Chicago Politics

Post Council 5 20 26

Description

Mayor Johnson addresses the press after the May 20, 2026 City of Chicago Council Meeting.

Transcript

0:00 Okay, thank you all for hanging out in night school today. Well, good evening, everyone. Really seriously, thank you for joining us. During today's meeting, we delivered on our commitment to protect voting rights and the sanctity of elections here in Chicago by advancing the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Senior Fair Access to Democracy Ordinance. This ordinance is grounded in the values that have made our city the amazing city that it is. It holds us to a higher standard, and that standard that Reverend Jesse Jackson embodied, I'm grateful that that standard is being upheld.

0:34 Reverend Jackson always asks us to do a little bit more, and to do a little bit more, and more, because he believes in the power of ordinary people to change this country for the better. Today, we honored his indelible legacy. Reverend Jackson led the charge for voting rights while laying the foundations for the multiracial democracy that we all cherish. As Trump and the far right wing in this country pushed to roll back the Voting Rights Act and disenfranchised millions of black and brown Americans,

1:05 we must do everything in our power to protect the progress and the rights Reverend Jackson and so many others who came before us dedicated their lives to securing. With this ordinance, every Chicagoan can feel confident in knowing that their right to vote will not be infringed. We bring peace of mind to our volunteer poll workers and all of those who work tirelessly to ensure our elections run smoothly and securely. And we ensure the independence and integrity of elections here in Chicago. Chicago must lead in this moment.

1:37 We must stand up as one and reject the Trump administration's threats and intimidation which serve the sole purpose of preventing Americans from exercising their right to vote. With today's vote, Chicago is once again providing a model for the rest of the country to follow as we organize a nationwide movement to protect voting rights and defend our democracy. I want to thank Chicago Votes and Rainbow Push for championing this critical policy with my administration. Thank you to Steve Avalas and the team for being here today.

2:11 During today's meeting, we also advanced key measures to expand housing availability while making it easier for working families to secure stable, affordable housing in our city. My administration continues to build upon our work, investing in a neighborhood scale, missing middle housing in communities across the south and west sides as we began the process of breaking 54 mid-density homes to east and west Garfield Park. We secured city funding to support construction of a 64-unit permanent supportive affordable housing development in North Center, which will serve survivors of gender-based violence.

2:46 The City Council also approved the Affordable Housing Listing Portal Ordinance, which will bring together city departments and community partners to modernize and streamline a system through which Chicagoans can access affordable housing. For too long, residents have struggled to navigate a fragmented and confusing system that creates unnecessary barriers to housing access. The working group established by this ordinance will build a more equitable, transparent, and user-friendly process for Chicagoans.

3:16 I also want to thank Chairwoman Hatton and her team at the 49th Ward for their leadership on this work. and we're honored to be joined by my good friend Don Washington from Chicago Housing Initiative and Emily Coffey with the Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, who have dedicated an incredible amount of time and advocated for this portal for years. I'm proud to have worked with all parties to get this done as we continue to focus on addressing the housing crisis. We also celebrate the confirmations of key appointments, including the newly minted CDOT Commissioner,

3:49 William Cheeks, Jr., and our city's new Inspector General, David Glockner. Commissioner Cheeks brings a distinguished and storied career in public service, and I look forward to a continued partnership with him and CDOT as we continue building a transportation network that works for all of our residents. And likewise, we look forward to working with Inspector General Glockner to uphold the principles of good governance and ethics across city operations. We are proud to welcome the newest members of the CCPSA board, Antoinette Young and Angelica Guzman, whose leadership and expertise will help guide our collective work

4:24 to strengthen oversight and accountability for local law enforcement. And finally, today the City Council approved of a compromise measure to provide small businesses with relief while maintaining our commitment to phasing out the sub-minimum tipped wage. While neither side of this issue nor I are completely satisfied with every aspect of this compromise, I am still encouraged by the openness in good faith. to create dialogue and compromise, which has been displayed throughout this entire process.

4:55 We appreciate Audubon Burnett for leading in this process. As mayor, I fought to protect the raises we delivered for black and brown women who are working incredibly hard for their wages. By vetoing the measure that would have fully rolled back one fair wage, we successfully preserved the planned phase out of the subminimum wage and defended our hard-fought gains for working people in our city. I'm grateful for every member of the city council who stood with me in this fight. I will always stand with working people and fight for the wages, dignity, and economic security for all of Chicago because they deserve it.

5:28 We will continue working to tackle the affordability crisis facing our families while ensuring working people in our cities share in the wealth and prosperity that their labor helps to provide and create. And thank you all for, again, being here this evening. I know it's late, and I'm happy to answer your questions. And in a moment, those of you who are standing here, if you want to have a seat, you can. In fact, please have a seat. Just a reminder, everyone, let's please keep our follow-up questions brief. Thank you. Thank you.

5:58 Evening, Mayor. Let's hope the Cubs pull out a win tonight. I know. It's been a rough ride these last few days. On the tipped wage compromise, do you see this as a setback for your agenda? The initial legislation would have phased it out fully by 2028. Now, for smaller restaurants, that won't happen until 2033, five years, that some workers will not see that pay raise. What is your message to Chicagoans who are impacted, and is it a setback? Well, look, I mean, we're not going to sit here and act as if what just happened isn't problematic, right? No one is satisfied. But the industry came together

6:33 along with the advocates, and this is where they landed. Of course, my preference would always be to ensure that raises happen at a time in which affordability is the number one issue facing in America and working people. But in the end, this is the compromise that folks agreed upon. My stance is still the same. I believe that workers deserve raises, particularly at a time in which affordability remains the top issue for all the people of this city and across the country. Good evening, Mayor. So just to be extra clear, you do not plan to veto today's one fair

7:04 wage freeze? Look, it was a compromise agreement that came together with the support of industry as well as advocates. I've already expressed what my preference was. The initial proposal would have abolished, I'm sorry, would have undermined in its entirety. And we didn't want to see that happen, of course, so I vetoed that. This allows for a much longer ramp. Again, this is not something that I think that, you know, the advocates were absolutely pleased with, but it's a compromise

7:36 that everybody came together around. Thank you. And can you talk about why you think Alderman Martin's police extremism ordinance needed to pass? I mean, well, look, I mean, I think there's no secret here that our police officers, you know, serve and protect and they have the most important role as it relates to showing up on the front lines to keep our community safe. And there is a higher standard. Right. And, you know, we don't want a situation where trust between law enforcement and community erodes. We know what that

8:08 looks like. We've seen 700, 800 people being murdered prior to me coming into office and having community trust is critical to build safe and affordable communities. This is going to ensure that we are moving towards a direction that I believe everybody wants us to go towards, which is constitutional policing and ensuring that there is real trust between law enforcement and those that they have been vowed to serve and protect. Hi, Mayor. On that same measure, Alderman Desmond Yancey in his floor speech called the debate over

8:41 it, quote, way past ridiculous for questioning whether racism exists in the police department. I'm wondering, what did you make of the debate? And do you think this measure will be challenged in court as some of its critics argued in their floor speeches? Well, it was certainly lengthy, you know, and as far as the debate, look, that's what happens in a democracy. And that's something that, you know, we are fighting hard, of course, to protect because, unfortunately, dissent in this country has been met with extremism, right?

9:11 And we don't want to see that. So today we got through a conversation. Of course, it was heated at times, but in the end, we were able to pass a measure that I believe is going to place us in a stronger position to improve the constitutionality and the implementation of the consent decree while really working hard to restore and build trust within our communities. Do you think it will be challenged in court? And if so, can it withstand the legal challenge? I can't, you know, opine on what could happen. What did happen today, though, was we moved closer towards really building and restoring trust between law enforcement and community.

9:48 Hi, Mayor. How confident are you that the tipped wage compromise is actually just a two-year pause and extending the runway and not just giving the Restaurant Association more time to mount up and try to do what they did last month that you vetoed? You know, we asked Sam Playa after the committee vote multiple times if he would not do that or, you know, would hold the compromise, and he wouldn't say either way.

