Chicago Politics

Update From City Hall 2.18.26

Legislation

Description

Mayor Johnson hosts a media availability.

Transcript

0:00 Happy Black History Month to everyone. Today we honored Chicago blues legend, Buddy Guy. We also acknowledged Mr. Cates, Larry Huggins, Commissioner Barbara McGowan. These are incredible stalwarts in Chicago's history, and they have been an incredible example for all of us, quite frankly. They've left an indelible impact on our communities, and I'm grateful for each of them. Today I introduced a veto of the proposed hemp ordinance, and that veto was upheld.

0:36 Let me be absolutely clear. I am very much concerned and share the concerns that have been raised about hemp products lacking proper safeguards, especially when it comes to packaging or sales practices that may appeal to our children. But while we wait for additional guidance and rules from the federal government, I am vetoing the proposed ordinance as written, as it felt premature and would effectively be a prohibition-style ban on hemp businesses,

1:06 which we know oftentimes creates black market and subjects very vulnerable people to further harm. Let us be mindful that the majority of our city's hemp retailers are independent small businesses and many are black and brown owned. I was concerned about the harsh effects this ban would have, not just on individual businesses, but on entire neighborhood corridors. Many operators were shut out of the licensed cannabis market, but still worked within the law.

1:40 I believe they deserve to have a seat at the table. I look forward to continuing to work with city council, public health experts, and community leaders and business leaders to craft a more responsible regulatory framework that doesn't overly punish small businesses. Today, City Council passed a set of global settlements related to decades-old Guevara cases. While this brings some semblance of justice to survivors of police misconduct and coercion, it is going to take systemic solutions to right the wrongs of the past.

2:12 We will continue to take steps that fulfill our promise to enact the consent decree and ensure that constitutional policing remains the prevailing form of governance. Also, during today's meeting, we advanced a plan to restore the historic landmark Congress Theater in Logan Square. My administration is committed to investing in neighborhood revitalization by rehabbing vacant and underutilized spaces and transforming them into spaces for employment, housing, arts, and culture. With this investment, we will breathe new life into the Congress Theater,

2:45 as well as the surrounding areas where we have pledged city resources to support new housing construction. And finally, in today's meeting, we observed a moment of silence and honored our dearly departed leader and friend, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. He leaves behind a truly transcendent legacy in Chicago and around the world. We will never be able to properly thank and repay Reverend Jackson for everything that he has done to stand up for the people in Chicago and around the globe.

3:20 But we can commit to carrying on his life's work and, of course, keeping hope alive. As we reflect on Reverend Jackson's extraordinary life, I call upon all Chicagoans to follow his example and work towards justice, a more equitable society, and, of course, uniting our city. And so with that, thank you. I'm happy to answer any of your questions. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Thank you again for your patience. We're going to do one question, one follow-up, starting with Jeff in the back. How are you doing, Mayor Johnson?

3:50 I'm doing well, thank you. And condolences to you on the loss of Reverend Jackson. Thank you, sir. I want to ask about the announcement today by D-Case and the Park District about a new Italian heritage monument going into Arago Park in Little Italy. there's been some controversy. Some members of the Italian-American community suggest that their efforts to try to bring a Christopher Columbus tribute back to the park were blocked and shut out by the park district's process.

4:23 I wonder if you could talk a little bit about the person who's going to be memorialized there and a little bit about the process that got us there. Yeah, well, look, I do commend all of the work that has gone into this effort. And, you know, Mother Cabrini really embodies, you know, as I call it, the soul of Chicago. And, you know, the support for memorializing the legacy of Mother Cabrini was overwhelmingly received by the people of the city.

4:54 I believe that process was open. Of course, we're going to continue and always willing to have conversations about it. How we honor cultural heritage in the city of Chicago, 77 neighborhoods, one of the most diverse cities, not just in America, but around the globe, ensuring that we are lifting up and amplifying the will of the people. That's what's most important here, and I'm grateful that Mother Cabrini has made it to the top as a selection to honor, you know, not just culture, but what it really means

5:25 to be a Chicagoan. Your discussion about the revitalization plan for the Congress Theater reminds me of an exchange you and I had last fall up at Clarendon Park in Uptown about the fate of the Uptown Theater. You toured it during the day in the ward, and we talked about efforts to try to bring that crown jewel of Uptown back to life. I'm wondering if you have any updates to share on that effort, sir. Yeah, I wish I did. I mean, look, I mean, Chicago is, you know, I believe the epicenter for arts and culture and restoring the city of Chicago to our glory days as we work to use these innovative investments to bring economic vibrancy back to these communities.

