A Better, Stronger, Safer Chicago? Mayor Brandon Johnson’s First Year
On the campaign trail, Johnson promised to tackle Chicago’s crime and overhaul its transportation, education and housing systems. Here’s where he stands today.
Better, Stronger, Safer?
As Mayor Brandon Johnson marks the anniversary of his inauguration May 15, his administration is battling a humanitarian crisis, calls to oust the embattled CTA president and high robbery numbers, among myriad other issues.
So, has Johnson’s pledge to create a better, stronger, safer city begun to come to fruition?
Block Club reviewed Johnson’s major campaign promises and compared them to his legislative record and management of the city to see if he has served as the mayor he told Chicagoans he’d be.
Crime & Safety
‘My Public Safety Plan Is An Investment Plan’: Crime And Safety During Brandon Johnson’s First Year
The mayor promised to enact a “holistic” public safety strategy that invests in people and neighborhoods. But as robberies and other crime remain high, some wonder if more urgent action is needed.
- Promise: Hire and promote 200 detectives
- Promise: Get rid of ShotSpotter
- Promise: Enact Treatment Not Trauma and other long-term investments
Transportation
Mayor Brandon Johnson Rode The Trains While Campaigning. But Can He Fix The CTA?
Johnson’s transportation promises included a “reimagined, revived” CTA, a “phase out” of speed cameras and “well-designed, dedicated bike lanes.” He’s now faced with swelling frustration from transit riders and leaders over the CTA’s struggles.
- Promise: Reimagining and reviving the CTA
- Promise: Phase out speed cameras
- Promise: Prioritize bikes and buses on streets
Education
Mayor Brandon Johnson Pushes Education Agenda With ‘Urgency’ During First Year In Office
The former teachers union organizer is moving ahead on promises to increase funding at neighborhood schools. But he’s under pressure to make progress on other parts of his agenda before the first-ever school board elections.
- Promise: Bolstering neighborhood schools
- Promise: Changing the CPS funding formula
- Promise: Removing in-school police
Housing & DEvelopment
Chicago Faces An Affordable Housing Crisis. Has Brandon Johnson Delivered On Development Promises?
Johnson suffered the loss of Bring Chicago Home and faces criticism over the CHA’s failures. But he’s made strides toward creating more affordable housing and streamlining development.
Migrants
Brandon Johnson Moved Migrants Out Of Police Stations, But Long-Term Plan Is Light On Details
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration hired a deputy mayor to oversee the migrant mission and opened shelters, but has faced back-to-back crises as more asylum seekers arrive in Chicago.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson, 1 Year After Election: ‘Name One Thing … I Haven’t Done’
The first-term mayor defended his handling of the migrant crisis and pointed to enacted policies as proof he’s fulfilling his campaign promises in an interview with Block Club. But he’s also faced criticism from his own supporters.
City Reopening Mental Health Clinics In Roseland, Pilsen And Garfield Park
The clinics will reopen as part of the city’s efforts to reverse years of disinvestment in mental health care, officials said. The city closed all but five public clinics in 2012.
Mayor Johnson Won’t Attend Officer Luis Huesca’s Funeral After Family Tells Him To Stay Away
Mayors traditionally attend slain officers’ funerals — but state Comptroller Susana Mendoza said Huesca’s mother asked her to tell Johnson “he was unwelcome at her son’s funeral.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson Is All In On Proposed $4.7 Billion Bears Stadium — And Thinks You Should Be, Too
The mayor sat down with NBC Sports Chicago’s Laurence Holmes to make his case amid pushback about taxpayer funding for the plan.
Mayor Plans To Boost Housing, Business Development By Cutting Red Tape
The newly released Cut the Tape report includes over 100 recommendations to make housing and commercial development more efficient.
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