Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed enthusiasm following new U.S. Census estimates indicating that Chicago experienced the seventh-largest population gain among U.S. cities between mid-2023 and mid-2024, marking a shift from years of population decline. The city added 22,164 residents, a 0.8% increase, which led the mayor to assert that "Chicago is leading Illinois in the right direction."

Johnson praised the city's "remarkable resilience," describing Chicago as a "world-class destination" and attributing part of this growth to his administration's challenge of census undercounts. However, the numbers tell a different story — one highlighting fiscal challenges and policy decisions.

The city's population growth is primarily due to an influx of asylum seekers, many arriving on buses from Texas or through word-of-mouth about Chicago's sanctuary policies. These migrants make up most of the 22,000 new residents and often lack work permits or housing.

The economic impact has been significant. The city has spent nearly $300 million accommodating these migrants, with $215 million during Johnson's tenure, contributing to a $538 million budget deficit for 2024. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, approximately $200 million of this shortfall stems from spending on migrant care.

Many new arrivals are in legal limbo and rely on taxpayer-funded support without contributing to tax revenue. This situation strains local services and budgets in neighborhoods where shelters have replaced local amenities.

A University of Chicago Harris School study found that immigration accounted for 60% of homelessness increases between 2022 and 2024. ABC7 reported that Chicago's homeless population tripled in one year.

In contrast, outer suburbs like Plainfield and Naperville thrive by offering affordability and lower taxes while inner-ring suburbs face population declines.

Suburban leaders attribute their success to infrastructure investment and quality-of-life commitments. Meanwhile, Johnson's administration faces criticism for managing unplanned population inflows without substantial debate or planning.

Rob Paral from the Great Cities Institute remarked on cities' dependence on immigration for population renewal but warned against over-reliance on transient growth driven by other states' policies.

Johnson's focus has been questioned as resources are diverted from crime reduction and economic development towards managing migration-related issues. The mayor sees himself as a moral leader but faces criticism for handling what some describe as a slow-motion collapse masked by positive headlines.

Despite asylum seekers not being blamed directly for these challenges, policymakers are urged to address underlying issues instead of relying on temporary solutions or rebranding crises as achievements.

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