Chicago Mayor Warns Layoffs Could Come Mid-Year After Alternative Budget Passed; Aldermen Push Back

Chicago mayor warns layoffs could come mid-year after alternative budget passed; aldermen push back

Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday warned that layoffs could be coming later this year due to the budget that was passed without his support.

Afternoon Briefing: Cook County clerk and Bears train student election judges

Good afternoon, Chicago. Mayor Brandon Johnson raised the possibility of city worker layoffs today after a bruising budget fight that he again claimed led to an unbalanced spending plan for this year. At a City Hall news conference, the mayor responded to a question about retroactive changes to the 2026 budget, which aldermen passed over his objections last month, by reiterating the package could force personnel cuts. Meanwhile, the top financia…

Mayor "bracing" for potential mid-year city layoffs

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson says he’s “bracing” for the potential of mid-year layoffs in city government, based on concerns about revenue projections for the budget approved over his objections. Supporters of the budget insist it’s balanced.

Mayor Brandon Johnson raises possibility of midyear layoffs – Chicago Tribune/Yahoo

“Well, if the revenues do not match the expenses, that’s what’s going to trigger it,” the mayor said. “As far as individuals who could be laid off, I mean we’re talking about public employees, right? There could be real, serious consequences to workers who are attached to community safety.”

Chicago mayor warns of possible mid-year layoffs due to budget uncertainties

Mayor Johnson said he was concerned about budget projections for this year which might lead to layoffs.

Johnson Says He Is ‘Bracing for What Could Be Midyear Layoffs’

Mayor Brandon Johnson warned again on Wednesday that the Chicago City Council may have to make emergency cuts if revenue baked into the city’s 2026 spending plan fails to materialize.