Mayor Brandon Johnson rules out property tax increase in budget

CHICAGO (WGN) – Mayor Brandon Johnson said he is not planning to propose a property tax increase in this year’s budget.

On Tuesday, Chicago’s Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski told Bloomberg a property tax increase was “likely” going to be in the package presented to city council.

However, on Thursday the mayor’s office said Johnson will commit to a budget without one.

Last year, city council rejected Johnson’s bid to hike property taxes by $300 million.

The City of Chicago is facing a $1.2 billion budget deficit in 2026.

The mayor said he wants so-called “Progressive Revenue” to help fill the gap.