Articles By Justin Laurence
Democratic Socialists Move To Kick Out Alderman Who Voted For Lightfoot’s Budget — But ‘In Order To Win, You Have To Negotiate,’ He Says
“Respectfully, no organization can decide who is and isn’t a socialist,” Ald. Andre Vasquez said. “I think many of my comrades and I all share the same goals, but we may differ on the approaches to get there, and that’s ok.”
$94 Million Property Tax Hike Is Coming After Divided Council Votes Yes
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s 2021 pandemic budget and tax hike were approved Tuesday in the closest budget vote since the 1980s.
City Council Set To Vote Tuesday On 2021 ‘Pandemic Budget’ With $94M Property Tax Hike
The tax hike is part of an effort to close an unprecedented $1.2 billion shortfall next year. The budget also seeks to refinance debt, a tactic known as “scoop and toss” budgeting.
2 Weed Dispensaries Get Key City Permit To Open In Greektown, River North
The Herbal Care Center and PharmaCann got Zoning Board approval for new dispensaries. Now, the state has to sign off.
City Commission Approves Amazon Distribution Center In Bridgeport Despite Community Opposition
The Amazon plan along the Chicago River set off a debate about the future of logistics centers in Chicago. One commissioner called for a moratorium on approvals, noting most of the facilities are landing on the South and West sides.
Lightfoot’s $94 Million Property Tax Hike Clears Major Hurdle
The city's Finance Committee approved the tax hike by a 21-12 vote. Mayor Lori Lightfoot needs 26 votes at City Council to pass it.
Aldermen Fight Back On Proposed Property Tax Increase As City Tries To Fill $1.2 Billion Budget Hole
The tax hike is one tool Lightoot’s "pandemic budget" relies on to close an estimated $1.2 billion budget gap, but it’s drawn the most heat among aldermen.
City Moves To Cap Grubhub, Other Delivery App Fees To Help Struggling Restaurants
Restaurant owners have said the service fees and commissions take huge chunks out of their profits, which they can't afford amid coronavirus restrictions on indoor dining.
Progressives Push For Amazon Head Tax To Plug City’s Budget Shortfall, But Aldermen Send Plan To Purgatory
A plan to reallocate $5 million from the police to create a mental health crisis response team was also sent to the Rules Committee by unsupportive colleagues.