10:19 Well, that's on him, right? I mean, listen, people came together and trust that folks negotiating good faith around this compromise. If he were to violate that trust, that would be a disappointment to the entire process. On the $55 million tax break for the United Center 1901 project, that's only for the first phase, $500 million. It's a $7 billion project. Do you think or would you approve, support them coming back for further property tax breaks for the rest of the development?

10:52 Well, here's what we did approve today. I mean, we created an opportunity to actually generate 46, almost $50 million in property tax revenue to go back into funding the critical services that are contributing to my vision, which is to build the safest, most affordable big city in America. We're talking about at least 1,000 affordable units and an opportunity to continue to grow on the west side of Chicago that has historically experienced a great deal of disinvestment.

11:25 As far as what this particular project in the future holds, I think it's a fair question, but what I can say is that the future of Chicago is clearly strong. I mean, whether it's the 1901 project that we move closer to fruition today or the investment that's happening in the 78 where that land has sat desolate for ages, same thing with Lincoln Yards. So you clearly see that there's momentum in the city of Chicago and folks want to invest in it.

11:56 And any opportunity that we can create with a longstanding county measure that has incentivized growth and development, of course we're going to look at it, especially if it benefits the people of Chicago and particularly those on the west and south side. Mayor Johnson, Chicagoans are asking how you can possibly justify a taxpayer-funded trip to Rome. considering the their standard of living declining with violent crime, teen takeovers, the obviously the ballooning deficit under your administration.

12:37 I believe it's over three billion dollars now. And and, you know, the rest of the budget. So, in fact, even Governor Pritzker called you out, I think it was yesterday, for your incompetence in handling the Chicago Bears. And, you know, a lot of real Chicagoans are very upset that under your administration, Chicago will lose the Chicago Bears. The Chicago Bears will be, you know, no longer the Chicago Bears.

13:10 They want to know. Let's please get to the question. How can you justify a taxpayer-funded trip to Rome? What is the possible benefits to the people of Chicago? And what is the budget, specifically what is the budget for your security in Rome, your security detail? And people are also asking about your hair and makeup. Thank you, William. Is that the question? Thanks. I think we got it. William. All right. So the trip to Rome is not funded by taxpayers.

13:42 There's no taxpayer – No. Next question, please. Next person. Excuse me. Thanks, William. That's it. You've already asked multiple questions. And then as far as – No, that's it, William. You've asked multiple questions now, William. You're done. It's not a taxpayer trip. The trip is not funded by taxpayers. Go ahead, Paris. I'm done listening to you. All right. Go ahead.

14:12 I can hear you. Yep. Paris. Yeah, I'm going to – I can hear you. This is not a question, so I think we're being disrupted. And I'm going to move on. And, Mayor, I'm going to ask my question now. Thank you. So we did a story at NBC. We got a video at Carver Military Academy from a Black History Month event where there was a play depicted. Picting a slave auction where where Latino students were auctioning off black students and it caused a ruckus among a lot of teachers.

14:43 I just wanted to the legislative black caucus, legislative Latino caucus have condemned this and called for accountability. I just wanted to get your reaction. Have you seen this? And do you join them in calling for some kind of accountability for what happened? Well, look, I have not seen it. But what has been brought to my attention and, you know, the conversations that we're having with our CEO is to take a look at what happened there. And if there's something there that, of course, that really requires us to take a deeper look

15:14 into how we engage with students in our public schools, then obviously I would support that. So you said there's a conversation with the CEO of public schools to have about that? Yeah, I mean, look, that's their responsibility, along with the board members, to take a look into, you know, all that was surrounded by this particular play or activity. And if there are some elements there that really require the CEO and the board to revisit how, you know,

15:46 these type of interactions and engagements move forward, then, you know, I'm going to be supportive of any process that ensures that we're protecting our students. Good evening. Good evening. So in your during your trip to the Vatican, do you also plan to bring a socks cap since the pope is a native south sider and the socks is also the Catholic team, while the Cubs is the Protestant team and a north side team.

