City Council meeting, October 16, 2025

When: Thu, Oct 16, 2025, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
Status: Scheduled & Published
Body: full City Council
Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/citycouncil?video=1127657487
Transcript: full text (28,673 words, automatic captions)

Meeting notes

AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.

At the October 16, 2025 City Council meeting, Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered his 2026 budget address, describing a proposed 'Protecting Chicago' budget with no property tax increase, a higher personal property lease transaction tax, a proposed social media tax, a yacht tax, a higher vacant building fee, and a $100 million Community Safety Fund paid for by a surcharge on the largest corporations. The council heard ten public commenters, then approved committee reports including park TIF agreements, affordable housing financing, several police misconduct settlements, SSA appointments, zoning map amendments, the appointment of Angela Green as Commissioner of Family and Support Services, and the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 collective bargaining agreement. A substitute resolution opposing military presence in Chicago drew procedural objections from several members about late distribution; a motion to table a re-referral passed 25-20, and the item was later given a do-not-pass by its sponsors. A budget amendment including a $200,000 NFL grant was held, a motion to divide it failed 7-38, and it then passed as a whole. The budget hearing was set for November 14, 2025, which was also set as the next meeting date.

Topics: 2026 budget address, corporate and tech taxes, community safety fund, police settlements, DFSS commissioner appointment, immigration enforcement resolutions, firefighters union contract, TIF and affordable housing, zoning and landmarks, public comment

Agenda items discussed

33:31 Public comment period: discussed
1:06:34 Mayor's 2026 budget address: discussed
2:53:27 Communications from the mayor, including 2026 budget recommendations and notice the Inspector General will not be reappointed
3:03:59 Finance: IGA with Chicago Park District for Lawrence-Kedzie TIF funds for River Park improvements (33rd Ward): passed
3:09:10 Finance: IGA with Chicago Park District for Homan Square Park improvements (24th Ward): passed
3:10:00 Finance: amendment of previously passed ordinance regarding lien assignments (O2025-0018149): passed
3:10:51 Finance: financial assistance for Homan Square Phase IV and affordable housing bond items: passed
3:13:39 Finance: capital funding agreement with Amtrak for TIF-funded Union Station improvements: passed
3:14:08 Finance: settlement orders 13A through 13I in lawsuits involving the Chicago Police Department: passed
3:21:14 Resolutions on pension debt reamortization and police settlement hearings re-referred to joint committees: held
3:23:35 Budget: 2025 appropriation amendment within fund 925, including $200,000 NFL grant: passed
3:26:35 Resolution setting public hearing on the 2026 budget for November 14, 2025: passed
3:30:10 Aviation: transfer of O'Hare concession lease and noise compatibility IGAs (O2025-0019971): passed
3:31:40 Economic, Capital and Technology Development: SSA appointments, SSA budgets and tax incentive ordinances: passed
3:36:09 Appointment of Angela J. Green as Commissioner of Family and Support Services: passed
3:46:24 Health: resolution supporting American Center for Cures legislation (do not pass) and call for animal welfare hearings: passed
3:47:06 Housing and Real Estate: 20 ordinances including leases and sales of city-owned land (O2025-0019798): passed
3:51:15 License: reappointment to License Appeal Commission, Angel Shot resolution and liquor moratoriums (R2025-0017091): passed
3:54:17 Immigrant and Refugee Rights: resolutions on DHS misconduct and immigration enforcement affecting children (R2025-0019961): passed
3:55:11 Substitute resolution supporting immigrant communities and opposing military presence in Chicago (SR2025-0019181): failed
4:10:58 Pedestrian and Traffic Safety: 315 routine traffic items: passed
4:11:47 Transportation and Public Way: RTA appointment and miscellaneous ordinances: passed
4:14:01 Zoning: appointments, B3/C3 height increase amendment, landmarks and map amendments (O2025-0019672): passed
4:17:29 Collective bargaining agreement with Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 (amended term sheet): passed
4:20:57 Joint committee: Plow the Sidewalks pilot extension (do not pass recommendation) (O2025-0015574)
4:21:39 Agreed calendar resolutions: passed
4:30:52 Rule 41 notice withdrawn by Alderperson Maria E. Hadden: deferred
4:43:00 Ordinance setting next meeting for November 14, 2025: passed

Alderpersons who spoke

Pat Dowell (alderperson): Presented the Finance Committee report, including park TIF agreements, housing financing and police-related settlements. (3:00:53); Withdrew a misnumbered item and restarted the report with the first agenda item. (3:03:28); Asked whether the Attorney General's request to change the resolution was made in writing or by phone. (4:08:17)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Presented the Budget Committee report, including a 2025 appropriation amendment and ward account transfers. (3:23:21); Offered to hold the appropriation item until requested information was provided to Alderperson David H. Moore. (3:24:46); Announced that the budget hearing schedule and budget books were available and hearings would begin Tuesday at 10 a.m. (3:28:13)
David H. Moore (alderperson): Asked whether the amendment included $200,000 from the NFL and said requested information had not been provided, moving to pull the item. (3:24:14); Supported Angela Green's appointment, citing her qualifications and willingness to work with ward offices. (3:37:38); Said constituents are concerned about the fire department's representation of their community and that he would vote no on the firefighters contract. (4:18:59)
Matthew J. O'Shea (alderperson): Presented the Aviation Committee report on an airport concession lease transfer and noise compatibility agreements. (3:29:55)
Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Presented the Economic, Capital and Technology Development report on SSA appointments, SSA budgets and tax incentives. (3:31:40); Supported the DFSS commissioner appointment and offered partnership from the 21st Ward. (3:40:02)
Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Presented the Health and Human Relations report recommending Angela Green's appointment. (3:35:59); Thanked the commissioner for accepting the position and said she looked forward to partnering on the city's needs. (3:41:25); Reported a do-not-pass on the American Center for Cures resolution and a due-pass on animal welfare hearings. (3:46:24)
Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Supported Angela Green's appointment, calling her well qualified. (3:36:59); Moved to table the motion to re-refer the immigration resolution to committee. (4:00:37); Withdrew her Rule 41 notice to allow more time for discussion with colleagues and organizations. (4:30:52)
Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Supported the DFSS commissioner appointment and welcomed her experience. (3:38:19)
Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Supported the appointment and asked how the council can help the new commissioner move the city forward. (3:39:15)
Emma Mitts (alderperson): Supported the appointment, citing the department's role with youth, seniors, homelessness and mental health in her community. (3:40:13)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Supported the appointment, calling DFSS one of the most critical departments for unhoused residents and youth employment. (3:40:50)
William E. Hall (alderperson): Thanked the commissioner for accepting the role and said the budget includes investment for children. (3:41:57)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Presented the Housing and Real Estate report of 20 ordinances, including leases and sales of city-owned land. (3:47:06)
Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Presented the License and Consumer Protection report, including an Angel Shot training resolution and liquor moratoriums. (3:51:15)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Presented resolutions on DHS misconduct and immigration enforcement affecting children, and a substitute resolution revised after Law Department advice. (3:54:10); Said the substitute amounted to language cleanup and did not change the substance. (3:56:59); Asked members to vote not to re-refer so copies could be distributed and the item taken up later in the meeting. (3:59:12)
Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Explained that language was changed at the Attorney General's request in light of federal lawsuits. (3:56:17); Said colleagues received an email that morning with small wording changes requested by the Attorney General. (4:05:12); Said the issue involved wording on compelling versus partnering and the email was sent at 10:15 a.m. (4:07:14)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Recused himself from a settlement vote citing a friendship with a retired commander. (3:18:11); Said he had no copy of the substitute resolution and could not support something he knew nothing about. (3:57:33); Asked the chair to clarify the meaning of yes and no votes on the motion to table. (4:01:55)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Said a motion to suspend the rules was required before granting leave for the commissioner to speak. (3:43:50); Said the body did not want to vote on something it had not seen and moved to refer the resolution back to committee. (3:58:00)
Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Asked what specific words the Attorney General wanted changed and when the email was sent, noting the office rarely weighs in on resolutions. (4:06:31); Asked that the Attorney General's specific comments be included with the materials. (4:07:42)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Recused himself from a settlement vote under Rule 14 due to a relationship with the plaintiff. (3:18:22); Raised a point of order asking what was being discussed after the committee chair said his report was over. (4:08:45)
William Conway (alderperson): Recused himself from a settlement vote, citing a longstanding relationship with a deputy chief from his time as a prosecutor. (3:18:59)
Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Reported the CDOT 2024 crash report hearing and 315 routine traffic items. (4:10:58); Reported a do-not-pass recommendation on extending the Plow the Sidewalks pilot working group. (4:20:57)
Gregory I. Mitchell (alderperson): Presented the Transportation and Public Way report, including an RTA appointment and subdivisions. (4:11:47)
Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Presented the Zoning report, including appointments, a B3/C3 height amendment tied to affordable requirements, landmarks and map amendments. (4:14:01)
Desmon C. Yancy (alderperson): Said he would join Alderperson David H. Moore in voting no on the firefighters contract for the same reasons. (4:20:16)
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Objected to dividing the budget amendment, saying the NFL grant is a standard renewal and one member's questions should not hold up the other items. (4:34:58)

Exchanges between members

3:24:19 Moore asked Ervin whether the appropriation amendment included $200,000 from the NFL.
3:24:46 Ervin offered to hold the item until Moore received the requested information.
3:56:17 Rodriguez responded to Ervin's question by explaining the Attorney General requested language changes.
3:56:30 Ervin asked Rodriguez whether the substitute reflected the Attorney General's feedback.
3:56:59 Vasquez responded to Ervin's question by describing the substitute as a language cleanup.
3:59:47 Ervin asked Beale, the maker of the re-referral motion, to withdraw it.
4:06:31 Waguespack asked, through the chair, what specific language the Attorney General wanted changed and when it was emailed.
4:07:14 Rodriguez answered Waguespack that the issue concerned compelling versus partnering language and the email went out at 10:15 a.m.
4:07:42 Waguespack asked that the Attorney General's specific comments be included.
4:08:00 Rodriguez said a redline would be provided.
4:08:17 Dowell asked Rodriguez whether the Attorney General's request was in writing or by phone.
4:08:31 Rodriguez answered Dowell that it was communicated through the Department of Law.
4:20:16 Yancy said he would join Moore in voting no on the firefighters contract.
4:34:58 Manaa-Hoppenworth objected to Ervin's motion to divide the budget amendment.
4:40:43 Moore thanked Ervin for his patience on the NFL grant item.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (25.28) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W 18th St, S Ada St and W 17th St (SO2025-0019936): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Execution of Affordable Housing Covenant and Lien for 1810 W Jackson Blvd (SO2025-0018769): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Provision of tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for improvement of Homan Square Park at 3517 W Arthington St (O2025-0019921): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (35.73) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Armitage Ave (SO2025-0019942): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (42.489) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Rush St and E Oak St (O2025-0019973): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Issuance of tax-exempt housing revenue bonds for benefit of 5853 N Broadway 4 LP project (O2025-0019920): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Intergovernmental agreement with O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission for Noise Compatibility Projects at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago TRACON Boundary (C90) (O2025-0020017): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Transfer of interest in concession redevelopment and management lease agreement from URW Airports LLC to ASUR US Commercial Airports LLC (O2025-0019971): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Expression of support for passage of American Center for Cures legislation (R2024-0011007): Failed to Pass 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (44.5) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Sheffield Ave (O2025-0019371): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Provision of multi-family program funds for Homan Square Phase IV at 3645, 3621, 3607 W Polk St, 921 S Lawndale Ave and 906, 908 S Central Park Ave (SO2025-0019900): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (27.358) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Elizabeth St (O2025-0019589): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Collective bargaining agreement with Chicago Fire Fighters Union, Local 2 (SO2025-0019993): Passed 45 yea, 2 nay, 2 absent
Provision of tax increment financing (TIF) assistance to National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for improvement of Union Station at 225 S Canal St (O2025-0019925): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Lease agreement with Millennium Parking Garages LLC to rent space for City's electric vehicle fleet parking and charging (O2025-0019940): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Call for Hearing on expanding "Angel Shot" Trainings (R2025-0017091): Adopted 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Provision of tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for improvement of Ronan Park at 3000 W Argyle St and 2954 W Lawrence Ave (O2025-0019923): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Redevelopment agreement with JRD LLC for City-owned lands at 4327 S Ellis Ave, 4320 S Greenwood Ave and 4347 S Berkeley Ave (O2025-0019983): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-3-0408 regarding Transit-Served Location (O2025-0019672): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Loan transfer and assumption agreement to Pioneer Gardens for 3800 King Properties at 3800, 3804, 3808, 3810, 3814 S Martin Luther King Dr and 3744, 3746 S Calumet Ave (O2025-0019911): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of ordinance (SO2025-0018149) to repeal Section 2-44-140 of Municipal Code regarding debt and lien waiver, release, or assignment, and restore previous provision (O2025-0019916): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Historical landmark designation for Erie Street Row at 161 E Erie St (O2025-0019121): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (29.25) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Chicago Ave (O2025-0019934): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (45.29) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N Nagle Ave (O2025-0019945): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (49.29) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N Clark St (O2025-0019892): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Provision of tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for improvement of River Park at 5100 N Francisco Ave (O2025-0019922): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Intergovernmental agreement with Midway Noise Compatibility Commission for Noise Compatibility Programs at Midway International Airport (MDW) (O2025-0020016): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Issuance of tax-exempt multi-family housing revenue bonds to support rehabilitation of Indian Trails Apartments at 221-223 E 121 Pl and 12141 S Indiana Ave (SO2025-0019928): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-3-0500 by designating 4400-5099 N Broadway as Pedestrian Street - App No. A8986 (O2025-0016698): Passed 45 yea, 2 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (8.25) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion of E 87th St (O2025-0019666): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Redevelopment agreement with JTA Development, Inc. to provide tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for Renaissance Estates project at 1555 W 122 St (O2025-0019917): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Renewal and amendment of lease agreement with 4150 Partnership for property at 4150 W 55 St (O2025-0019981): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Condemnation of practices by federal immigration enforcement agents that endanger children; urging resident reporting of immigration enforcement misconduct; and calls for federal and state action regarding ICE misconduct (SR2025-0019952): Adopted 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Support of Class 7(d) tax incentive redevelopment agreement with Forty Acres Fresh Market LLC for property at 5713 W Chicago Ave (O2025-0019966): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (49.30) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N Clark St (O2025-0019902): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (31.12) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W Diversey Ave (O2025-0018861): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (49.28) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N Clark St (O2025-0019889): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Redevelopment agreement with Hispanic Housing Development Corporation to provide tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for re-use of property at 1539 N Pulaski Rd (O2025-0019913): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Redevelopment agreement with Carole Robertson Center for Learning to provide Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) assistance for improvements at 2929 W 19 St (O2025-0019995): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive redevelopment agreement with PICTOR 4435 S Western Boulevard LLC for property at 4435 S Western Blvd (O2025-0019967): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Call on Illinois Congressional delegation to investigate every instance of potential misconduct by United States Department of Homeland Security and other deputized agents operating in Chicago (R2025-0019961): Adopted 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (26.3) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion of W Armitage Ave (O2025-0019662): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Renewal of lease agreement with Chicago Board of Education for use of parking lot located at 3500-3508 S Wallace St (O2025-0019978): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Support of Class 7(c) tax incentive for property at 1840 E 71 St (O2025-0019963): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
CACC Partnerships (R2025-0018677): Adopted 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Moratorium Removal (O2025-0019375): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Historical landmark designation for New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church at 1400 N Laramie Ave (O2025-0019626): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (33.207) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Belmont Ave (SO2025-0019939): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent