Chicago Mayor Johnson ramps up fight to keep Bears in city
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Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks at a press conference in March. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Mayor Brandon Johnson is making a last-ditch push to keep the Bears in Chicago.
Why it matters: The battle over the Bears' next stadium is entering a critical final stretch as Springfield's spring legislative session nears its end.
The latest: The mayor told Crain's he wants the city — not Springfield — to control the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, the agency that finances public stadiums. That would give Chicago more autonomy over how public stadium money is spent.
- It's unlikely lawmakers would surrender that authority.
Context: Johnson wants the Bears to remain in a publicly owned stadium in Chicago. The team has instead pushed for a privately controlled stadium and surrounding entertainment district.
What they're saying: "We're still fighting to keep the Bears here in Chicago," Johnson told NBC Chicago. "I was elected to fight for the working people of this city and the Bears staying in the city of Chicago is the best plan."
State of play: That broader fight over development incentives is now colliding with the Bears debate.
- In a press blitz this week, Johnson criticized the "megaprojects" bill pending in the Illinois Senate, which would allow developers to negotiate tax agreements instead of paying standard property taxes.
- Johnson is not alone. Several unions — including the Chicago Teachers Union — oppose the measure because property taxes are a major funding source for Chicago Public Schools. The CTU argues that negotiated tax deals could reduce school funding.
Zoom in: After the House passed the "megaprojects" bill in April, supporters hoped the Senate would quickly approve it as part of a broader effort to keep the Bears from pursuing incentives in Indiana.
Yes, but: The legislation has since stalled, with opposition emerging from labor groups, city officials and even the Bears themselves.
- Lawmakers have just over two weeks left in the spring session to reach a deal.
The intrigue: The Bears and the NFL recently said only two stadium sites remain viable: Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana. That raises the possibility that Johnson's latest effort is aimed as much at 2027 voters as the Bears themselves.
- Johnson has increasingly positioned himself as an opponent of billionaire-backed development deals ahead of a possible reelection campaign.
- Meanwhile, some analysts argue downtown Chicago could see greater economic benefit from a stadium in northwest Indiana than one in suburban Arlington Heights because of tourism, hotel stays and related spending.
The bottom line: Johnson is running short on leverage — and nearly out of time — to keep the Bears in Chicago.