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 Committee on Workforce Development held a subject matter hearing, with no vote scheduled, on an ordinance that would authorize the city's CFO to negotiate an amended host community agreement with Bally's on workforce training and would repeal the chapter of the municipal code authorizing video gaming terminals (VGTs). Eleven public speakers and a panel including the BACP commissioner, the acting CFO, restaurant and gaming industry representatives, UNITE HERE Local 1 and Bally's presented views for and against VGTs, addressing projected revenue, casino jobs, small business revenue and implementation burdens. Alderpersons Silverstein and Beale objected that the matter belonged in the License Committee and opposed the ordinance, while Alderperson Jason C. Ervin spoke against VGTs and in favor of the Bally's agreement. The hearing ended when Alderperson Anthony Beale moved to adjourn and the chair declared the motion carried by voice vote.
Topics: video gaming terminals, Bally's casino, host community agreement, casino workforce, city revenue, committee jurisdiction, small businesses, sweepstakes machines
Agenda items discussed
- 22:35 Motion to allow remote participation under Rule 59: passed
- 23:06 Public comment
- 1:00:40 Subject matter hearing on ordinance authorizing an amended Bally's casino agreement and repealing video gaming terminal authorization: discussed
- 1:49:42 Motion to adjourn: passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Michael D. Rodriguez (chair): Opened the subject matter hearing and stated that no vote would be taken. (21:17); Began aldermanic questions with the chairs of the License and Budget committees, citing their committees' jurisdictional connection to the issue. (1:32:00)
- Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Said she strongly opposes the ordinance because the budget relies on VGT revenue approved in the last budget. (1:32:19); Asked the BACP commissioner why the ordinance was sent to Workforce Development instead of the License Committee. (1:32:55); Said the testimony addressed only VGTs, objected to the committee referral and said she would vote no if it came to a vote. (1:36:53)
- Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Noted the VGT legalization passed through the Budget Committee rather than Licensing and said it would not have passed as a standalone item. (1:38:05); Said Chicago residents hold ownership stakes in Bally's while he stated no African Americans or Latinos have ownership in VGT companies operating in the city. (1:38:56); Said the city receives about five cents per dollar from VGTs versus 21 cents under the Bally's agreement and supported airport slot machines as an alternative. (1:39:55)
- Anthony Beale (alderperson): Said the committee lacks jurisdiction, agreed with Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein, and said the hearing was being used as a workaround to the License Committee. (1:42:03); Asked the acting CFO how revenue comparisons could be made when no VGTs are yet operating in Chicago. (1:42:49); Said VGTs could add $60 million to $100 million to the budget and called the CFO's figures speculative. (1:44:35)
Exchanges between members
- 1:32:08 The chair recognized Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein first for questions.
- 1:33:57 The chair told Alderperson Anthony Beale, who sought a point of clarification, that he would be recognized soon.
- 1:37:56 The chair thanked Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein and moved to Alderperson Jason C. Ervin.
- 1:38:05 Alderperson Jason C. Ervin thanked the chair before his remarks.
- 1:38:05 Alderperson Jason C. Ervin called Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein jurisdictional objection ironic because the VGT legislation went through the Budget Committee rather than Licensing.
- 1:41:48 The chair thanked Alderperson Jason C. Ervin.
- 1:41:52 Alderperson Anthony Beale told the chair that the rules require allowing a point of clarification.
- 1:42:10 Alderperson Anthony Beale said he agreed with Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein that the committee lacks jurisdiction.