Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago's Office of Budget and Management have announced a series of Budget Engagement Round Tables set to shape the 2025 Fiscal Year Budget through increased resident and community leader participation, according to a press release from the City's website. This year's budget engagement process will include an event specifically targeting the city's youth between the ages 13-24.
During the previous round tables, community input led to notable investments in areas such as youth employment, climate resilience, and mental health services. Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of these discussions, stating, "We are excited for our 2025 Budget Engagement Roundtables, which will continue to foster deeper conversations and increase community participation in shaping our city's future." Additionally, Budget Director Annette Guzman expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration between the Budget Office and Chicagoans. She recognized that balancing the budget necessitates dialogue with a diverse array of stakeholders.
The City's innovative public engagement has been strategized in three phases, incorporating the ideals of Participation, Equity, Education, Transparency, and Accountability. Chicago residents have called for more in-depth dialogues on these matters, a sentiment that has played a significant role in guiding the forums' focus this year. Co-designing with community representatives ensures a democratic and inclusive process, with Budget Director Guzman affirming the initiative's commitment to responsiveness and all-encompassing participation.
Matthew Harvey, a Researcher and Community Storyteller from Equity and Transformation, shared his experience with the collaborative stage of the round tables, "It was an eye-opening process. I felt like I was let into something that most residents have been left out of, and it was nice to work with other community members who care deeply.” Reflecting on these collaborative efforts, the upcoming roundtable events will take place before departmental budget submissions, allowing for resident feedback to potentially influence the final budget proposals.
The topics that will drive the 2025 discussions include Affordable Housing & Homelessness Services, Community Safety, Environmental Justice & Infrastructure, Neighborhood Community Development & Arts and Culture, and Mental Health & Public Health – areas that mirror the previous year's priorities steered by community consensus. Residents can prepare for the round tables by watching the Budget 101 Video and submitting comments on the FY2025 Budget Engagement website. Additionally, the round tables will be live-streamed for broader accessibility, with an online roundtable exercise also available for those who cannot attend in person.
The City, in collaboration with the Great Cities Institute, will release a public report summarizing the findings from the engagement process, aligning with Mayor Johnson's anticipated FY2025 budget recommendations. Following the release, a Lakeside Chat with the Mayor will provide Chicagoans the chance to further discuss and question the fiscal plan for the upcoming year.
