# Press Availability 8.25.26

- Date: August 25, 2026
- Type: Video
- Length: 41:15
- Topic: Press conferences
- Video: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkU2tofpsnc)
- Transcript: Machine transcription, 5,968 words ([text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/youtube/tkU2tofpsnc.txt))
- Mayor: [Brandon Johnson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor)

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=0) Budget shortfall solution
- [4:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=245) Fiscal strategy explained
- [6:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=385) Vision for a prosperous city
- [8:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=522) Ongoing city developments
- [9:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=575) Press Q&A session

## Description

Mayor Brandon Johnson hosts press availability.

## Transcript

[0:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=18) Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here today. As we plan for the upcoming fiscal year, it is imperative that we resolve outstanding issues with the fiscal year 26 budget as we work towards long-term financial success. Today, I'm grateful to share that my administration has identified a pathway forward to close the projected $85.1 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2026, which was created by members of the Corporate Caucus.

[0:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=51) And we're able to do this without extending our debt maturity and without increasing future debt service obligations. I do want to thank my finance team for their diligent work to put forth creative and incredibly thoughtful solutions to address a shortfall that was driven by several revenue assumptions advanced by members, again, of the City Council's corporate caucus that have not performed as projected.

[1:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=82) From the beginning, our administration warned that this so-called alternative budget relied on speculative, untested revenues that were not guaranteed to materialize. In July, the city presented its mid-year budget report, and we made clear the reality that Chicago was facing. Since then, we've continued to see strong performance from the progressive revenues that my administration proposed. while the cost-saving measures that we've implemented have saved the city millions more without any cuts to critical services.

[1:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=119) By contrast, the revenues included in the alternative budget have fallen well short of their projections and in many cases have yielded no returns. The most glaring example is the alternate group's plan to sell outstanding debt to a third-party collector. That proposal produced zero dollars. Back in April, when we put out a request for proposals, despite our financial officers taking the extra step of reaching out directly to more than 20 banks and financial institutions with existing relationships with the city, only two of them responded.

[2:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=165) But ultimately, they declined. And they declined because, based on their own financial analysis, they determined that this plan would not come anywhere close to producing the nearly $90 million in revenue that members of the corporate caucus had projected. One institution estimated that the plan could generate at most $10 million for the city before the bank even took its fee. This was a bad deal for banks, a terrible prospect for working families, and ultimately it precluded us from advancing structural solutions to our budgetary challenges.

[3:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=210) Since early July, we have been calling on the City Council to engage with us, do it in good faith, to put forth an effort to develop real and equitable solutions to close this gap. I am grateful to the Treasurer's proposal to shift resources in the Catalyst Fund to the Corporate Fund, and we look forward to working with her on that solution for fiscal year 2027. But ultimately, my administration has done the work necessary to identify a solution.

[4:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=243) To close the gap to the alternative budget, we will take two decisive actions. First, we will take advantage of an opportunity in the second half of this year to lower the city's overall debt service cost by refinancing eligible bonds. Under current market conditions, this refinancing is estimated to save up to $71 million this year without increasing debt costs or creating future liabilities to the city.

[4:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=273) And second, if necessary, we will strategically redeploy reserves from the city's grant management fund, along with some expiring funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The reallocation of these reserve resources will not affect any of the programming that the city is providing or the services that we are providing. The U.S. These actions combined can close the shortfall while avoiding any layoffs.

[5:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=307) This is responsible financial management. But I also want to be clear about this solution. I want to be clear about what it is and what it is not. The remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds are one-time resources. They were designed to expire, and we are now talking about using the last of those remaining funds to help close this gap. We cannot continue to govern by searching for loose change in the couch,

[5:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=338) or every time that there's a budget challenge, we revert back to proclivities that have caused tremendous harm to working people in this city. But we certainly cannot build a true, stable financial future for Chicago with one-time solutions. And that is not a sustainable fiscal strategy, and Chicagoans certainly deserve better. So as we move into the fiscal year 2027 budget process, we have to take those lessons seriously.

[6:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=370) The goal cannot simply be to close the gap that's in front of us. The goal must be to build a budget that is structurally sound, sustainable, and capable of preserving the investments that Chicagoans need and deserve. It did not have to come to this. A significant portion of the resources we are devoting to closing the gap to the alternative budget could have been easily used to invest in Chicagoans to help address expenses in next year's budget.

[6:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=402) And had the city council passed the budget that my administration proposed last year, a budget that was designed to lift up all Chicagoans, especially working people, these resources could have been helping us deliver a better government for our residents. Imagine the difference that these resources could be making. More resources to make our neighborhood safer, more support for local businesses and good-paying jobs, more investment in affordable housing and critical infrastructure, more resources for our young people in Chicago's incredibly bright future,

[7:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=438) and more progress toward stabilizing the pensions our retirees have earned. Chicago, like many great American cities, has faced significant financial challenges for many years. And those challenges are the result of decisions made over decades, compounded by disinvestment, rising costs, economic pressures, instability at the federal level, and cuts to vital services across our country. But throughout that uncertainty, my administration has not wavered from my commitment to building the safest, most affordable big city in America and to have a prosperous Chicago.

[7:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=473) There is a pathway forward for Chicago, one that sets towards a near future where we stop this effort of budgeting government through crisis. But we have the ability to invest in our neighborhoods and our people, and that's what we must all be working towards. These investments that I've made thus far, they're proven to be successful because they are structurally progressive revenues rather than speculation

[8:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=505) and placing that burden on working people. Equity-driven community investment rather than cowing to corporations. Responsible long-term financial planning rather than one-time fixes. And a budget that works for all Chicagoans. And even as we take the necessary steps to close this shortfall, we are continuing to deliver for the people of Chicago. Just last week, we advanced the next phase of the $8.8 billion modernization of O'Hare with an accelerated timeline for the first phase of the new Concourse E.

[8:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=538) We launched a $600,000 community wellness micro-grant program to bring health resources directly into the neighborhoods. We expanded citywide emergency transportation and recovery of mobility devices for Chicagoans with disabilities. And we cut the ribbon on the Austin Hope Center. This is bringing pediatric care, behavioral health care services, and community resources on the west side of Chicago. And this is what good government truly looks like. We can manage our finances responsibly, close the shortfall that's in front of us, and continue investing in Chicago's greatest resources, our people.

[9:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=577) And that is how we build the safest and most affordable big city in America. Thank you for that. And with that, I'm happy to answer any of the questions that you have for me today. Good morning, everyone. We're going to do two questions each and go down the line, please. Good morning. Good morning. Does any of this, what you're calling for, any part of it? aspect of it requires city council approval it does not okay and then you know projecting forward i think you're going to release the the budget forecast for next year soon any update on where

[10:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=612) that's going to be it seems like it might be significantly lower than the 1.2 billion dollar projection that was included in last year's forecast well thank you for that question as you know by statute by ordinance i believe somewhere between now and the end of september is when that can be expected. What I can say is that the structural progressive revenue streams that I put forward, they are overperforming. In fact, the budget shortfall for this year was initially projected to be around $130 million.

[10:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=647) But because our revenue streams that I put forward are performing so well, they're making up the difference of what the failed corporate caucus put forward. And so now the shortfall is projected to be around, it was at 90 now, it's down to 85 million. And so, you know, in terms of what we can anticipate for next year, what I can say is that, again, as our progressive structural revenue streams are performing quite well, it has certainly put us in a stronger position.

[11:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=678) Relying upon one-time fixes or speculative forms of revenue is, quite frankly, reckless and irresponsible. So I'm going to remain hopeful, but there's still a lot more work to be done. Driving that increase, or better than projected revenue, though, is the PPLT, which the City Council Coalition increased by 1% over what you... That was my proposal, and I'm glad that they actually stuck with it. And they increased it over what you initially proposed, right? And in their proposal, it increased the advanced pension payment.

[11:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=708) I know that you're fighting with the Council over the final plan, but are you in some ways thankful? Over what final plan? The final 2026 budget plan. Well, I mean, am I thankful that they actually put a speculative measure within the proposal that has caused a budget deficit? No, no, on the advanced pension payment. I mean, look, the advanced pension payment is something that I believe in. Morning. Good morning. What's your reaction to the O'Hare Flyer proposal?

[12:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=739) Well, I mean, first of all, I mean, any, you know, private entity that is prepared to invest in the city of Chicago, as I've said, we're open for business. We're just not for sale. What I can say is this is, I believe, a healthy response to the Chicago that I'm building. You know, I was the first to bet on Chicago with a $1.25 billion economic bond. I believe that private entities recognize that if the mayor of Chicago is willing to put that much skin in the game, then perhaps we should, you know, take a deeper look.

[13:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=781) But it's also, I think, an indication of how our downtown is recovering. our numbers are of course back to pre-pandemic levels and continues to grow and then of course our airport is the busiest airfield in the world so I believe it's an indication of the confidence that private equity has in my administration as we work to build the safest most affordable big city in America so I welcome all forms of innovation we'll take a closer look at it I believe it sends a strong signal

[13:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=812) that that corporate entities are very much prepared to bet on Chicago, which is a good bet. Any particular questions or concerns about that you're going to have about that service that they're proposing? Well, I think there's still a lot more investigation to do around this proposal. But again, to move people from downtown to O'Hare and vice versa in a faster way, I'm I'm I'm I'm encouraged by the very least that this is also a proposal that is speaking to environmental justice as well as I have reestablished the Department of the Environment and using more forms of green technology to protect our our atmosphere and then do it in a way in which we can create jobs and move people through our city quicker.

[14:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=867) quicker i believe that that is certainly a welcoming advancement to the work that we are already leading on okay thank you good morning good mom are there any specific revenue ideas you're ready to share for 2027 to help close we don't know what the gap is yet but certainly will be probably hundreds of millions of dollars well i mean look as i have stated before the The revenue proposals that I put forward, as one of your former colleagues indicated,

[14:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=897) have over-performed, and that's That's a good thing. It's proof positive that progressive revenue is the pathway forward because it helps us address the structural damage that I inherited. You know, as far as the conversations moving forward, I believe that everything has to still be considered. We do need still significant support from the state of Illinois. Look, I know that there's a desire in Springfield to to move progressive revenue along.

[15:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=929) I'm grateful for the leadership, particularly within the Progressive Caucus, to do that and having actually gotten it accomplished. And again, if we do the things that work, it places our city in a far stronger position. If we do the things that have proven to be ineffective, it's harmful. That's what we saw in this last budget, the alternate budget that was obviously designed to protect the interests of corporations. it's a failed strategy and I believe that there's a pathway forward

[16:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=961) if we actually roll up our sleeves and do what's right for working people we can be in a much stronger financial position. What will it take to have a less contentious budget season this year, both from your opponents and you and your administration? For them to be in agreement with me. I mean, think about it what was contentious about it? The corporate head tax, right? Imagine if we would have actually passed that. We would have a surplus right now. You know, what we really have to focus on is the fact that people are hurting in

[16:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=992) this city. They are. I was talking to a family recently, a dad and mother. They work hard every single day. $1,800 for rent. By the time they get done paying rent, there's very little left for their two daughters. That's what my focus has always been. The corporate caucus wanted to place a greater burden on that working family. And if you're asking me to just roll over and lay down and not fight for those families, that's not who I am. That's not how

[17:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1025) I got here. We got here because we fought very hard to make sure that working people are prioritized. And I believe that there's, at least I'm hopeful, that there's agreement around making sure that working people in the city of Chicago can continue to afford to live here. Again, You know, we're creating safer communities. We're creating more opportunities for young people. We're investing in public and mental health. There are so many things that we can be proud of as a city. And we're actually quite close at fully embracing a transformational form of governance, something that we haven't seen in decades in this city.

[17:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1063) And so I'm going to remain hopeful and diligent that even if there are areas in which we may disagree on, what we have to at least pay attention to are the facts. And the fact of the matter is every single proposal that this so-called alternate, which I actually don't want to call it an alternate budget anymore. It was essentially my budget, and then they actually took the one component out of it that actually would have put us in a far more favorable position.

[18:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1096) Every single proposal that they put forward failed, one of which rendered zero dollars. That's a dereliction of duty there. so I think if we center working people and our work I believe we can actually accomplish great things much like what we are seeing in the proposals that I put forward does the news today essentially mean that layoffs whether mid-year layoffs or layoffs in the 2027 budget are off the table

[18:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1127) I always said that we have to avoid laying people off this was always the grave concern that that that I spoke about and I we cannot balance budgets off of speculation right I mean two administrations ago there was a speculation that if you close schools it would help solve our budget

[19:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1160) challenges. Did it? No. It actually made our communities less safe. And it put working people at greater risk. Here's the point. Though I'm working hard every single day to avoid cutting services and laying people off, we have to have a city council that understands that we cannot continue to have the problematic city council and and placing the blame on working

[19:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1192) people we have to stop doing that so look i'm going to remain hopeful that We have city council members who recognize the assignment, and as a former public school teacher, I'm clear about the assignment. The assignment is to build the safest, most affordable big city in America, and the way you do that is by investing in people. And laying people off and kowtowing to the interests of corporations, it's proven to be ineffective. Thank you. And last week, DPD confirmed that at least one project before the plan commission removed a provision allowing data center usage.

[20:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1227) Could you elaborate? Is this a new directive from your administration in the wake of the executive order? No, we'll get back with you, Alice. I'm not sure what you're referring to. Thanks. Can somebody get a response to her? Thank you. Hi, Mayor. Hey. How much debt is being refinanced? I know the savings is $65 to $71 million, but how much total debt is being refinanced? We can get that response to you. And I'm reading right that the low end is $65. Roughly. It looked like as of the end of June there was still $23 million in programmatic ARPA funding left.

[21:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1263) That's correct? I don't know if that's the exact number, but there's still some left. And this will not affect any current ARPA programs? No, it will not. Okay. And just to confirm. Go ahead, make your confirmation. You can give your confirmation. It's fine. Yeah, just the, you are not anticipating any mid-year layoffs because of this proposal. Well, again, that was always the potential, right? But my administration has put forth a solution to fix a problem that city council created.

[21:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1306) Good morning, Mayor. Good morning. I don't want to take this the wrong way. I've never seen you smile better, much better. You have a great smile, sir. I appreciate that. So on August 13th, I asked your office who led, who the lead sponsor of the data center moratorium ordinance is and when it would be introduced. The answer named neither, and I was wondering if you know who was going to introduce it and when. Listen, that is their function.

[22:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1339) City council has the authority to move on a moratorium. I'm encouraging them to do that. But if you're asking me to handpick a leader, I hope that they are capable of self-selecting in that regard. Okay, and my last question. Chicago publishes energy and water use for big buildings, but not the ones with data centers. So under 18-14-102.3, the chief sustainability officer can change that and has to report it to you when she does.

[22:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1372) Has she? I can get back with you on that one thank you you're welcome we're reaching the one year anniversary of Operation Midway Blitz given that at least one police report with several videos corroborating it is still suspended by CPD and CPD won't tell me which of the other police reports recently filed are being pursued do you believe CPD is doing enough to pursue accountability for people who may have been

[23:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1403) hurt by the Operation Midway Blitz Well, I mean, first of all, thank you for naming the fact that there are people that have been harmed by, you know, President Trump's personal militarized force, including members of the Chicago Police Department. I mean, the overreach by the federal government is quite severe, and it's incredibly detrimental to our democracy. As you've seen, the Supreme Court has also made another political decision to acquiesce to the interest of right-wing extremism in this country,

[24:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1440) threatening the ability of older adults, individuals with disabilities, college students from voting by mail. The whole point of us putting together this operation is to ensure that there's true accountability. Can more be done in the face of fascism? Absolutely. Absolutely. We can always do more to be back a fascist regime. I'm grateful that the police department is showing a great deal of restraint as well as cooperation to de-escalate,

[24:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1472) as they did with the situation yesterday, and then upholding the principles of the Welcoming City Ordinance. as in our police department will not dub as federal agents. We will work to continue to maintain civility, but also to make sure that community policing is the prevailing form of how we interact with the community through law enforcement. So can we continue to do more and evolve as we go along? Well, certainly you have to, because it's evident that the Trump administration will go to no ends to enact harm and punishment on everyday people.

[25:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1510) Do you believe CPD will be referring any of these cases to the state's attorney's office? I think that's too early to speculate. I mean, I think we have to go through this process first. The whole point of my executive order was to create an apparatus in which bad behavior can be reported and investigated. They moved with expediency. I believe there were nine reports initially that have been put forward. That number could be different. We'll get that accurate number to you if it's not nine. And they have dedicated resources, CPD, to moving these investigations along.

[25:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1545) That shows my commitment. It certainly demonstrates CPD's commitment to ensuring that the people of Chicago are being served and protect constitutionally. Can I just confirm from your statement that that means those nine cases are active rather than suspended? Let me just give that information back to you. What I can say is that we have delivered resource to ensure that these investigations can move with some expediency.

[26:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1576) I've seen you smile, and you also have a terrific smile, sir. Yeah, thank you. Appreciate that. Yours isn't bad either. You smile more than I do. So I just want to follow up on the Supreme Court's ruling yesterday. What is the city going to be doing either on its own or in coordination with the AG's office or voting advocacy groups to try to prevent this postal efforts to be put into place to actually impact mail-in ballots?

[26:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1607) Well, I'm grateful that through all of this turmoil that the president of the United States of America has instigated, we've had great partnership at the state level, at the county level, working with mayors across the country. As you are aware, I've signed multiple executive orders that have been implemented across this country, 30 million people living under executive orders that we pioneered right here in Chicago. I will have conversations with our state partners around how we protect our democracy,

[27:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1643) the most sacred part of our democracy is the fundamental value of being able to vote. One of the reasons why I proposed the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Protecting Our Democracy ordinance was around what at that time I warned about, that this administration not only has demonstrated their animus towards working people, But his commitment to undermine our democracy, he's not interested in having fair and open and transparent elections, because if he were, he would be doing everything in his power to ensure that voting could become easier for the people of our country.

[28:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1691) So this is going to take another collaborative effort to safeguard our elections. There are proposals that are going to come forward from the working group that is a part of the ordinance of the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Protecting Our Democracy Ordinance. And I'm going to remain vigilant in ensuring that election integrity and the access to the ballot is something that we uphold. I wanted to ask you about some ads we're now seeing from World Business Chicago that you've narrated, kind of promoting Chicago.

[28:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1731) Their stated mission is to drive inclusive economic growth, job creation, support businesses, and promote Chicago as the leading global city. Some observers see these more like promoted to people in Chicago as though they were campaigning soft launch type promotional commercials. Is there any conflict in utilizing World Business Chicago to promote internally when their mission is more globally focused? Well, first of all, the mission is both and, right? This is not just about attracting corporations from around the world.

[29:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1766) This is also about making sure that the people of Chicago can see the benefit of the attraction that's coming. And so, look, this is a good thing for the people of Chicago to actually know that not only are we the top destination for corporate headquarter relocation, but as a result of the development that's happening in Chicago, it is attracting world leaders to take a look at how Chicago is governing in this moment. And every time we get an opportunity to promote the work, the city of Chicago, that.

[30:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1800) attracts business from outside of Chicago, right? So it works hand in hand, right? There's a way, because how do you highlight to the people of the world how great of a city you are without showing how great of a city you are, right? And so that promotion that World Business Chicago is doing, you know, is leading to the resurgence of the Magnificent Mile, right? It's leading to the fact that more people are using our public transportation system, over a million people a day, violent or crime on CTAs down 58%.

[30:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1834) And, of course, as we continue to build affordable homes, as we continue to build a green, sustainable economy, that's something that's attracting like what you discovered today, this announcement to potentially build a high-rail speed train from downtown down to a global airport, right? And so all of it works hand-in-hand. So I think it's important that people recognize that as mayor of this city,

[31:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1867) I'm always going to remain vigilant in promoting our city. And that includes making sure that the people of the city of Chicago know the great work that's happening in their neighborhoods. I forgot to ask how you're winning for re-election. You didn't forget to ask. Thank you. Well, no, I don't have to ask it. How are you doing, Mayor Johnson? And listen, your smile is always on point. You start with a smile. Craig has to work up one. I couldn't possibly offer a comment. Last week, executives at Bally's announced that they issued a warning suggesting that they have concerns about being able to maintain as a going concern over the next 12 months.

[31:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1909) And the law department responded by saying it expects Bally's to uphold the host community agreement. Is it your view that by pausing construction on the non-gaming parts of the complex along the river that the company may be in violation of the HCA? Well, I mean, look, I'm going to refer back to what I've said prior and even what Department of Law has indicated. We fully expect them to uphold their commitment. And they've said as much, right, that they have the resources to do that.

[32:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1939) It's a beautiful time to be in Chicago, right? Let's stop acting like we don't see what's happening here. I don't think we have felt this kind of energy in Chicago in a very long time. And, you know, Bally's is just one aspect or one part of the resurgence of our city. Our economy is recovering. We have work to do, of course, to grow wages of working people. Right. People are still suffering and hurting.

[32:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=1971) and we are creating and building an economy that can actually help that father that is paying $1,800 a month for a two-bedroom apartment to be able to actually have a thriving life. And so Bally's commitment to the people of Chicago and the resources that they have dedicated to become a part of this resurgence of our city is something that I'm going to take them at their word when they say that they plan on upholding it. And I'm going to continue to do my part to make Chicago the safest, most affordable big city in America

[33:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2006) by creating an atmosphere for the economic prowess of our city to grow business. And Bally's gets to be a significant player in the largesse of our economy and the growth of our economy so that working people in this city can afford to stay here. Also a gambling-related question. Joe Ferguson from the Civic Federation wrote in the Tribune that your office commissioned a report from Christensen last year

[33:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2036) about the impact of neighborhood video gambling terminals. I'm wondering if that report is going to be released to the public and what you know of what it says. Well, I mean, look, I think the whole point of us taking a deeper look at the impact of this industry is because we know that there is some level of an appetite to have additional ways in which people can have access to gaming.

[34:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2068) As far as the timing of the release of the report, we'll make sure someone gets your response. Thanks. You're welcome. Two of the revenue sources that have overperformed this year, the online sports wagering tax and the social media tax, are both also the subject of legal challenges. I was wondering if you have updates on where those lawsuits stand and when financial forecasting for the next budget, do you have to take into account whether or not the city might not be able to utilize that revenue if there is a...

[35:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2100) a negative outcome to those lawsuits? Well, first of all, we feel confident about our ability to have a successful outcome with this litigation. Now, here's the smart thing that we did that was kind of a double entendre. You got it, and you smiled. Thank you. Is that we're not balancing our budget on those particular revenue generators. What we are demonstrating, though, is that as our economy becomes more digitized, we have to capture revenue from the source of economic growth.

[35:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2137) And that's why the city of Illinois followed our lead and did the same thing. And I fully suspect, as what we've seen with my leadership throughout my tenure, other municipalities will take our lead as well. So I think the larger point is that progressive revenue is the proper form of governance in this moment. And that the structural challenges that I've inherited, that municipalities across the country are dealing with, this is the way out.

[36:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2168) I shouldn't say the way out. This is the way forward. Right. And and so, yeah, I mean, we didn't count on those resources to balance present day budgets and we can look towards the future at the same time. This is kind of the ability that you develop when you are a former middle school teacher. You can deal with erratic behavior and you can multitask, which turned out to be the exact skill set for me as mayor of the city of Chicago. I think when can you count on that stuff?

[36:40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2200) Oh, we'll have to get back with you? I'm not sure of the timing on that, but we can get back with you on that. I just mean more so, like, philosophically, when can you start to count on that revenue being something to be able to balance the budget with? Yeah, I mean, I think that once, again, we go through the court process and, you know, the timing around that, I mean, it's hard to predict, you know, the legal system, especially in today's environment. but just know that our team has done thorough vetting of what's possible.

[37:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2231) And you don't have to look any further than the progressive revenue forms that we are using right now that are overperforming, right? So if there is a past prologue that you can look to, just look to the work that I've done thus far. We'll remain hopeful. You're welcome. Mayor Johnson, Hassan Piker, your friend, ally, avowed Marxist, Hassan Piker, has stated that he wants to bring illegal aliens here to, quote, rape women and their daughters.

[37:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2263) now that you are in a re-election a campaign you're struggling to get petition signatures and presumably you want women to vote for you will you distance yourself at long last from Hassan Piker's comments well first of all I'm not aware of such comments I don't expect you to smile but I do expect you to have some decorum though. I am unaware of the comments that you are referring to attached to Hassan Piker. What I can

[38:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2300) say is this, is that there's a clear appetite for progressive leadership, not just in the city of Chicago, but across the country. And as we continue to fight for working people, and that's all, black, brown, white, Asian, young, old, whether you smile or not, I'm working to build the safest, most affordable big city in America. That's what my focus is on. And, you know, anything outside of my vision for the people of Chicago, you know, I find that to just be a waste of energy or exercise.

[38:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2333) Well, speaking of a waste of energy and exercise, there's a viral video of you dancing, doing hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans have told me a very, very embarrassing dance at Martha's Vineyard over the weekend. What were the moves that I was busting? was it the running man that's for Craig he's asked if I was running sorry what real Chicagoans are asking me was that a

[39:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2363) go ahead was that a good use of your time considering the violence in Chicago the shootings, the fatalities in Chicago over the weekend was that a good use of your time Chicago resources and of course the Chicago police officers who are paid by the taxpayers to protect you while you're dancing at Martha's Vineyard? I mean, as I continue to work to build the safest, most affordable big city in America, you cannot ignore the results. Now, look, one act of violence is still one too many.

[39:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2394) But since I've been mayor, we've cut violence in half. That's movement. That's progress. We've promoted almost 250. In fact, I believe we've promoted 250 detectives. Now, I made a promise to promote 200, so we've already over-delivered on that promise. And our clearance rates are higher than they've been in decades, so our CPD, they're actually solving violent crime in Chicago, of which I said that we have to do. I also said that we have to invest in young people, building more affordable homes, expanding mental and behavioral health care.

[40:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc?t=2429) And I want to just say this last part. It's not lost on me that the degree of frustration and even trepidation that people are experiencing right now, a lot of it, of course, is a result of just people feeling disappointed in government's ability to deliver. And that's why I'm working hard every single day to deliver for the people of Chicago, and we'll continue to do that. All right, thank you all very much.

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/tkU2tofpsnc · Chicago Politics, an independent tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt