Committee on Workforce Development meeting, June 24, 2026
- When: Wed, Jun 24, 2026, 10:30 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: 201A, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Workforce Development
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928568?video=1201841750
- Transcript: full text (11,700 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 Workforce Development Committee held a subject-matter hearing on ordinance 02026-0026123 regarding the repeal of video gaming terminal (VGT) legalization. No vote was taken; the committee heard extensive public comment and testimony from city staff, industry representatives, and community members. Aldermen debated the ordinance’s jurisdiction and fiscal impact, with several expressing opposition. The hearing was recessed and later resumed for a panel discussion.
Topics: Video Gaming Terminal ordinance, Workforce development provisions, Committee jurisdiction, Fiscal impact and revenue, Public comment
Agenda items discussed
- 21:17 Subject-matter hearing on ordinance 02026-0026123 (VGT repeal) (02026-0026123): discussed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Michael D. Rodriguez (chair): Called the meeting to order. (21:14); Announced the start of the public comment period. (23:06)
- Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Stated strong opposition to the VGT repeal ordinance. (1:32:23); Questioned why the ordinance was placed before the Workforce Committee instead of the License Committee. (1:33:08); Expressed disappointment that the committee was used to advance the ordinance. (1:36:50)
- Anthony Beale (alderperson): Called the hearing a waste of time and agreed with Silverstein that the committee lacks jurisdiction. (1:41:48); Asked the CFO how the city could compare VGT revenue to Bally's casino revenue without an operational VGT in Chicago. (1:42:52); Cited a CCA analysis that found VGT benefits to be negative or only marginally positive. (1:43:24)
- William E. Hall (alderperson): Moved to accept remote participation of non-committee members. (22:45)
- Derrick G. Curtis (alderperson): Was addressed by Tiwon Sims regarding representation of the Southland. (38:23)
- Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson)
Exchanges between members
- 1:41:48 Alderman Anthony Beale agreed with Silverstein that the committee lacks jurisdiction and called the hearing a waste of time.