Thread by @FrankNatalie

Hi all. Today I'll be live tweeting the City Council: Introduction of the 2023 Budget Proposal Meeting with Mayor Lightfoot for #CHIdocumenters @CHIdocumenters

@CHIdocumenters Meeting called to order at 10:00am by Mayor Lightfoot. Following roll call, determination or quorum and invocation, the Mayor asked clerk to read notice calling for special meeting, found here: file:///C:/Users/13127/Dropbox/My%20PC%20(DESKTOP-BTL7N6O)/Downloads/Notice.pdf

@CHIdocumenters The agenda for the meeting can be found here: file:///C:/Users/13127/Dropbox/My%20PC%20(DESKTOP-BTL7N6O)/Downloads/Notice.pdf

@CHIdocumenters Ald. Ervin asked that they suspend the rules to allow for sign language interpreter. Mayor agreed. Next came the public comment section of the meeting.

@CHIdocumenters The first speaker was Clayborn Wade who spoke about Chicago Connected, a program that provides no-cost, high-speed internet service to CPS students & families. He said that during the pandemic this was a "game changer," and that quality internet was "their window to the world.

@CHIdocumenters Mr. Wade continued saying it was critical to invest in digital equity for community access asking the council to ensure affordable, quality broadband options for all low income households.
Information on Chicago Connected: cps.edu/strategic-init…

@CHIdocumenters The next speaker discussed lack of affordable housings. She remarked that since Chicago winters make it almost impossible to survive outside housing is a "human right". Asked them to put Bring Chicago Home on the ballot so it could be voted on. More info: bringchicagohome.org

@CHIdocumenters Another speaker living in a shelter discussed his experiences. He said that there are drug & mental health issues which aren't adequately addressed, a lack of resources and appropriate services, & that there's a need for better trained providers, supporting Bring Chicago Home.

@CHIdocumenters Other issues related to the homelessness agenda included the need to address the existing infrastructure, and the need for more funding and resources to improve existing non-congregant shelters and similar settings. More info: chicago.gov/city/en/depts/…

@CHIdocumenters Other agencies discussed with regard to homeless issue included All Chicago to end homelessness: allchicago.org

@CHIdocumenters Also mentioned was the Beyond the Ball program which is a prevention program aimed at youth and teens with the goal of inspiring and creating future community leaders. More info: beyondtheball.org

@CHIdocumenters This concluded public comments and Mayor Lightfoot called for a 5 minute recess.

@CHIdocumenters Next considered was communications. The mayor had the clerk read the item which involved receiving and placing on file a communication from the Budget Director regarding estimated levies

@CHIdocumenters The mayor then began her budget message. She started by discussing last years budget & where her administration had succeeded. She stated that budgets have to "meet the moment" which last years had & the new proposal did, while also closing budget deficits w/o cutting services.

@CHIdocumenters The mayor stated that budgets are value statements and she is unapologetic about her focus on the need to invest in south and westsides of Chicago. She asked the body to right historic wrongs so all in Chicago can benefit and fulfil their potential.

@CHIdocumenters The mayor focused a great deal on the cities pension obligations. She stated her administration has not only succeeded in meeting the current obligations but they've also started paying down the debt involved with the different pension plans.

@CHIdocumenters She also discussed community violence and that peace comes from investing in communities most hard hit by violence not street outreach or arrests.

@CHIdocumenters Regarding new investments for the 2023 Budget Proposal she began with the proposed $242m for new pension policy that allowed for prepaying of pensions which she said would save $2b over time.

@CHIdocumenters Next she mentioned $100m as a public safety investment and $10.2m to increase the efficient delivery of city services specially IT and Tech services.

@CHIdocumenters She went on to propose 3 million earmarked to launch the tiny homes project for Chicago. She said other cities have such programs which can increase affordable home ownership for those with modest incomes. It is planned for a vacant lot on the Southside.

@CHIdocumenters The mayor proposed over 200 million for homelessness prevention plus 3 million to strengthen reproductive healthcare support in light of the Supreme Court decision. (This item is under homelessness.) She said that we are a safe haven for neighboring states & need extra resources

@CHIdocumenters The mayor proposed an Office for Climate and Environmental Equity which would aim to reduce the cities carbon footprint 62% by 2040. She also requested the codification of the Office of Equity and Racial Justice.

@CHIdocumenters Proposing $5m for supporting migrants she said, "This is an unprecedented need that we have in our city. The city government & our partners in the community are doing everything that we can to make real our role as a welcoming city, but once again, we need additional resources."

@CHIdocumenters She next discussed a proposed $10m to support arts and arts culture in Chicago with another $10m coming from new business revenue.

@CHIdocumenters Finally, she proposed a new debt relieve program which address regressive fines and fees that build up and can contribute to significant financial problems for residents.

@CHIdocumenters She concluded by saying that they must ensure no resident is left behind by creating a more equitable and inclusive future for Chicago. She then turned the budget over to the council for review and consideration.

@CHIdocumenters The major asked that the proposed resolution to publish the 2023 budget proposal be read by the clerk. The first meeting on budget consideration will be held on October 6, 2022 at 9:00am. The public hearing on the budget proposal will be held on October 26, 2022 at 11:30am.

@CHIdocumenters A motion was made to adjourn the meeting, and the meeting was concluded at 11:30. This concludes my coverage of the City Council Introduction of the 2023 Budget Proposal Meeting. For more meeting coverage, check out documenters.org.