Committee on Budget and Government Operations meeting, May 20, 2024
- When: Mon, May 20, 2024, 11:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Budget and Government Operations
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8925576/video/946688738
- Transcript: full text (9,977 words, official 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 Budget and Government Operations heard public comment and approved its April 2024 Rule 45 report. The budget director presented the proposed calendar for the fiscal year 2025 budget process, and members asked about alderperson engagement, the revenue subcommittee, hearing logistics, and community roundtable locations. The committee passed an ordinance amending the 2024 grant appropriation (Fund 925) after members asked staff about grants for new arrivals, the I-290 corridor planning, senior meals, energy efficiency projects, and urban forestry. The committee also passed an ordinance concerning the director of the City Council Office of Financial Analysis and the appointment of its acting director as director. A third item affecting the 49th Ward was not heard because it was not properly introduced and will be heard at a later meeting.
Topics: 2025 budget calendar, grant appropriations, new arrivals funding, senior services, energy efficiency, urban forestry, Office of Financial Analysis, public comment
Agenda items discussed
- 34:31 Approval of the Rule 45 report for April 2024: passed
- 34:54 Presentation by the budget director on the 2025 budget process calendar: discussed
- 44:25 Ordinance amending the 2024 appropriation ordinance for grant funds within Fund 925: passed
- 1:07:58 Ordinance amending the Municipal Code regarding the director of the City Council Office of Financial Analysis and appointing a new director: passed
- 1:14:37 Transfer of funds affecting the 49th Ward, not heard because it was not properly introduced: deferred
Alderpersons who spoke
- Jason C. Ervin (chair): Announced an all-day committee meeting on June 3 to review ARPA changes and proposals by department. (35:16); Said he expected budget hearings to follow the same format and schedule as the previous year's cycle. (42:30); Said item 3 would not be heard because it was not properly introduced and that a memo on proper transfers in aldermanic accounts would be sent to all offices. (1:14:37)
- Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Thanked the budget director for releasing the calendar early and asked how the administration will engage alderpersons before the budget is presented. (39:30); Asked about plans for the revenue subcommittee. (41:15); Asked whether the area plan on aging addresses LGBTQ older adults. (57:24)
- Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Asked the chair what time budget hearings would start and whether food would be handled the same way as last year. (42:22)
- Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Asked where community budget roundtables will be held and requested a language-accessible location for Cantonese and Mandarin speakers near the 11th Ward. (42:58); Asked what the cultural affairs tourism and hospitality grant would fund. (52:59); Asked what the area plan on aging grant supports and how many more people it would serve. (53:41)
- David H. Moore (alderperson): Asked about the source and use of the $70 million for new arrivals and confirmed it came from Cook County. (47:24); Asked what the $2 million transportation grant for reconnecting communities would fund. (48:47); Asked who would conduct the planning and outreach and said he wanted to ensure the $2 million is used well. (50:52)
- Matthew J. Martin (alderperson): Asked whether there is a wait list for home-delivered meals and requested a geographic breakdown of older adults served. (1:04:15); Asked when the curbside EV charging pilot will launch and requested the criteria for selecting pilot locations. (1:05:05); Asked when the tree canopy inventory was last conducted and how long the new inventory will take. (1:06:22)
Exchanges between members
- 42:14 Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. thanked the chair after his questions on the budget calendar.
- 42:22 Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez asked the chair about the start time and food arrangements for budget hearings.
- 42:30 The chair answered that he expected to keep last year's format.
- 52:52 Alderperson David H. Moore thanked the chair after his questions.
- 57:18 Vice Chair Nicole T. Lee thanked the chair after her questions.
- 57:18 The chair thanked Vice Chair Nicole T. Lee.
- 1:04:05 Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. thanked the chair after his questions on forestry.
- 1:07:25 The chair thanked Alderperson Matthew J. Martin after his questions.
- 1:12:36 Alderperson Matthew J. Martin commended the chair for the Office of Financial Analysis appointment and offered a suggestion on funding.