6:09 That is my top priority. One step at a time, of course, we do need to have greater leap moving forward so that these institutions can only be restored, but it becomes as part of the larger economic anchor for these communities. There's a number of those theaters around the city of Chicago. As you know, the architecture is just, it's unmatched, right? So the goal ultimately is to use this as a model and as an example as we move forward to restore all of our cultural centers.

6:41 Mayor, did you or your staff call aldermen in support of and urge their support of Bennett Lawson to become zoning chair if that had gone forward for a vote? And regardless of that answer, are you frustrated that, you know, a vote was called off today? Well, look, here's what I've said repeatedly, that Alderman Lawson has gained a great deal of experience in his role as vice chair. And as he has fulfilled the responsibility, essentially as chair, that it has led to some of the most transformational moments that our city has experienced,

7:17 whether it's the ADUs, green social housing, a number of initiatives that are important for me to build a safe and a more affordable city. He has allowed, you know, this moment to help usher in that transformation. And I've said publicly and privately that I'm grateful for his leadership. And as far as my frustration, look, I think it's important that when it comes to chairmanships, that there's equity and parity across the board. Obviously, we're doing it much different than previous administrations.

7:49 And, you know, look, I've said over and over again that the fifth floor that I inherited, or city government as we know it, will not be the city government that we pass on to posterity. And I think that's a good thing. But, again, I'm grateful for his leadership, and I've expressed that publicly and privately. And having parity and equity as it relates to chair positions, that's also a critical component of how, you know, we ensure that we are embodying the level of diversity that exists well beyond the four walls of this facility.

8:21 You have praised him repeatedly, but you've stopped short of, and I think you're describing why, because of the parity, but you've stopped short of publicly endorsing him for the position. Do you think that to get this across the finish line, you need to weigh in, you know, affirmatively one way or the other? Look, the business of the city of Chicago continues to move forward. My goal is to build the safest, most affordable big city in America and having individuals who embrace that conviction is what's most important here.

8:52 And, again, I'm grateful for his leadership. He has worked hand in hand with my administration to move some of the most transformational measures forward. And that work continues despite, you know, the conversations around, you know, what the permanent seat will ultimately look like. As long as we're building the safest, most affordable big city in America, then, you know, that's what we can continue to draw strength from. I tried to hand off the bike, but no one took it, so I'll ask another question. Wow, I do have another.

9:23 Now's the opportunity to pass it. Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor. Good afternoon. Today, Governor J.B. Pritzker has put a two-year moratorium on new subsidies for data centers. How do you feel about data centers in Chicago? I've seen a few that are being built. Should we just, the environmental groups are saying, we should just put a stop to the new building of them? Yeah, well, look, you know, the concerns that have been raised by, you know, advocates of environmental justice, you know, I don't take any issue with that.

9:58 You know, and, you know, I have not seen the full proposal that he's put forward. You know, my general, you know, feeling around any development that happens in communities that it has to include community, right? We have massive development that's happening all over the city of Chicago, as you know, whether it's on the southeast side of Chicago or whether it's on the west side of Chicago, the 1901 project and CyQuantum, having community input to ensure that, you know, Environmental concerns are addressed, while at the same time creating opportunities for economic development, there has to be a balance.

10:31 And so I'm going to explore and look through what he has proposed and looking forward to digging into that a little bit more. Okay, speaking of quantum, where do you stand on a community benefits agreement for the SciQuantum campus? Yeah, I mean, it's a good segue. As I expressed earlier, I do believe that there's tremendous value in ensuring that the community is a part of the development, right? We can't do government without community. It's counterintuitive to government providing not just safeguards, but government providing real opportunity for full engagement.

