-pandemic ridership levels. It is time to take the full force of government approach, the same approach that has led to the lowest homicides through the first six months of the year in more than a decade. It is time for that collaborative, cross-departmental, and holistic approach to tackle the smoking problem on trains and to bolster our community safety efforts.

[1:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=70) When it comes to smoking on trains, I have a simple message. It has got to stop. On Sunday, we broke the record for the busiest day of all time for TSA at O'Hare Airport. and many of those travelers will take the blue line into our beloved city and we cannot have them inhaling smoke or feeling unsafe. Likewise, many families take the CTA every day and with an estimated 68,000 school-aged children each weekday,

[1:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=103) it's paramount that we ensure a safe and a healthy ride. Our kids cannot be exposed to the detrimental health impacts of secondhand smoke And that is why today I signed an executive order launching a full force of government approach to accelerate positive trends and to build a safer CTA system with a focus on creating a smoke-free public transit system. With this executive order, I am directing CDPH and DFSS to work with CTA as well as the police department to eliminate smoking on public transit.

[2:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=146) Some of this work will include outreach by and visibility of care teams on subway platforms and trains to provide services and treatment to unhoused residents and Chicagoans experiencing mental health crises. public awareness and messaging campaigns to educate residents on the detrimental effects of smoking and particularly secondhand smoke, and an assessment of other resources that CDPH

[2:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=179) and DFSS could offer to discourage smoking on trains. I've charged our city departments and agencies with putting forth recommendations for the short-term, long-term interventions to increase public safety and end smoking on our transit system. The Mayor's Office of Community Safety will play a role in coordinating this cross-departmental collaboration to aid in our public safety efforts. And finally, my Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, the entire team,

[3:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=216) will continue to work with the legislators in Springfield to fully fund public transportation in the city of Chicago. and to ensure that riders would not be impacted by devastating cuts to services and personnel. As part of these efforts, we will work with legislators to ensure that there is adequate funding to improve public safety and end smoking on public transit. Everything from messaging campaigns to community events will be deployed to finally bring an end to smoking on trains.

[4:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=252) Everyone can play a role in this collective effort. As I've said, a full force of government approach to community safety citywide is resulting in historic declines in crime and violence. And we're confident that the full force of government approach will ensure a reliable, accessible, smoke-free, and safe public transit system. And yesterday, I had the opportunity to ride the newly renovated trains at the four stations that we opened on the red line.

[4:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=285) That experience showed me firsthand the potential of our public transit system. It was clean, quiet, reliable, accessible, and fast. And now is the moment to move into a new era of public transit. transit for Chicago, and I look forward to the continuous work that we will do citywide and statewide in our collective share goals to maintain and improve our CTA system for riders and the workers who rely upon it. Thank you. All right. All right, we'll start with Taman. I thought that was a good speech.

[5:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=323) I was expecting an applause. It's a difficult crowd here. Y'all don't clap. It's the wrong room here. Let me see here. All right, Taman. Mayor, good afternoon. Thank you for doing this. On Governor Pritzker's desk, it's a Tier 2 Chicago police and fire pension bill. Basically, it would boost what they get for their pensions. Do you want the governor to sign that bill,

[5:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=354) And can the city afford to pay for it with it projected to cost taxpayers $60 million in a couple of years and $754 million in about 30 years? Well, first of all, let me just say the protections that we have to ensure that our workers are able to retire with dignity with a public pension that in many regards sustains communities. That's something that we have to hold to.

[6:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=385) And there's no secret that the liability, particularly the debt liability, that the city has and that we're facing has a lot to do with our pension debt as well as, of course, police settlement. I've had and I've spoken to the legislature about my concerns about this particular bill, and I still have those concerns. Our finance team has evaluated the ramifications of such a law, and I am still very much concerned about the expectation and the demand of taxpayers to be able to pay these pensions, particularly without any progressive revenue attached to it.

[7:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=429) Here's what should or still could happen, is that in our effort to secure retirement for our public employees, which is critical and constitutional, absent progressive revenue, it's impossible to sustain that expectation. And so this, I guess the best way to put it, this is incomplete. So do I hear you saying that the governor should veto this unless he identifies progressive revenue? I'm saying that without progressive revenue, there's not a pathway that allows for us to be able to maintain these obligations.

[7:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=459) Mayor, Local 2 Fire Union is complaining that a ton of fire equipment, such as trucks, pumps, snorkels, ladders, are out for repair, creating a shortage. They specifically cite a fire in the Austin neighborhood on June 26th where four people had to be carried out on their shoulders because they didn't have proper equipment. Four people ended up dying in that fire. Are you aware of this issue, and what is the city doing to make sure CFD has the equipment? I am aware that the city of Chicago has many antiquated systems that we're working to modernize. Again, this is very much attached to how we generate revenue in this city to ensure that public safety, which is my top priority, that we're properly funding not just the interventions, if you will, but those that ultimately are showing up on the front line.

[8:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=506) And that's, of course, our police and fire. So there are some efforts to not only modernize but update equipment, and we've done that. But we're talking about, again, whether it's our buildings or whether it's our equipment, the city for too long has gone without update. And we're going to continue to work to ensure that there's update to our equipment. But, again, it has to be attached to a commitment from all of us to have revenue that allows us to do just that. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. A measure to compel the city to share CPD and ICE communications on June 4th was de-impeded in the last city council meeting.

[9:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=543) Alderman Andra Vasquez is asking you to release that data without an ordinance. Will you, and if so, when? Which data? Call logs between OAMC and ICE and CPD and ICE. Well, that information is already being made available. Here's what's important to me in this moment, is that the city of Chicago is a welcoming city, And in no way or form will our local police department cooperate and work with ICE as enforcement of immigration policy.

[9:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=581) So we're going to continue to evaluate, assess this situation, figure out ways in which we can show up sharper and stronger, particularly at an unprecedented time in which ICE is being used as a militarized force to ultimately intimidate people and to create shock and awe. so we're We're still holding firm as a welcoming city, and as we evaluate all of our efforts to be far more innovative and creative and thoughtful as we respond to these critical times, we're still very much leading that effort.

[10:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=612) Thanks. As a Red Line writer, I'll talk it over here right now. I know that the poor conductors have to do double duty in trying to enforce the no smoking. How are you going to enforce it? Will there be more people, or do they still have to go and stop the train and ask? Well, again, you know, listen, our airport experienced its busiest day in the history of O'Hare, right? Almost 116,000 coming through TSA, clear indication that people are relied upon our airports, right,

[10:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=644) as we work to reclaim our rightful position as the busiest airport in the entire country. We cannot have visitors coming through O'Hare and being met with smoking and even other acts of violence. Same thing goes for our most vulnerable population and those who rely upon public transportation. What this executive order is directing is for the CDPH, DFSS to provide additional support on our trains,

[11:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=676) in particular to be able to respond to those who are struggling with their mental health, those who are unhoused, but also, to the point that you were making, is to find other and more effective ways at enforcement. I believe we issued over 6,500, 6,400 tickets. There has to be other ways in which we can enforce. Of course, PSA announcements continue to educate people, but also working with the police department to ensure that we are using the full force of government to be able to crack down on these smokers.

[11:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=711) And then, of course, the big thing is my intergovernmental affairs team is going to be working with our legislators in Springfield to secure more funding and resources. I believe that more investment in our public transportation not only improves the quality of the public transportation system, but it ensures that we have optimal safety on our system. But this is something that is important to me. I used to ride the train more often when I was in my other capacity, and still dealing with asthma, there's nothing more excruciating and debilitating than walking onto a train,

[12:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=747) and you don't feel safe and secure, not to mention you have to inhale or not have to, but you're subject to secondhand smoke. Hi, Mayor. Hi. President Trump's border czar Tom Homan said yesterday that sanctuary cities are going to be his priority now after the Customs and Border Protection agent was shot over the weekend in New York City. Do you feel like Chicago is ready for that to happen, this flooding the zone mentality that he talks about? I really wish that the federal government would actually show up for working people and the things that we actually care about.

