Committee on Budget and Government Operations meeting, October 23, 2025

When: Thu, Oct 23, 2025, 9:30 AM (Chicago time)
Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
Status: Scheduled & Published
Committee: Committee on Budget and Government Operations
Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8925576?video=1129724730
Transcript: full text (63,341 words, automatic captions)

Video chapters

7:04 Public comment
28:03 2026 budget hearing: Department of Aviation
40:35 Matthew J. O'Shea: Praised the aviation commissioner and staff and asked him to describe the ORD Next program.
45:00 Matthew J. O'Shea: Asked how the federal government shutdown has affected O'Hare and Midway.
46:06 Jason C. Ervin: Asked whether there is a contingency to keep unpaid air traffic controllers working if the…
48:19 Matthew J. O'Shea: Asked for the status of the Order Up concessions RFP for O'Hare Terminals 1 and 3.
50:25 Jason C. Ervin: Raised concern that iconic Chicago brands such as Gene & Georgetti and Manny's are leaving…
56:55 Pat Dowell: Noted aviation is self-supporting and asked how a $29 million increase in personnel spending,…
1:02:19 Pat Dowell: Asked about a $60 million decrease in O'Hare equipment rental and whether higher revenue would…
1:04:33 Brendan Reilly: Asked whether revenue from potential slot machines at the airports would stay in the…
1:05:43 Jason C. Ervin: Said he believes revenue from potential airport slot machines would be treated like other…
1:06:13 Brendan Reilly: Said Gene & Georgetti, a women-owned business in his ward, is being displaced from Midway…
1:07:36 Brendan Reilly: Asked the commissioner to confirm whether the Gene & Georgetti space would be occupied by…
1:16:35 Samantha Nugent: Asked where slot machine revenue would go and whether Bally's would be the exclusive…
1:19:07 Samantha Nugent: Asked for the department's MBE and WBE participation figures.
1:20:13 Samantha Nugent: Asked about plans for more public art at the airports and expressed support.
1:22:03 Anthony J. Quezada: Asked what the department is doing about the recent arrest of rideshare drivers at…
1:24:43 Anthony J. Quezada: Asked whether rideshare companies have been notified of the executive order and what the…
1:26:54 Walter R. Burnett: Asked about the importance of terminal upgrades, airline gate allocation and new…
1:32:47 Walter R. Burnett: Asked how the department prepares a pipeline of Chicago students for new technology jobs…
1:34:15 Walter R. Burnett: Asked about the timeline for awarding and opening new concessions after the RFP.
1:36:18 Daniel La Spata: Said O'Hare has local restaurants and asked what the city can do to reduce the build-out…
1:40:33 Timothy R. Knudsen: Asked about an increase in Fire Department overtime charged to the O'Hare airport fund…
1:41:29 Timothy R. Knudsen: Expressed support for a proposed LGBTQ bar concession at the airport.
1:41:54 Felix Cardona Jr.: Asked who selects airport concessionaires and which consultants review the proposals.
1:44:06 Felix Cardona Jr.: Raised concern about limited diversity among airport prime contractors and said Latino…
1:47:21 William Conway: Asked whether a $61 million drop in aviation equipment rental reflects buying assets instead…
1:49:38 Marty Quinn: Asked for an update on the residential window replacement program near Midway.
1:51:10 Marty Quinn: Asked about reports of gaming at Midway and said Southwest Airlines should be at the table for…
1:55:08 Marty Quinn: Noted increased passenger traffic at Midway is spurring development along Cicero Avenue.
1:55:50 Emma Mitts: Asked how the federal shutdown and air traffic controller staffing could affect the airports and…
1:59:28 Emma Mitts: Asked how the department is responding to federal DEI guidance requiring ACDBE firms to recertify.
2:03:47 Gilbert Villegas: Asked whether ACDBE partners on pending O'Hare concession proposals could be removed after…
2:06:08 Gilbert Villegas: Requested information on the makeup of CMAR teams and professional service opportunities…
2:06:55 Gilbert Villegas: Said the city has not used its 2019 authority for airport slots and cited state statutes…
2:12:19 Anthony V. Napolitano: Said he supports exploring airport slots if revenue goes toward pensions.
2:12:44 Anthony V. Napolitano: Raised concern that Fly Quiet changes are sending more flights over homes outside the…