11:07 We don't want development to be at the expense of working people, and that has always been my guiding principle. So I've said on record, publicly and privately, that I'm prepared to sit down with members of the southeast side and anywhere else in the city to ensure that community benefits – community actually benefits from the development that is happening. Good afternoon, Mayor. Good afternoon. The governor also today proposed a social media tax in his budget that somewhat mirrors Chicago's. It's not exactly the same, but it's similar.

11:40 I was wondering if his administration had had talks with yours about proposing that to try to get pointers or something, or what is your reaction to that overall? Well, I mean, look, it speaks to what we are driving here in Chicago, right? And it speaks to what we have always said, that these big tech companies and these big corporations have to share in the responsibility of ensuring that we're making necessary investments in our communities and that we're not relying solely on working people to balance our budget.

12:13 As you indicated, it does have a great deal of similarity around our smart tax. And however we can be supportive and a partner in ensuring that that particular portion of his budget realizes the light of day and receives full approval from the General Assembly, of course, I'm always open to be supportive. And if that passes, is there any thought to how that would interact with Chicago's tax? And if possible, could you give an update on where Chicago's tax stands in terms of the collection of that?

12:44 Yeah, that's a great question. We'll get you an update in terms of the collection of that tax. And then, of course, how, you know, both levels of government will be able to share in the revenue that comes from this. Look, the important note for us here is that, you know, whether it's a millionaire's tax, a digital ad tax, or the social media amusement responsibility tax, These corporations have been called in to do more in this moment, particularly at a time in which billions of dollars of tax savings have gone to the largest corporations in the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago by way of Donald Trump.

13:22 And this is a crucial moment in our city and our state's history to ensure that working people know that they are supported and valued. So I'm I'm I am encouraged by the progress, at least what has been presented as it relates to ensuring that these big corporations, they have to put more skin in the game. I've been saying this for some time. And again, I'm hoping that the General Assembly rallies around this effort, because I think it's important as we generate revenue for our schools, hospitals and good paying jobs.

13:53 Good afternoon, Mayor. Good afternoon. On the CPS search, do you reject the demand from some board members and alders to wait until a fully elected board is in place to select the next superintendent, and why or why not? Well, look, I mean, I believe it's important that we identify someone who shares the values of our city, right? Sustainable community schools is an important measure to bring, you know, communities in to the decision-making process for their children. We secured a contract for all of our workers who are responsible for the.

14:26 educational and health outcome of our of our students and having a leader who understands the assignment in this moment is critical as you know i released the largest tip surplus into our schools in the history of chicago so i hope that those board members know where my heart is because there's no mayor ever in the history of chicago to release a half a billion dollars into our public schools finding a leader who understands the assignment in this moment is going to be critical And I believe that we can do that now. And I think the board is in a strong position to help us identify someone who reflects the values of the people of the city of Chicago.

15:02 Thank you. And just to clarify, you have not spoken with anyone about taking the permanent superintendent role yet? For me taking the job? No, no, for them to post it. Oh, I'm like, that would be breaking news. No, I have not. Hi, Mayor. Hi. What is your reaction today to public comments about the conditions at CACC and volunteers there saying that Susan Capello is unqualified for the position of ED? Well, look, I take all that feedback into serious consideration, you know, and, you know, ensuring that we have the right people in these positions.

15:37 That's always been my top priority and remains my top priority. Do you commit to a nationwide search to filling the position? And I think that what we have done over the course of these last 18 months, that we have made it very clear that, you know, the person that is there has shown signs of strong commitment to the people of this city. Hi, Mayor. Joni Lumet, Fox 32. It's election season for some, and our station is hosting a series of debates. Last night it was Cook County President candidates.

16:09 Your name came up a few times. and Toni Preckwinkle was asked directly if she would endorse your re-election. She didn't really answer. She said she wanted the focus to be on the Cook County election. How do you feel about that? Do you have her support? I think she should focus on her own re-election. That would make sense. Brendan Rowley seems to be making it part of his platform, criticism of your administration. How do you react to that? Sounds like he doesn't have much of a platform then. I mean, look, we have the safest summer in 60 years, right?

16:44 We've had the fewest amount of homicides for a year in 60 years. We're on pace to build 10,000 more affordable units, right? I mean, we're talking about economic development and vibrancy that's happening all over the city of Chicago. So cranes and more cranes, repurposing old office spaces and converting them into housing, of which 30% of those conversions will be made for affordability.

17:15 We just moved past a very harsh experience with the Lincoln Yards debacle, and now we have development that's happening in a space that had not happened prior. And, you know, what I will continue to reiterate, as we make investments into the people of Chicago, whether that's expanding youth employment, reopening mental health clinics, we have a lot to be proud of as a city of Chicago. We've stood up to Donald Trump. We've pushed back against the tyrannical operation that is coming from the White House.

17:50 And so, you know, if one particular candidate is only fixated on me, it just sounds like then that he has a very narrow view of the world and maybe he should expand himself a little bit. Hi, Mayor. Hey. Thinking of Reverend Jesse Jackson's legacy, what would you like to see Chicago public schools teaching about his legacy going forward? Should that be a formal part of CPS curriculum? You know, we're kind of, you know, digging into that and hearing there isn't too, too much in the district's formal curriculum about Jesse Jackson.

18:22 Look, I mean, I think all of our schools across the state of Illinois and this country should highlight the impeccable legacy of Reverend Jackson. Of course, we should always do more to highlight, you know, when I taught in our public schools, I was very intentional about teaching about Reverend Jackson. The world will have, I believe, a better view of Reverend Jackson. I would be remiss if I do not acknowledge the words that his son provided us today,

18:55 former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., where he talked about how the media played a role in the caricature and the irresponsible definition around who Reverend Jackson is and was. And his wife even said that history will treat him better than the present moment that he lived in. So my hope is that that becomes a reality. And it's not unheard of. When Dr. Keene was assassinated, he had a 30 percent approval rating.

19:26 I believe. And so people across the country had an uneasiness about Dr. Keene. And now you have right wing conservatives quoting him as gospel. So I do believe that we should be very critical in this moment because it's not just about how media attempted to define Reverend Jackson outside of the humanitarian that he really was. The media has a proclivity to do that with modern day leaders as well. So I hope that's a lesson for all of us. If we're going to teach the legacy of Reverend Jackson, we should also be especially critical of how mainstream corporatized presentation can demonize someone who, quite frankly, is one of the most dynamic human beings to ever walk the planet.

20:14 And then what is the timeline for choosing whether the city will issue a contract to ShotSpotter or a new gunshot detection firm? And what's taken so long? Well, I mean, look, the timeline is to find something that works. I've been in conversation with Superintendent Snelling around a host of elements, you know, but I just find it a little bit ironic that we're talking about technology at a time in which we have seen a precipitous decline in violence, right? Shootings are down. Shooting victims are down.

20:45 Homicides are down. There's still a lot more work to be done, but I don't want us to lose sight on the things that actually work. Investing in our young people, that is a proven strategy to drive violence down in the city of Chicago. Reopening mental health clinics, that is a proven strategy to drive violence down in the city of Chicago. Building more affordable homes, that's a proven strategy to drive violence down in the city of Chicago. Investing hundreds of millions of dollars into our public education system, that's a proven strategy to drive violence down in the city of Chicago. So my focus is on proven strategy.

21:15 Of course, I'm going to remain amenable and open to other conversations, But ensuring that our detectives have what they deserve and need, particularly at a time in which now we have a 71 percent clearance rate, the highest clearance rate that we've had in a decade, getting guns off the streets of Chicago, 11,000 just last year alone. The things that are working, we're going to double down on those efforts. And then, of course, we'll still have conversations about, you know, ways in which we can solidify that work along the edges. Hi, Mayor. Hey. um there's no evidence that the chicago police department complied with the budget ordinance

21:49 which requires them to submit monthly updates on the effort to develop an early warning system for police officers uh accused of misconduct what action will you take that that order was not fulfilled well i've had conversations with the superintendent around this we expect to have a report very soon um and in federal court right now there's a lawsuit filed by a family who says they were traumatized by a botched raid of their house back in 2018. Lawyers working for the city have argued this week

22:20 that the Department of Justice investigation and the PATF report led by former Mayor Lightfoot did not warn the city that there was an inadequate disciplinary system to hold officers accountable and that there was no way the city could have known that there were botched raids taking place. Are you comfortable with lawyers working for the city making that argument about those two reports which formed the bedrock of police reform efforts? Well, I mean, look, I mean, I don't think there's a, you know, a secret in