[13:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=781) That's just a wish, right? I'm glad that there's resistance across this country challenging the president of the United States of America to focus on making sure that people have food to eat, that they have access to health care and medicine, that our schools are fully funded. Look, the city of Chicago is a welcoming city. We've been that for 40 years. Threats from the federal government at this moment clearly were not intimidated by this. If the President of the United States was actually sincere about his efforts to bring some understanding and clarity around immigration policy,

[13:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=817) he would actually move forward with policy. These people are just so unserious. And what makes it worse is that because they're not serious, it makes them a greater threat. But the city of Chicago will remain firm in our position as a welcoming city. But is this city taking any steps in the event that federal agents do flood Chicago? We're a welcoming city, period and point blank. We're not going to be intimidated or buckle under some threat that's coming from an individual that can hardly tie his shoes and bend over.

[14:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=853) Not going to do it. Also, just one. Okay. All right. All right. On this, on the smoke, I just want to make sure I understand it. Are we saying that, are you saying that there will be social workers on platforms and on trains asking people not to smoke? And are they taken away from any other position? Are these new positions? How expensive is this? Well, this is a collective effort between CDPH as well as DFSS to ensure that we have paid mental health professionals to offer up additional support on our platform.

[14:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=891) So that's thing one. But it's also a collective effort to work with CDP, DFSS, the Chicago. The police department, as well as the public health department, to find other ways, if any, to have stronger enforcement. As I said, there were 6,400 tickets that were issued. It hasn't proven to be as effective as we would like. So part of the effort is for not just to provide that additional support, but to have more of a collaborative approach to make sure that we're cracking down not just on smoking, but violence in general that is making ridership not as pleasant for those who rely upon public transportation.

[15:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=931) So has it gotten to the point of saying to somebody, you're banned? I mean, that's what some are saying. It's about time to just say, no longer. Look, that's come up. And, look, we're exploring every single option because, look, I'm fed up with this. You know, the fact that we have families who are using public transportation day in and day out, our young people are about to return to school, and to have families on trains and buses and can't have a reasonable, sensible, comfortable ride because someone is smoking, right?

[16:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=965) This is unacceptable. As a city, we're better than this. And so there has to be a deeper level of accountability. And when it comes to the safety and the well-being of working families in this city, I'm going to do whatever is necessary to bring the full force of government to make sure that families and riders have a comfortable ride on our transportation system. Hey, man. You talked about the full force of government here. Do you think police should use more arrests and citations to enforce this? And what else does enforcement look like? Yeah, it's a good question.

[16:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=995) And as I said, you know, we're issuing tickets, so I want to make it very clear. It's not like the police department is not citing these individuals. It's just it's proven to not be enough. And so that's why we're taking a more holistic approach. As I've said before, look, when it comes to public safety and community safety in Chicago, we have used the full force of government to drive violence down the city of Chicago. It has proven to be effective. And so now we're taking that same apparatus, full force of government with all of our city departments and sister agencies to find more effective ways to address this problem.

[17:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1033) Because, look, I'm getting calls from individuals who want to use the transportation system more. They see the investments that we're making. They're experiencing, you know, faster, more reliable. So we finally get people to get back on our public transportation system and then they can't have a pleasant ride because someone wants to smoke. It's just, it's unconscionable, it's unthinkable, and I have had enough of this, had enough of it. And switching gears, on video gambling terminals, your budget team shared an assessment

[17:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1064) that they would not bring the city much money based on the current tax split with the state, but your revenue chair, Alderman Hall, said he thinks it will bring in tens of millions. What do you think? Why is it or why is it not a good idea to have video gambling terminals? Well, look, this is being debated, right? and of all of the things that we have to do in this city to make sure that we are investing in our young people, investing in public and mental health, investing in community safety, to make sure that our first responders have the equipment and the tools that they need to be effective, we have to have more means of progressive revenue or just revenue in general.

[18:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1099) And I'm going to continue to have conversations with city council members, the state of Illinois, to look at the most effective way in which we can generate it. I know that there's been some conflation as well as some debate around how much revenue can actually be drawn from these machines. I'm open. I'll just say it like that, right, because the work that we have to do to continue to build a safe and affordable city requires us to make critical investments. And as long as people are willing to participate in that form of entertainment, it's an opportunity for us to secure the revenue that's needed.

[18:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1135) Mayor Johnson, over the weekend ICE arrested an illegal alien named Jose Luis Mendoza Gonzalez who had been released by a Safety Act judge for he was charged with concealing a body of a 37-year-old mother of two, Megan Boss, a body that had been decapitated, abused, kept in the... Yeah, we've got to get to the question.

[19:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1167) You know what, I have a constitutional right to ask a question. You do, but ask the question. I'm a credentialed member of the press. I do have a constitutional right to ask my question. Absolutely, William. We want to get to your question. I'm trying to... If you didn't interrupt me, I would be done with my question. This is not the first time I respectfully ask you to ask the question. Thank you. I'd like to finish my question now. May I? Megan Boss. She's decapitated, her body abused, in a dumpster, a bleach-filled dumpster on this man's property, right?

[19:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1198) Okay. You have stated over and over and over again that you don't want ICE in Chicago. If that had been Stacey, if that had been your wife Stacey's body that had been decapitated... That's not an appropriate question. Yeah. It's a very specific question. Had that been your wife Stacey, would you want ICE to pick up this illegal alien? I'm not going to entertain your question. Can we go to Chris? Well, okay. In fact, I actually believe that what you're saying is quite threatening.

[20:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1232) It's quite threatening. Can we move on to the next person here? And if you continue to behave in such a way, we'll just make sure that we take the appropriate steps. You are threatening and provocative. No, this isn't a – go ahead, sir. Mayor, good afternoon. Good afternoon. From the adage of success has many fathers and failure is an orphan. Start over one more time, please. Sure. Should we wait or should we go?

[21:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1273) Mayor, good afternoon. Good afternoon. From the adage of success has many fathers and failure is an orphan, I'm wondering on crime numbers in Chicago and the story you're able to tell this summer, how you perceive other institutions, other elected officials looking at Chicago and them claiming to be part and parcel of the success story. Does that ever hit your ear as kind of like, well, where were you when we needed you? And how does that strike you today? Well, look, the success that we are experiencing in the city of Chicago is one that is still very sobering, right?

[21:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1309) Because one shooting and one homicide is one too many. And there is still more work to be done. But I am grateful, right, that the investments that we have made and the approach that I have taken towards community safety is paying off, right? And this is not just something that's happening in Chicago. If you look at crime in Baltimore, you know, my colleague, Brandon Scott there, Mayor Justin Bibb in Cleveland, Mayor Cavalier Johnson in Milwaukee, Mayor Woodfin in Birmingham.

[22:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1342) There are a number of cities across this country that have made it very clear that you have to build more affordable homes. You have to invest in our young people. We have to invest in behavior and mental health services. These are the things that we have been doing in the city of Chicago since I've been in office, and we're seeing this gradual decline. Now, as far as other levels and layers of government that have supported this effort, absolutely they play a part. It's policing and affordable housing. It's working with the Cook County government, the state of Illinois.

[22:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1375) And we've worked with the state of Illinois and Cook County government. We've also worked with business communities. We've worked with the philanthropic community. Here's the one thing about me. Perhaps God knew it was important for me to be a middle child, right, because sharing in the trend of violent crime going down in the city of Chicago, that's not something that's difficult for me because it is going to take all of us. And here's what I'm calling on for the city of Chicago. As a city, we have to continue to put our arms around one another, invest in what's working.

[23:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1410) If we all do that, we all succeed, right? When we're saving lives, that benefits all of us. And so, you know, as far as people coming on board at this particular juncture, I'll just say it like this. We're just glad to have them on board. So you don't roll your eyes when you hear some people maybe take credit where it's not due. You know, look, what's most important to me is that we have less homicides, less shootings.

[24:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1443) But here's what else we need. We need more affordable homes, right? So I do need people to help with that effort. And that's why we've put forth a very bold, audacious platform that is poised to build the safest, most affordable big city in America. Thank you for that. And if you do catch me rolling my eyes, it'll probably be because someone said something offensive about my cubbies. Good evening. I have two quick questions for myself. I'm pulling to Craig Walls.

[24:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1474) I have one quick question each for two high-profile colleagues, including one with a WVON Sunday show. So my first quick question, I'll do the best I can because I don't have any follow-ups for the other two. So the first question is with the competition for. Or the zoning committee chair, and this might be early in the game, with the Latino caucus saying one of theirs deserves it because they first had it,

[25:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1512) and then the black caucus saying they deserve it because they last have it, and Bennett Johnson, white and openly gay, saying that he's always wanted it from the time that Ramiro Rosa stepped down. Even though this might be early in the game, who do you think you're kind of leaning toward? Well, look, it's an important committee, and I'm very proud that we have a very diverse body and many, you know, marginalized groups in this city have been left out of the opportunity for power.

[25:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1545) Here's what's going to happen. We'll have a full conversation about the best person who is positioned to ensure that we build the safest, most affordable big city in America. That truly is my focus. I get there will be politics and different machinations and configurations of how we should divide, if you will, the structure in our city, but I'm confident that we will settle on someone who reflects the values of our city, of working people, and one who is committed to making sure that there's more affordability in the city.

[26:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1578) Okay, in the street game life, the foundational street games, for lack of a better term, are kind of facing off with immigrant street games, saying that the immigrant street games are moving in on their territory and dogging out the black community, although they did it first. And there have been some cases where immigrants, gang members have infiltrated foundational gangs.

[26:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1610) Hence, there's a Venezuelan Disciples Division now of the BDs. What is your strategy or what strategies are you all looking at to deal with this stuff before we have a, I guess, intercultural gang war? So, as you know, put forth $100 million towards violence prevention. Part of that effort is around CVI. Our community violence interrupters have done a really stand-up job at diffusing these tensions that exist within our communities.

[27:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1644) That's our approach, right, is to make sure that we're on the ground, that we're within these communities to stop all gang activity from taking place. As a former public school teacher, I can tell you I saw it firsthand. When you have these different divisions and factions that exist within the city of Chicago, it does create real tension and pathways towards violence. But we're going to continue to work with our police department and CVI, as well as our community-based organizations, to ensure that any gang activity not only is not tolerated in our city,

[27:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1679) but we work to prevent these type of interactions and tensions from materializing in a way that can cause harm to people. Okay. This is the last one here, Mark. I'm going to try to package them. This is the last one. Okay, I'm going to package them. So Robert McKay of WVON's In Focus show, which comes on Sundays in the afternoon and evening, would like to know, and who invites you, by the way, to his show to further illuminate on this whole reparations piece,

[28:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1711) would like to know now that you said that you want the same kind of education in all schools, neighborhood schools that are available in the selective enrollment schools, when is that going to kick in both for general education and vocational education and Prosperity? The Prosperity News Organization wants to know why you don't use the word citizen for taxpaying foundation. Okay, so here's what I can say. For public education, Mark, thanks for packaging all of that together.

[29:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1742) And, you know, Mr. Bacay does an incredible job. The contract that we just worked to settle is setting us up for the type of investments in our neighborhood schools that the city of Chicago has longed for. expanding sustainable community schools where community-based organizations can partner with local schools to ensure that that community has control over the trajectory of that school. Smaller class sizes, that's what we wanted, that's what we got in this contract. Protecting black history, that's what we wanted, that's what we got in this contract.

[29:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1777) Protecting black veteran teachers, that's what we wanted, that's what we got in this contract. These are things that I've been fighting for for almost 20 years in the city of Chicago. We're not going to be able to transform it in one contract, but we're certainly moving in that direction. Thank you for those questions. Look, you know, look, we have a city that is made up of immigrants and folks who. come up from the South in the Great Migration, descendants of slaves. Once upon a time, my people weren't even considered a full person. So I'm not going to get into a back and forth about distinctions between people groups.