2:17:49 Lamont J. Robinson: Asked how aviation jobs are being connected to City Colleges and CPS and how airlines…
2:21:59 Lamont J. Robinson: Asked when outdated restrooms at O'Hare terminals will be improved.
2:24:29 David H. Moore: Asked the chair to clarify why airport gaming revenue would be treated differently from…
2:26:26 David H. Moore: Asked whether Bally's automatically has the right to place slots at the airports; staff said…
2:29:59 David H. Moore: Asked the department to talk with airlines about restoring direct flights to the Bahamas.
2:34:20 Scott Waguespack: Asked about revenue from CLEAR and TSA-related contracts and whether vendors or airlines…
2:38:16 Jeanette B. Taylor: Asked how the department ensures Chicago homegrown small businesses can obtain airport…
2:41:44 Jeanette B. Taylor: Asked how many youth were hired through One Summer Chicago and about training pathways…
2:43:29 Jeanette B. Taylor: Asked what mental health support exists for airport workers and how passengers are…
2:50:27 Bennett R. Lawson: Said local flavor at the airports is essential and objected to the department's promotion…
2:53:40 Bennett R. Lawson: Urged the department to work with the CTA on airport transit service.
2:58:12 Jeylú B. Gutiérrez: Asked for more diversity, term limits and bilingual meetings on the O'Hare noise…
3:10:25 2026 budget hearing: Department of Water Management
3:13:42 Ronnie L. Mosley: Thanked the Water Management department for its response to pumping station issues in the…
3:23:42 William Conway: Asked what drives the Water Management budget increase of about $350 million and changes in…
3:31:29 Emma Mitts: Said her ward's flooding issues are being addressed in the budget and asked about lead service…
3:38:07 Anthony V. Napolitano: Asked whether sewer collapses and water main breaks have increased and whether repair…
3:41:02 Scott Waguespack: Requested a list of positions and salaries paid from the water fund outside the Water…
3:45:14 Scott Waguespack: Asked about suburban water rate increases and collections from suburban customers.
4:01:18 James M. Gardiner: Questioned the quality of the bricks used in sewer repairs and suggested they contribute…
4:05:08 James M. Gardiner: Asked how the department coordinates lead service line work with CDOT street resurfacing.
4:06:39 James M. Gardiner: Commended specific Water Management crews for assisting a resident during a water main…
4:08:45 Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth: Thanked the department for the Ridge water main project but said the traffic…
4:15:52 Matthew J. Martin: Requested through the chair the Water Management department's performance metrics and how…
4:17:03 Daniel La Spata: Asked whether federal CDBG sewer funds could be clawed back and why CARES Act lead service…
4:20:05 Daniel La Spata: Requested the number of trees removed for water projects in 2025 and asked about…
4:22:13 Lamont J. Robinson: Asked whether the Water Management department has the funding and labor to replace lead…
4:28:39 Jeylú B. Gutiérrez: Asked about oversight of contractor restoration work, follow-through on reported water…
4:36:14 Stephanie D. Coleman: Thanked the Water Management department for lead service line outreach in West…
5:37:14 2026 budget hearing: Department of Buildings
5:40:58 Bennett R. Lawson: As acting chair of the zoning committee, asked about permitting technology upgrades,…
5:52:20 Pat Dowell: Expressed concern that the Buildings budget has been flat while new duties such as ADU oversight…
6:28:03 Stephanie D. Coleman: Asked about the demolition budget, regulation of cigar shops and attention to vacant…
6:33:20 Jeylú B. Gutiérrez: Asked how the Buildings department will make the e-permit process accessible to seniors…
6:36:05 Ronnie L. Mosley: Asked about vacant building fees, squatters, bank-owned properties, unpermitted signage…
6:58:52 2026 budget hearing: Department of Fleet and Facility Management
7:08:00 Nicholas Sposato: Asked whether Fleet and Facility Management has a dedicated grant writer.
7:09:09 Felix Cardona Jr.: Asked about turnaround times for repairing city vehicles such as Bureau of Electricity…
7:21:48 Gregory I. Mitchell: Asked about annual lease costs for city facilities and the status of three electric…
7:24:35 Gregory I. Mitchell: Asked when Fire Engine 46 will be replaced and why spare tower ladders are not…

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.