16:19 And he is a native born south sider and spent his formative years in Chicago Southland. I'm insulted by your question. especially as a Pentecostal. I mean, look, I mean, I think that it's very clear that the Pope and I, we agree on a lot of different things. We do not agree on, you know, which team we should be rooting for as it relates to baseball. But what I will say is that last series was an incredible series and it was good for the city of Chicago.

16:50 And, you know, the Sox were able to take two out of those three. And, you know, they should feel good about their 500 status, you know. But there's still really only one team to root for. Well, it seems that he should be even-handed since he is a Southsider. You know, but listen, I hope that he wears the Cubs hat that I bring. As well as the Sox cap, I would say. So anyway, moving. To your official question. That's the first official question. Do you plan to bring him a Sox cap? I've already answered that question.

17:21 And make it even. Well, you know, you haven't. But anyway, we'll move on. So when you said at an earlier presser that there'll be opportunities for public meetings of the Chicago Reparations Task Force in accordance with the Illinois Opens Meeting Act, is that also going to include the body's regular meetings? Because you didn't quite clarify with that. And the public access counselor for the Illinois attorney general's office seems to be running out the clock on either a binding, binding opinion or a determination.

18:03 I think I understand your question. Before you know, you didn't. You did. You just said I didn't finish. Let's keep the second question brief. I'm keeping it brief. I'm winding it up. And the people out there want to see the sausage making as well as the finished sausage. Mark, that's not a question anymore. You're just commentating. So you've already asked the question. So the question is with regular meetings as well as the other ones. So check this out. With regular meetings. Mark, Mark, Mark. Answering your question.

18:33 Look at me for a second. I'm going to answer you. I understand your question. So the advisory councils, all of them meet. All of our advisory councils meet. Okay? and there are copious notes and minutes that are taken. We're taking an additional step by opening up the process so that people can engage in the sausage-making process. So no other advisory council sets up additional meetings the way we're doing it on the reparations task force. And when those meetings are available, I hope that you come and participate. So for the regular meetings. Thank you.

19:03 I've already clarified. Can we move on, please? I've already answered your question. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Good evening, Mayor. Good evening. I wanted to ask, what did you make of the criticism that some had of the Jesse Jackson ordinance that it was either would duplicate some powers of the Board of Elections or didn't take into account enough of the Board of Elections jurisdiction? Well, I mean. First of all, we had several organizations supporting this effort, and thank you to both our champions that are here today, and multiple meetings.

19:39 And there's an advisory council that will help provide additional ideas to think about ways in which we can protect elections here. I think what's fascinating here is that as thorough as the Voting Rights Act was, what happened to it 60 years later? It was gutted. This notion that somehow there's a perfected set of language that can secure the rights for the most marginal, there's nothing in history that speaks to that.

20:16 So if you're just asking me to be absolutely keeping it 100 I think it's disingenuous I remember being on a trip with Reverend Jackson and Selma And he talked about how when the Voting Rights Act was passed They jumped and hit their heads on the basement ceiling They knew that at some point Right-wing extremism in this country could come for it And so this notion that somehow that in order for something to actually turn into law, it has to be absolutely perfect.

20:49 Now, we're working towards a more perfect union. And think about the executive orders that I passed. Remember, there were some people who said, Mayor Johnson, why are you even moving on those executive orders? They're just symbolic. They're not going to do anything. How are you going to enforce it? But yet 30 million people right now are living under those executive orders. 10% of the country, where even some folks in our own press corps called into question whether or not it was worthwhile. It is always worthwhile moving us closer towards justice. And these individuals who believe that they have the answer of perfection

21:20 then explain to me why black folks in this country are now under the gun because of right-wing extremism that undermines something that people fought and died and bled for. And save me your speeches. So quite frankly, I find it to be disingenuous. And if there's a way, of course, in which we can build a more perfect union, then put something up. Don't just put up roadblocks. Put up language that can move us forward. What you heard from people today, I'm going to be really, really honest now. What you heard was you heard people mad at the temerity and the audacity of my leadership in this moment.

22:00 People talking about they know how to honor the legacy of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. while capitulating to the very concepts that that which he fought for, capitulating to the very concepts that he fought for. You know, so I just hope that those same individuals that came with all that energy today, that they actually produce something that's going to protect voting rights for the most vulnerable. Because the last I check, if black folks aren't voting in this country, labor rights are called into question.

22:37 Reproductive rights are at risk. Immigrant rights. Any right that we have in this country, black folks die to ensure that those rights exist. Those are my thoughts. Yeah. Once the actual advisory council is set up in the next month or so, how soon would you like to see them bring forward recommendations? As soon as possible. As soon as possible, right? I mean, listen, there is a real threat coming from the federal government. You all remember about three years ago when I first got elected and I talked about how the right wing in this country have not accepted the results of the Civil War.

23:13 Go back and look at those news conferences. I warned people. I warned people. And I said that they were going to use the migrant mission to distract folks, to create separation within our communities. With the whole goal to come after black folks. That's what I said I warned this city I warned this country That this could happen And so now here we are We have alders who are trying to stand in the way Of us building ways

23:45 In which we can protect Voting rights For all of our residents So the advisory council That I'm confident in Will provide us with guidance And ways in which we can strengthen Voting protection here in Chicago and that we will continue to be a model for the rest of the country. All right, Jake, you got it. Last one, because, by the way, I am going to the Cubs game tonight, and it already started, so anybody don't score? Hopefully we'll lose before you get there.

24:16 You know, there was some correspondence this week between Michael Sachs and Stacey Davis-Gates in which Sachs accused you, describing you as her lieutenant, of defaming him. What's your response to that? Well, first of all, what is the hierarchy in terms of rank as it relates to lieutenant? Is that the top spot? I don't believe lieutenant is typically at the top spot. It's not the top spot. So he didn't give me the top spot?

24:47 I don't believe he did, no. Well, he should have. The chief executive, the last I checked. So he's demoting me? You'd have to ask him. Well, how about you do this? you ask him because you seem to talk to everybody around here. I mean, look, Michael Sachs should join the ranks of fighting for progressive revenue. Right. That's that's at a time in which look, I don't I can't speak to his sensitivities. What I can speak to is that there are a number of people who are living in very vulnerable states right now. And our school district is woefully

25:22 underfunded. And he knows that. Right. He participated in in previous administrations that close schools, right? So he knows how vulnerable, at least he should, our school district is. And right now, $3.6 billion is being withheld from school districts all over the state of Illinois. And he should join the ranks in helping us fight, come out loud. And he should talk about a billionaire's tax, use his power to whip votes together. Right now, we still have, what, 10 more days to go in Springfield? There's time, right? We've seen folks pass stuff in the middle of the night,

25:54 four o'clock in the morning, the day before session ends, right? So I would really challenge my constituent, Michael Sachs, to work with all of us to fight for progressive revenue, whether it's the billionaire's tax, which would push him to pay more, the digital ad tax, the progressive income tax. We really could use his help and support to make sure that the most vulnerable are protected in this city, in this state. On One Fair Wage, you were celebrating these raises and calling tipped wages a vestige of,

26:26 or the subminimum tipped wage, a vestige of slavery just a few weeks ago. And I know as an organizer, you know how to be skeptical of lobbyists and big institutions like that. You know all of this, Jake, as an organizer? Well, no, you as an organizer. So you know how it is to be an organizer. Well, I'm saying that you as an organizer would know this. Okay, all right. What makes you trust the Illinois Restaurant Association that they won't try to overturn this in two years? Listen, I think this came from one of your colleagues. I mean, we have fought it, right, and we will continue to fight it. And, you know, as long as I'm mayor of the city of Chicago,

26:58 I'm going to work to make sure that we have the most pro-worker city in America. Thank you all. God bless you.

Sources and methods: how we get and count this data · report an error