[30:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1811) I find that to be not only divisive, but I think it plays into the hands of those who believe in an authoritarian government. We're going to step out of Chicago for now. Okay, all right. How far are we going? You made a remark the other day directed to Zorhan Mamdani that, you know, the movement doesn't always show up, a little bit of a warning. And I was wondering, could you talk about when you realized that you started butting heads with some of your allies and what are you doing to bring them back into the fold?

[30:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1844) Well, here's just for clarification. What I, you know, should have articulated a little clearer is that this is new for a lot of folks, right? Right. And sometimes the movement doesn't always have the capacity to show up in a way that fully speaks to our our our intentions. That's that's really was a was a shorthand. And what I've experienced is that, you know, I mean, 10 years ago, I was blocking an elevator downstairs that's now held for me.

[31:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1879) Right. This is probably one of the greatest transformational moments that we've experienced in the city of Chicago, a working class public school teacher and organizer that becomes the mayor of the city of Chicago. And so when you have a movement that has worked hard to resist and beat back or work to beat back against policy, it's a different muscle when you're on the offensive side. And what we have experienced, whether it's paid time off, abolishing the subminimum wage and building more affordable homes and investing in our young people,

[31:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1911) it's evident, though, that the movement has been strong enough for us to be able to realize parts of our vision. And we're seeing the dividends of that, right, with 32 percent reduction in homicide shootings and shooting victims and robberies. A lot of work to be done and to, I guess, the back end of your question. And I've admitted to this, right, I had a responsibility to help stand up government, but I also had a responsibility to ensure that the movement and the people of Chicago as a whole understood the what and the why.

[32:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1944) And so regular conversations with you all have certainly helped people get a better understanding. Some of you have participated in our Lakeside Chats Faith in Government tour. I'm in senior homes, you know, around the city. WGN and WTTW have done town halls live for people to ask me directly. So, you know, the other outlets that haven't done that, you still have an opportunity. You can come to my house. We can sit down and talk with my neighbors. They love it. Well, we also did it at the hideout with you, right?

[32:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=1976) That's true. So that was a good conversation where people can hear directly from me. And many of those folks in the room have been a part of a long, sustained movement to build a safe and affordable city. So my second question, kind of follow-up, though, I took that to mean the movement, meaning people who are aligned with you in the city council, have not always been aligned with you. Oh, I see. And what was the mistake there, and are you working to bring them back into the fold? Well, again, if you look at all of the accomplishments,

[33:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2007) clearly there is stronger alignment than some of the disagreements that we've had, whether they've been privately or publicly. I remember, I believe it was the tribe that released a press clip from Cliff Kelly and his critique of Mayor Harold Washington. In fact, I believe if you look at that clip from Cliff Kelly, who I have a great deal of regard for, the former 20th Ward Alder, he said that Mayor Harold Washington wasn't listening to them and that he lacked political acumen.

[34:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2040) That's what Cliff Kelly said about here at Washington, right? And so it's not uncommon for the progressive power to have, you know, some level of tension. But that's what sharpens us. See, the difference is when the power structure that has enjoyed the fifth floor, the machine, think about the fact that we didn't have dissent, parking meters, skyway, Massive school closings, public housing being shut out, the derelict of duty when it comes to pensions.

[34:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2075) So there was no dissent, and we've had turmoil. So this is the tension that's necessary. Iron sharpens iron, and clearly I'm much sharper today. Hello, Mayor. Have you ever smoked? No, just kidding. Here we go. No, by the way. No. So I get the whole-of-government approach that worked well with policing. But what makes you think that this concept of having social workers go on trains and asking people who are smoking not to smoke is actually going to have any kind of impact?

[35:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2109) Because they really don't seem to care about the law anyways. And if somebody asked them nicely, hey, please don't smoke, why would they even listen to them? Yeah, so let me just offer some clarity. So this is not about just, you know, mental health professionals and social workers walking around putting out cigarettes, right? There are other areas of concern that people have. Look, there's no secret that the unhoused have used the public transportation system as means of shelter. It's also about CTA, Chicago Police Department, coming together to look collectively at other strategies of enforcement.