The Committee on Budget and Government Operations continued its recessed hearings on the proposed 2026 budget, hearing from the Department of Aviation, the Department of Water Management, the Department of Buildings, and the Department of Fleet and Facility Management after six public comments. Aviation questions focused on the federal shutdown, the departure of local brands such as Gene & Georgetti from Midway, possible slot machines at the airports and where that revenue would go, ACDBE and MWBE participation, and O'Hare noise. Water Management questions covered lead service line replacement, flood recovery grants, water billing problems and positions charged to the water fund. Buildings and Fleet questions addressed inspector vacancies, vacant buildings, a possible rental registry, fleet repairs, and fire apparatus. No votes were taken and the committee recessed to a later date.

Topics: 2026 budget hearings, aviation, airport concessions, airport gaming revenue, federal shutdown, lead service lines, water billing, building inspections, vacant buildings, fleet and facilities

Agenda items discussed

7:04 Public comment: discussed
28:03 2026 budget hearing: Department of Aviation: discussed
3:10:25 2026 budget hearing: Department of Water Management: discussed
5:37:14 2026 budget hearing: Department of Buildings: discussed
6:58:52 2026 budget hearing: Department of Fleet and Facility Management: discussed

Alderpersons who spoke

Jason C. Ervin (chair): Asked whether there is a contingency to keep unpaid air traffic controllers working if the federal shutdown continues, noting effects on ward residents who work at the airports. (46:06); Raised concern that iconic Chicago brands such as Gene & Georgetti and Manny's are leaving the airports and said the concessionaire should be engaged on this. (50:25); Said he believes revenue from potential airport slot machines would be treated like other concession revenue rather than staying in the aviation fund, and noted Corporation Counsel was asked for an opinion. (1:05:43)
Matthew J. O'Shea (alderperson): Praised the aviation commissioner and staff and asked him to describe the ORD Next program. (40:35); Asked how the federal government shutdown has affected O'Hare and Midway. (45:00); Asked for the status of the Order Up concessions RFP for O'Hare Terminals 1 and 3. (48:19)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Noted aviation is self-supporting and asked how a $29 million increase in personnel spending, including security officers, would improve operations. (56:55); Asked about a $60 million decrease in O'Hare equipment rental and whether higher revenue would be used to pay down airport debt faster. (1:02:19); Expressed concern that the Buildings budget has been flat while new duties such as ADU oversight are added, and asked about building benchmarking fines reportedly left uncollected. (5:52:20)
Brendan Reilly (alderperson): Asked whether revenue from potential slot machines at the airports would stay in the aviation enterprise fund or go to the corporate fund and police and fire pensions. (1:04:33); Said Gene & Georgetti, a women-owned business in his ward, is being displaced from Midway and that he learned of it from the newspaper. (1:06:13); Asked the commissioner to confirm whether the Gene & Georgetti space would be occupied by Bally's. (1:07:36)
Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Asked where slot machine revenue would go and whether Bally's would be the exclusive operator or the opportunity would be competitive. (1:16:35); Asked for the department's MBE and WBE participation figures. (1:19:07); Asked about plans for more public art at the airports and expressed support. (1:20:13)
Anthony J. Quezada (alderperson): Asked what the department is doing about the recent arrest of rideshare drivers at O'Hare by federal immigration agents and about coordination with the city's immigrant and refugee rights office. (1:22:03); Asked whether rideshare companies have been notified of the executive order and what the posted signs at airport lots say. (1:24:43)
Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Asked about the importance of terminal upgrades, airline gate allocation and new technology for O'Hare's competitiveness. (1:26:54); Asked how the department prepares a pipeline of Chicago students for new technology jobs at the airports. (1:32:47); Asked about the timeline for awarding and opening new concessions after the RFP. (1:34:15)
Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Said O'Hare has local restaurants and asked what the city can do to reduce the build-out costs that are a barrier for small concessionaires, including access to city grants. (1:36:18); Asked whether federal CDBG sewer funds could be clawed back and why CARES Act lead service line funds were carried over to 2026. (4:17:03); Requested the number of trees removed for water projects in 2025 and asked about collaboration with Forestry on replacements. (4:20:05)
Timothy R. Knudsen (alderperson): Asked about an increase in Fire Department overtime charged to the O'Hare airport fund from about $800,000 to $5.5 million. (1:40:33); Expressed support for a proposed LGBTQ bar concession at the airport. (1:41:29)
Felix Cardona Jr. (alderperson): Asked who selects airport concessionaires and which consultants review the proposals. (1:41:54); Raised concern about limited diversity among airport prime contractors and said Latino businesses are lagging. (1:44:06); Asked about turnaround times for repairing city vehicles such as Bureau of Electricity trucks. (7:09:09)
William Conway (alderperson): Asked whether a $61 million drop in aviation equipment rental reflects buying assets instead of renting. (1:47:21); Asked what drives the Water Management budget increase of about $350 million and changes in overtime. (3:23:42)
Marty Quinn (alderperson): Asked for an update on the residential window replacement program near Midway. (1:49:38); Asked about reports of gaming at Midway and said Southwest Airlines should be at the table for any such discussion. (1:51:10); Noted increased passenger traffic at Midway is spurring development along Cicero Avenue. (1:55:08)
Emma Mitts (alderperson): Asked how the federal shutdown and air traffic controller staffing could affect the airports and whether federal grants are at risk. (1:55:50); Asked how the department is responding to federal DEI guidance requiring ACDBE firms to recertify. (1:59:28); Said her ward's flooding issues are being addressed in the budget and asked about lead service line replacement progress, block-level work and assistance for seniors with burst pipes. (3:31:29)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Asked whether ACDBE partners on pending O'Hare concession proposals could be removed after the federal ruling; the commissioner said they would not. (2:03:47); Requested information on the makeup of CMAR teams and professional service opportunities for Latino-owned firms. (2:06:08); Said the city has not used its 2019 authority for airport slots and cited state statutes indicating a portion of the tax would fund police and fire pensions. (2:06:55)
Anthony V. Napolitano (alderperson): Said he supports exploring airport slots if revenue goes toward pensions. (2:12:19); Raised concern that Fly Quiet changes are sending more flights over homes outside the O'Hare noise contour and asked whether the contour will be expanded. (2:12:44); Asked whether sewer collapses and water main breaks have increased and whether repair times have lengthened, and praised department communication. (3:38:07)
Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Asked how aviation jobs are being connected to City Colleges and CPS and how airlines can be engaged to create youth jobs. (2:17:49); Asked when outdated restrooms at O'Hare terminals will be improved. (2:21:59); Asked whether the Water Management department has the funding and labor to replace lead service lines and how to build pathways for young people into those jobs. (4:22:13)
David H. Moore (alderperson): Asked the chair to clarify why airport gaming revenue would be treated differently from other airport revenue. (2:24:29); Asked whether Bally's automatically has the right to place slots at the airports; staff said Bally's has a right of first refusal under the host community agreement. (2:26:26); Asked the department to talk with airlines about restoring direct flights to the Bahamas. (2:29:59)
Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Asked about revenue from CLEAR and TSA-related contracts and whether vendors or airlines have raised concerns about a head tax. (2:34:20); Requested a list of positions and salaries paid from the water fund outside the Water Management department. (3:41:02); Asked about suburban water rate increases and collections from suburban customers. (3:45:14)
Jeanette B. Taylor (alderperson): Asked how the department ensures Chicago homegrown small businesses can obtain airport concession spaces. (2:38:16); Asked how many youth were hired through One Summer Chicago and about training pathways with CPS. (2:41:44); Asked what mental health support exists for airport workers and how passengers are assisted when international airline counters are unstaffed. (2:43:29)
Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Said local flavor at the airports is essential and objected to the department's promotion of Chick-fil-A, asking whether concessionaires must be open seven days a week. (2:50:27); Urged the department to work with the CTA on airport transit service. (2:53:40); As acting chair of the zoning committee, asked about permitting technology upgrades, inspector staffing, license fee increases, ADUs and the vacant building registry. (5:40:58)
Jeylú B. Gutiérrez (alderperson): Asked for more diversity, term limits and bilingual meetings on the O'Hare noise commission, noting there is no Latino representation. (2:58:12); Asked about oversight of contractor restoration work, follow-through on reported water issues, and how sewer cleaning requests are handled. (4:28:39); Asked how the Buildings department will make the e-permit process accessible to seniors and non-English speakers. (6:33:20)
Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Thanked the Water Management department for its response to pumping station issues in the 21st Ward. (3:13:42); Asked about vacant building fees, squatters, bank-owned properties, unpermitted signage and Buildings staffing. (6:36:05)
James M. Gardiner (alderperson): Questioned the quality of the bricks used in sewer repairs and suggested they contribute to collapses. (4:01:18); Asked how the department coordinates lead service line work with CDOT street resurfacing. (4:05:08); Commended specific Water Management crews for assisting a resident during a water main project. (4:06:39)
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Thanked the department for the Ridge water main project but said the traffic management plan caused serious problems in her ward, and asked who is responsible for such plans. (4:08:45)
Matthew J. Martin (alderperson): Requested through the chair the Water Management department's performance metrics and how it monitors them. (4:15:52)
Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Thanked the Water Management department for lead service line outreach in West Englewood and Chicago Lawn. (4:36:14); Asked about the demolition budget, regulation of cigar shops and attention to vacant buildings on 69th Street and Marquette Road. (6:28:03)
Gregory I. Mitchell (alderperson): Asked about annual lease costs for city facilities and the status of three electric garbage trucks parked at a 103rd Street facility. (7:21:48); Asked when Fire Engine 46 will be replaced and why spare tower ladders are not available while Tower 16 is out of service. (7:24:35)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Asked whether Fleet and Facility Management has a dedicated grant writer. (7:08:00)

Exchanges between members

48:16 The chair returned the floor to Alderperson Matthew J. O'Shea after interjecting about air traffic controllers.
50:25 The chair followed up on the concession question Alderperson Matthew J. O'Shea raised.
57:35 Alderperson Pat Dowell thanked the commissioner for answering Alderperson Matthew J. O'Shea question on the shutdown.
1:04:26 Alderperson Brendan Reilly noted, as Alderperson Pat Dowell had stated, that aviation is an enterprise fund.
1:06:05 Alderperson Brendan Reilly agreed with the chair that slot revenue treatment is an important question.
1:15:39 The chair remarked that he and Alderperson Brendan Reilly had found agreement on the slot revenue issue.
1:16:35 Alderperson Samantha Nugent said she shared the question Alderperson Brendan Reilly asked about slot revenue.
1:16:35 Alderperson Samantha Nugent said she shared the chair's question about slot revenue.
1:26:54 Alderperson Walter R. Burnett noted, as Alderperson Pat Dowell mentioned, that aviation is not a budget concern.
1:41:54 Alderperson Felix Cardona Jr. followed up on Alderperson Walter R. Burnett concession questions.
2:03:47 Alderperson Gilbert Villegas followed up on the ACDBE issue raised by his colleague from the 37th Ward.
2:12:19 Alderperson Anthony V. Napolitano said he supports Alderperson Gilbert Villegas position on exploring airport slots.
2:24:29 Alderperson David H. Moore asked the chair to explain why gaming revenue would be treated differently.
2:24:57 The chair explained his view that gaming revenue would be like other concession business revenue.
2:29:15 Alderperson David H. Moore echoed Alderperson Gilbert Villegas request for CMAR ethnic breakdowns.
2:33:53 Alderperson Scott Waguespack said he was glad Alderperson Lamont J. Robinson asked about airport restrooms.
2:41:44 Alderperson Jeanette B. Taylor continued the workforce question Alderperson Lamont J. Robinson started.
2:52:23 The chair said Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson raised a point and asked how a closed day affects concession rent.
3:25:53 The chair explained to Alderperson William Conway that overtime budgets were recalculated citywide.
3:29:36 The chair noted to Alderperson Gilbert Villegas that water billing falls under the comptroller and finance department.

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