Committee on Finance meeting, February 27, 2026
- When: Fri, Feb 27, 2026, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Finance
- Video: https://vimeo.com/1166129365
- Transcript: full text (12,256 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.
The Committee on Finance held a public hearing on the proposed Chicago Tourism Improvement District (CTID) and associated hotel transaction charges. Aldermen debated the ordinance, with several motions to allow remote participation and to recommend approval. The committee ultimately passed a recommendation to approve the CTID ordinance.
Topics: Chicago Tourism Improvement District, Hotel transaction charges, Remote participation for alderpersons, Committee recommendation and vote
Agenda items discussed
- 17:20 Public hearing on proposed Chicago Tourism Improvement District and hotel transaction charges: discussed
- 20:07 Motion to allow remote participation for certain alderpersons (Rule 59): passed
- 1:31:04 Recommendation to approve the Chicago Tourism Improvement District ordinance (due pass): passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Pat Dowell (chair): Called the meeting to order and noted her presence as chair. (19:32); Stated the hearing was being held pursuant to the Tourism Preservation and Sustainability District Act. (21:31); Thanked speakers and noted the public hearing concluded. (26:20)
- Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Moved a motion to allow remote participation for several alderpersons. (20:07); Introduced as sponsor of the CTID ordinance and invited questions from the committee. (1:05:57); Asked the committee if there were any questions after his remarks. (1:06:56)
- David H. Moore (alderperson): Asked a question about how the impact of the $40 million revenue would be measured. (1:07:02); Opposed the recommendation to approve the CTID ordinance pending more information. (1:31:22); Requested examples of how tourism dollars currently benefit South and West Side neighborhoods. (1:11:09)
- Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Stated agreement with Alderman Andre Vasquez Jr. and supported the CTID ordinance. (1:23:18)
- Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Made a motion to allow Alderman Nicole T. Lee to participate remotely. (1:30:46); Expressed support for the CTID ordinance, calling it an easy yes vote. (1:23:15)
- Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson)
- Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Recorded the motion to allow remote participation and declared it carried. (20:15)
- Anthony Beale (alderperson)
- Matthew J. Martin (alderperson)
- Chris Taliaferro (alderperson)
- Gregory I. Mitchell (city staff): Answered a question about ROI measurement and reporting requirements for the CTID. (1:07:29); Clarified that there is no exemption for Chicago residents from the transaction charge. (1:16:37)
Exchanges between members
- 20:07 Alderman Jason C. Ervin moved a motion to allow remote participation, which Chair Pat Dowell recorded and declared carried.
- 1:07:02 Alderman David H. Moore asked Alderman Jason C. Ervin a question about how the $40 million impact would be measured.
- 1:31:22 Alderman David H. Moore opposed the recommendation to approve the CTID ordinance that Alderman Jason C. Ervin had moved.
- 1:23:18 Alderman Brian Hopkins expressed wholehearted agreement with Alderman Andre Vasquez Jr. support for the CTID.
- 1:30:46 Alderman Andre Vasquez Jr. made a motion to allow Alderman Nicole T. Lee to attend remotely; Chair Pat Dowell recorded it.