[35:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2148) It could be just a part of our public campaign to further educate people, but we do have to find ways in which we can enforce, you know, this measure stronger. And look, it's not just because I have asthma, right? It's really about the discomfort and the uneasiness that these conditions have caused. The fact that we have more people coming through our airports, more people are using our public transportation system.

[36:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2181) We are so close to getting to pre-pandemic numbers and beyond. And so this is why it's a full force of government. It's not just social workers and, you know, behavior health counselors. It's also coming together collectively to think about ways in which we can strengthen our strategies for stronger enforcement. Because to your point, we've issued tickets and hasn't gone far enough. And that's why I'm calling out the city of Chicago as a whole, that we're better than this. As a world-class city, we have to have a world-class transportation system.

[36:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2213) Alderman Conway had presented some request or resolution last month calling for a data-driven study to be done. He said you did not consult with him at all with this strategy. Which strategy? The resolution that Conway introduced back on, I think, June 24th introduced a resolution that would call for a data-driven approach to looking at ways to reduce smoking on trains. Oh, I see. But the other point he brought up is that other large cities don't seem to have this problem.

[37:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2244) Why do you think Chicago has such a problem with smoking on trains? Well, I think part of it is that we have not been as forceful as I'm being today. Look, here's one thing that I've learned in this position. You know what you know, and you do the very best that you can with information that's in front of you. And clearly we know that we have to have more affordable homes. We have to have a reliable public transportation system. And now it's incumbent upon us in this moment to bring all of our forces together, much like what I've done in other areas,

[38:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2281) whether it's addressing our budget challenges or whether it's addressing community safety as a whole. This is my concerted effort to let people know that we're not going to tolerate this. And though we have a ways to go, the commitment is to ensure that we have a smoke-free, a real smoke-free transportation system. Mayor, as you know, Chicago City Council has a history of Alders stepping down and then having loved ones or family members replace them, Kerry Austin, Lemuel Austin, Michael Scott, Monique Scott, just to name a few.

[38:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2314) If the process to select a replacement for Walter Burnett in the 27th Ward results in his son, should Chicagoans be cynical that it's just another case of don't send somebody nobody sent? Well, let me just say I'm someone that nobody sent. So let me make it very clear that we have had practices in this city where we've elected and put forth bold leaders to bring about transformation. And second point, Alderman Burnett, 30 years of service.

[39:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2347) I mean, we're talking about somebody who's come out of public housing who got a second chance in life. His voters believe in him so much that they just kept voting for him. And so the idea that he will have the opportunity to weigh in, that's not a bad idea, right? Look, I'm encouraging those who live in the 27th Ward that if they're interested in serving in this capacity, they should apply. They should apply. And I'm going to make sure that we have someone in that seat that understands the value of having a safe and affordable big city.

[39:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2383) So, you know, you know, the only thing that I could just remind people is that we do have elections that people get to weigh in. And I would encourage, you know, more people to get engaged politically, particularly at a time in which we are. experiencing so much turmoil and hatred from the federal government. And on another topic, if I could ask, given the fact that you're starting to look at a deficit next year of a billion dollars or even more, will you look to cut areas of the budget?

[40:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2415) Specifically, will you look to cut the CPD budget? Well, here's what we have already done. Since I've been in office, we have found more efficiencies. I believe last year we had a 3% cut across the board. But we know we cannot cut our way to solvency. It's just not a pathway. Here's what I'm looking for in this moment. I'm looking for, look, I'm a proud Democrat, working class Democrat, you know, a progressive Democrat. The people of this city are looking for leadership that sees everyday working people who are struggling and can hardly make the ends meet.

[40:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2457) When the cumulative wealth of black and brown people is not on par with other families in this city No Democrats should be patting themselves on the back right now And as problematic as Donald Trump is We have solutions in the state of Illinois, in the city of Chicago That could show up for working people Now look, I get it People want to find efficiencies, we should do that Government has to be sharper Government has to be more productive But for crying out loud, people want to live in a safe, affordable city.

