Mayor Johnson outlines plan to close $85M budget gap while critics question promotional campaign

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Brandon Johnson says he has identified a way to close the city's $85 million budget shortfall without layoffs, even as he escalates criticism of his City Council opponents ahead of budget season and a likely reelection bid.

Johnson did not address his political plans directly, but he continued promoting his budget strategy while also appearing in a new series of public-facing ads that some aldermen say resemble campaign materials.

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At a news conference, Johnson said the city could eliminate the shortfall by refinancing about half a billion dollars in city debt and using remaining federal American Rescue Plan funds.

"These actions combined can close the shortfall while avoiding any layoffs," Johnson said.

Johnson again blamed the deficit on the Council's budget accountability coalition, which rejected his proposed corporate head tax last year. He referred to the group as the "corporate caucus."

"Every single proposal that they put forward failed. One of which rendered $0. That's a dereliction of duty there," he said.

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Ald. Scott Waguespack of the 32nd Ward pushed back, accusing Johnson of shifting responsibility.

"We had to take over the budget because he wasn't able to accomplish fixing the budget and making sure that we could pass one. And if you recall, he didn't veto it either. So he accepted the fact that the budget we put in was the right one," Waguespack said.

This year's budget season overlaps with campaign season, and a series of World Business Chicago promotions featuring Johnson have drawn criticism. The public-private economic development agency uses the mayor to highlight investments across the city, but some aldermen say the ads resemble political messaging.

"One hundred percent, looks just like a political ad, and listen, we're not surprised. I mean, the mayor has done a horrible job at fundraising, and so he's using every opportunity here to help promote his campaign," said Ald. Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward.

"Definite conflict of interest, ethical violation," Waguespack said.

World Business Chicago defended the campaign, 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."

Johnson also defended the effort. When asked how budget negotiations could be less contentious this year, he responded: "For them to be in agreement with me."

The City Council returns next month as budget season begins, setting up what appears to be another contentious round of negotiations at City Hall.