Chicago alders request hearing on promotional campaign featuring Mayor Johnson

ByCraig Wall and ABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 11:58PM
Alders request hearing on promotional campaign featuring Mayor Johnson
Some Chicago alders are requesting an ethics and oversight hearing on a "World Business Chicago" promotional campaign featuring Mayor Brandon Johnson.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A group of Chicago alders is raising concerns with a campaign featuring Mayor Brandon Johnson. Many have said the promotions look like campaign ads.

ABC7's Craig Wall first reported on the "World Business Chicago" promotions last week.

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World Business Chicago receives much of its funding from city and state grants.

Several alders are requesting the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight to conduct a hearing to see how its spending public money.

Mayor Johnson's office did not comment Wednesday.

World Business Chicago defended the campaign last week, saying, "Promoting Chicago's economy-and highlighting the billions of dollars in investment happening across the city-is core to World Business Chicago's mission."

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