[41:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2489) Building more affordable homes, investing in our public institutions, that's what working people are calling for. My budget will reflect what working people are calling for in this city. And it is well past time that those with means put more skin in the game. We continue to ask working people to cut while those who are ultra rich continue to get tax breaks, work through loopholes, and are not putting up their fair share. That's what this budget is calling for in this moment. I get the conversation around having more productive means of how government is administered.

[42:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2520) But come on, if we're truly Democrats, the city of working people, why not put forth a budget, which I will, that reflects those values? And I hope that the city council will join me in that effort to protect working people in this city once and for all. Hi, Mayor. On video gambling, what is your next step? And are you willing or planning to go to Springfield to lobby for the state to increase its share of revenue that it sends to the city, which aldermen say could actually make this a profitable revenue stream?

[42:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2551) There are ways in which we can have a stronger streamline of revenue share. If you look at the revenue streams that the city of Chicago controls, those are by far outperforming those levers that we don't have control and that the state has control over. And so I'm, yes, I'm willing to work with the General Assembly to ensure that there's an equitable distribution in the very economic engine of our state, the city of Chicago.

[43:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2584) On the topic of CTA, could you talk about what your administration is doing right now to avert the transit fiscal and potential widespread service cuts? Yeah, no, thank you for that question. Look, from the very beginning, my administration has been working with Springfield to put forth a package that gives us our fair share. Right. Eighty percent of ridership right here in our region. Right. So there has to be an equitable distribution of resources coming from the state of Illinois to make sure that we have an accessible, affordable, reliable, safe public transportation system.

[43:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2617) We are talking with members of the House of Representatives, the sponsors, looking at ways in which the governance structure is fully reformed, but also ensuring that we have revenue packages that allow for us to be able to optimize our public transportation system. We have been rolling up our sleeves from the moment that we stepped into this office, and we're going to continue to work with all of our partners to ensure that our transportation system is equitably funded. Thank you. Hi, Mayor. Hi. In 2024, the city spent roughly $511 million on overtime.

[44:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2651) Approximately $274 million of that went to the Chicago Police Department, which was about 6.5% less than last year. Is that good enough progress for you in reining in overtime spending, something that you have said you wanted to do since God was a child, perhaps? Well, I don't think I've been married that long, but hopefully, you know, before Jesus returns, I'm able to live out the next 18 years. But, you know, look, no, it's not enough, right? And what I can say is I do appreciate what the superintendent has done with our budget office.

[44:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2688) We've reduced the number of hours, but obviously with pay increases, and the normal cost of living, that's why that number has not been as pronounced and as realized. And so we're going to continue to do the necessary work to cut the cost of overtime, particularly with some of the large-scale events that we're having. We're not getting the full reimbursement of services. And, you know, the city of Chicago has been a very generous city when it comes to attracting these large-scale events

[45:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2718) and the city covering these costs, but clearly that's not sustainable. Six percent is a recognition that we're improving, but we certainly have a little ways to go. Five months ago, you formed a task force to come up with solutions to a way to rid the Chicago Police Department of officers with ties to extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys. Has that task force made any recommendations to you or made any progress in tackling that issue? Yeah, so yesterday just had a sit down with all of the different departments that are going to play a part in that, not just the Chicago Police Department, but our Human Resource Office, as well as working with our, you know, our government entities, right, that are ultimately responsible for the care of our city's public safety apparatus.

[46:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2768) And there are some recommendations that are coming through in due time. We're going to release some of those recommendations. um it's without getting too much into the weeds you know there there are just there's behavior that we are monitoring and not just you know the the affiliation uh worry that people have and that's what we're paying attention to because look you may not be a part of an official group that has been known to be extreme but your behavior could still be biased or racist and

[46:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g?t=2803) And we're working to root that out across our systems. Yep. All right. Is that everybody? Okay. Phew. Y'all need to applause for that, at least, that we finished right now. Thank you all.

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/8ufnY50W57g · Chicago Politics, an independent tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt