The Latest Breaking News from City Council

Ramirez-Rosa narrowly escapes City Council censure — with help from mayor and Ald. Mitts

Mayor Brandon Johnson cast the tie-breaking vote against censure of his former floor leader, accused of “manhandling” Ald. Emma Mitts while trying to prevent her entrance to Council chambers.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 7, 2023

‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum to reduce homelessness through tax on high-end property sales clears City Council

Tuesday’s 32-17 vote is a major political victory for Mayor Brandon Johnson. Next comes a battle between Johnson’s progressive coalition and the business community and real estate industry.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 7, 2023

Shouts, tears, boos from crowd force recess of City Council committee meeting during heated migrant debate

Several people in the gallery were escorted out by security after an observer singled them out as supporters of welcoming migrants. Later, the full Council voted to accept donated land at 115th and Halsted streets that will become the temporary site of a winterized tent camp for migrant.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 7, 2023

Alderperson’s manhandling allegation caps ‘s- - - show’ City Council meeting

Ald. Ray Lopez is calling for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s floor leader to resign after an alleged “manhandling” of one of their colleagues, putting an ugly exclamation mark on a raucous council meeting.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 3, 2023

To fight climate change and housing shortage, Austin becomes largest U.S. city to drop parking-spot requirements

Affordable housing advocates, developers and climate activists say rules requiring a minimum amount of parking spaces on new projects drives up construction costs and enables a dependency on vehicles to get around town.

The Texas Tribune · Nov 2, 2023

Paid leave ordinance passes key committee vote, despite opposition from some business leaders

Proposal would require Chicago employers to give five sick days and five vacation days.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 2, 2023

‘Common sense’ doesn’t explain City Council, so judge to allow Chicago ‘civics lesson’ for Burke jurors

Political science professor Constance Mixon’s testimony about government operations will be crucial to helping jury understand the racketeering case against former City Council member Ed Burke, prosecutors say.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 2, 2023

Vote on second migrant tent camp delayed

The Chicago City Council put off a vote on accepting donated land at 115th and Halsted that would be the site of a migrant tent camp. Also delayed was a vote on whether to put a binding referendum on the March ballot to raise the real estate transfer tax to…

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 1, 2023

City Council committee OKs ballot referendum to raise money to help homeless

A City Council committee voted to put a referendum on the March ballot asking voters to authorize the Council to quadruple the real estate transfer tax rate on sales over $1.5 million and more than double the rate on sales above $1 million. The rate would drop on sales below…

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 31, 2023

Rahm or Ed? Expert quizzed on who had most clout in preview of possible Burke trial testimony

U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall held Tuesday’s hearing to determine whether Elmhurst University political science professor Constance Mixon should be allowed to testify during ex-Ald. Ed Burke’s trial.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 31, 2023