22:52 terms of what my position has been around ensuring that we have true constitutional policing. On that particular case, you know, to be perfectly frank with you, I'll have to look a little bit deeper into it. As far as my comfort level, you have to hold every system accountable, right? And that's why, you know, I put forth in my budget certain mechanisms to prevent these type of lawsuits from taking place, whether it's the early warning trigger that we will ensure that from district commanders that can have some sight on some behavior that could be problematic. You know,

23:27 look, restoring confidence with police and community, that is the top priority for my administration. It is the way in which we're going to continue to build safe and affordable communities. So in terms of my comfort level, I believe that we all have to have a level of accountability and that's why you're seeing me put forth, I believe humbly speaking, a valiant effort to ensure that that accountability is in place, which includes what unfortunately was deferred and published today around COPA being able to investigate

23:58 claims of the welcoming city ordinance being violated. I'm going to continue to work with Alder Fuentes and the entire city council So to ensure that there are real accountability mechanisms in place so that we don't have trust eroded. And certainly from past practices, ensuring that we're looking deeper into those practices to give us guidance, how we should govern moving forward. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. So when my cauldron of sources was a Dutch oven and I was a J school student. And I totally and prematurely broke the story of Reverend Jackson running for the White House for the first time to his chagrin.

24:34 How old were you? I think I was about 19, 20. Pretty young man. Funny, I was still young. Then I went on to cover. You look good, too. Oh, thank you. I went on to cover the Iowa caucus, his Iowa caucus campaign in 88 and his speech at the 96 Democratic National Convention. So while everybody else is devastated, I have fond memories. Having said that, there's a question in there somewhere. I know. No, no, I do have a question. A couple of questions, though. Oops. So naive, but clearly attributes the 98 percent reduction in violent Salvadorian crime,

25:10 the teaching respect for human rights and for private and public property in the schools, as well as balancing human rights for law abiding citizens with that, as well as for criminals and law enforcement. Given the latest incidents in Chicago, including the relatively underreported attempted carjacking and mouth assault of a veteran journalist in the loop, when will your administration address violent crime in Chicago by instilling an appreciation for human rights of all persons,

25:44 especially that for public and private property here? Yeah, well, look, I'm addressing community safety every single day. That is my top priority. You know, everything starts with the ability to keep people safe, and that's why I've invested so much time and emphasis around it. You know, look, one act of violence is one too many, and I know that the data doesn't console individuals who have been victimized by crime. I get that. You know, and at the same time, we can recognize that we have made progress.

26:19 And, you know, you're speaking of the 90s in particular, Mark, you are aware that during the 90s, we're talking 800, 900 people annually, right? We're nowhere near that. And God forbid, God help us, that we don't ever return to that state of affair. But there are people who are trying to draw us back into a time of the status quo. And so that's why, you know, if you remember about 18 months ago, we launched our robbery strategy, which brought robberies down by 35 percent.

26:50 Vehicular carjackings are down. You know, a lot more work to do. No one is denying that. You know, and the efforts that we have put forth have put us on a pathway where we had the national average of violence reduction. The city of Chicago, we doubled that average. In other words, what we did wasn't just a part of a national trend. What we did was starting a national trend by ensuring that we're doing the things at work. And that ensures that, one, we are holding people accountable, which we've done that.

27:23 A lot more work to be done, but we are holding people accountable. But, two, we're also creating opportunities for young people and other folks who have been marginalized, unfortunately, because of just decades of disinvestment. Okay. And as the older folk hunker in for an accountability coalition on the budget, our cauldron of sources also say that the palace intrigue over who's going to permanently chair the zoning committee and what new appointees will be added to the ethics board isn't over by a long shot.

27:54 with the likes of the Common Sense Caucus saying that they're not voting one more red cent for what they consider to be suspected slush funds for illegal aliens and potential immigrants. Those developments revisit last year's question of what will you do to regain the automatic trust because it squarely appears that the aldermen do not, alder folk do not trust you. Thanks. Well, you know, again, you know, I do take issue with the characterization of individuals who are undocumented.

28:25 And, again, I would respectfully ask that, at least in my presence, that you refrain from that type of characterization. I will say this. Well, you know, again, we've already had that conversation. Just you don't have to talk over me, though. Just I've given you space to express and I'm politely just offering you my perspective and, you know, certainly quoting, you know, a governor in Florida that has shown disdain and animus towards working people and particularly people of color.

29:01 If you're going to cite someone, I would recommend that you cite him. But what I will say, which is most important here, is that the people of the city of Chicago have made it very clear, and they've expressed trust in this clarity, that the ultra-rich have to pay their fair share in taxes. We had overwhelming support from the people of this city and around the state of Illinois that corporations and millionaires and billionaires... billionaires have to pay their fair share in taxes. And now you're seeing efforts at the state level

29:32 that's mirroring the work that I'm leading here in Chicago. So let me just get this straight. So you have cities around this country that have embraced my executive orders. You have the General Assembly in Springfield that is pushing for progressive revenue, particularly a tax on corporations. It sounds like that there's some trust that's being built and that trust is being established because we're showing up for working people. That's the most important thing here. For too long, we've had city councils that have identified their leadership solely from the experience

30:13 or the position of the fifth floor. And what did you get for that? You had a rubber stamp city council that caused tremendous harm on the people of this city that we're now trying to rectify and fix. And so the same city council that trusted the fifth floor that led to the worst municipal deal in the history of the globe, the city council that trusted the fifth floor that allowed for schools to be closed,

30:46 a city council that trusted the fifth floor that allowed for a cover-up of a boy being murdered by police. That's what you've had. And if you're saying we need to go back to that level of trust, I'm going to dare to say no. And that there's a better pathway forward to build the safest, most affordable big city in America. And I'm doing it. We're doing it for the people on the west and south sides of Chicago. And we're doing it for the people around the globe. As we honor Reverend Jackson today, think about it. We're honoring a man who not only fought for black liberation, but he fought against wars.

31:19 He fought against genocide. He fought for public accommodations. we are living out the true spirit of what it means to be a liberator in this city. And we're going to continue to do that. And as long as we have the will and the trust of the people, there ain't no stopping us now. Keep hope alive. Hey, Mayor. How's it going? Earlier when you said you were doing things different with the city council, I think you were referring to, as you would probably put it, a less controlling approach to the city council in filling chairmanships.

31:49 I think that's fair. No, what I'm saying is that I'm far more amenable and open to feedback from city council because parity and equity is important. Well, I'm curious what you think, you know, with that in mind, with your understanding of that in mind, what is the city council's inability to sort out who will be its zoning chair say about its ability to figure things out for itself? Well, it's a newer practice. You know, things take time. I mean, look, we've had erosion in this city for a very long time. It's like in any major infrastructure shift that the foundation in and of itself has to be repaired,

32:27 and I'm laying the foundation for that type of repair. That might require some excavation. It might require a new being. You can tell I'm an HGTV guy. It might require us to fill in spaces and gaps that have cause for leakage, and there are a host of examples, of course, that I could give, But, I mean, it certainly does highlight, to your point, that it is not as easy, I think, as people might believe to be able to have the type of organizational structure where you have buy-in from everyone.

32:59 It might be why many mayors led the way they led, because it was just easier for them to lead with an iron fist. But what we have seen, unfortunately, with that type of leadership style, it has caused tremendous pain and harm for people across the city. And we're still now working to recover from that harm. Alderman Beal says that the resolution or the effort to notify the gaming board that passed today triggers the legalization of VGTs that was passed in the budget.

33:29 Do you agree with that? And what's been your strategy with holding up the notification of VGTs? Are you trying to prevent that from going forward this year? Look, I don't necessarily share the same conclusion that he has come to. I mean, I know that there are a number of concerns that people have. It's not just me. It's about getting it right, and I'm going to continue to work with the members of city council to do just that. And, look, I don't believe these concerns are insurmountable. And we have to ensure that there is justice and equity as it relates to how VGTs are not just characterized but how they're implemented.

34:07 There are some state elements that could cause some jam. But, again, I don't think it's necessarily the only thing for consideration, but it is something that I have I've had to think through. Yes. Anything else? All right. Nice job. You appreciate. you all. Thank you.

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