Chicago City Wire

The City of Chicago has released its 2025 Budget Engagement Report, marking a significant effort in community involvement and collaboration to shape a responsible and community-focused budget. This report was prepared with the University of Illinois at Chicago's Great Cities Institute, emphasizing extensive engagement with residents, youth, and community organizations.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside Budget Director Annette Guzman and First Deputy of Community Engagement Sara Mathers, spearheaded this initiative to uphold transparency, equity, and participatory governance. Mayor Johnson stated, “The City of Chicago’s 2025 budget engagement process was an unprecedented effort to bring Chicagoans to the table and ensure their voices directly assist in shaping our budgetary priorities.”

The engagement process unfolded in three phases using various input channels such as public roundtables, youth events, online surveys, and outreach to underrepresented groups. The report details key findings on priorities like housing, arts and culture, economic development, public health, youth services, safety measures, environmental justice, and infrastructure.

Key aspects of the report include:

- Over 1,600 residents participated through different platforms ensuring equitable representation from marginalized communities.

- Youth engagement highlighted concerns about employment opportunities for young people and homelessness services.

- Public priorities focused on expanding homeless services and mental health support while investing in disinvested communities.

- A significant portion of participants were Black and Latinae residents aligning with the city's mission to amplify marginalized voices.

Budget Director Annette Guzman remarked on the importance of this process amid financial challenges: “Our proposed investments and allocations reflect what residents have asked for.” She emphasized the year-long effort dedicated to listening and engaging with the community.

First Deputy Sara Mathers added that engaging directly with diverse residents enriched the process. Thea Crum from UIC’s Great Cities Institute noted that this year's engagement spanned months involving city task forces and representatives from various organizations.

The report signifies a milestone in fostering a transparent budgeting process driven by community input. It is available for review on the City of Chicago’s Office of Budget and Management website.