Chicago – February 27, 2025
The Chicago City Council has voted to borrow $830 million to fix the city’s streets, sidewalks, and bridges. The decision came after weeks of debate, with many questioning whether Mayor Brandon Johnson could handle the city’s financial challenges.
The vote was very close, passing 26-23. All members of the City Council’s Progressive Caucus supported the plan, along with most of the Black Caucus. However, Ald. Desmon Yancy (5th Ward) did not vote. While he was present before and after the vote, he was not in the room when it happened. The City Council does not allow members to abstain, so some left the chambers instead of making a tough choice.
Yancy later told WTTW News that he still had questions about the plan and wasn’t ready to decide.
Some council members tried to delay the vote. Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) wanted to push it to May, but the vote on his request ended in a tie. That gave Mayor Johnson the chance to break the tie, which allowed the final vote to take place.
Supporters of the loan say the money will go toward important repairs and create hundreds of jobs. But critics argue it will only add to Chicago’s financial troubles.
