City Council delays hemp vote and shifts to budget battle
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Ald. Nicole Lee (11th) takes questions Wednesday about a new budget proposal that 27 alders are pushing. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Wednesday's final regular Chicago City Council meeting of 2025 ended quickly — after alders delayed a vote on the revised hemp ordinance — then shifted back into budget negotiation mode.
Why it matters: The moves underscore the urgency setting in as the mayor and council race to cover a $1.2 billion shortfall by the end of the month.
- If the mayor and council can't agree on a plan, they risk triggering a government shutdown.
The big picture: Alders introduced revisions to their alternative budget Wednesday.
- The move is historic. Alders have not passed their own alternative budget — instead of the mayor's — since 1983, during a revolt against then-Mayor Harold Washington.
- Then, Alds. Ed Vrdolyak and Ed Burke spearheaded a plan that passed 29–19, with some concessions to Washington, who did not veto it.
Zoom in: On Wednesday, 27 moderate to conservative alders presented a revision of their previous plan that had tweaks to:
- Boost monthly garbage fees from $9.50 to $15 — instead of the previously suggested $18.
- Reduce the amount of Ernst & Young–suggested efficiencies from $90 million to $73.5 million.
- Expand the rideshare surcharge zone, but no longer the rates.
- Impose a 10% short-term rental surcharge to fund homeless and domestic violence services.
- Introduce video gambling terminals.
- Cut community safety business grants.
What they're saying: Because the mayor's plan puts "the city's financial stability at risk, we've been left with no real choice but to move forward today on our own timeline and introduce our package of budget amendments," Ald. Nicole Lee (11th) said Wednesday afternoon.
The other side: Mayor Brandon Johnson said he is working through the proposal but noted he would veto any plan with a garbage tax increase.
- "I don't support a budget that places such an incredible burden on working people at a time when President Trump has made life so difficult for people across the country," Johnson said.
What's next: Johnson said he will present his own new tweaks in the coming days.
- And the council is expected to vote on a revised version of the hemp ban bill (which now exempts THC drinks and pet and topical products) in January.