Public comment has begun.

Pat Doerr, managing director of the Hospitality Business Association of Chicago, spoke against a tax increase on alcohol. He said it would penalize union workers in that industry.

Gabby Green, member of the Water For All coalition: Chicago water bills are disproportionately high, and have been increased greatly in recent years. She proposed a progressive water bill program, which she said would not negative impact Chicago's revenue.

A member of Legal Action Chicago said that water bills are unmanageable for many, and they are often denied debt relief when they go to the City for help.

Oliver Cicora, environmental justice coordinator for SOUL (Southsiders Organized for Unity and Liberation): "We cannot wait any longer to ensure all Chicagoans have access to safe and affordable water."

soulinchicago.org

Tiwon Sims: "I think America can breathe a little easier this morning," referring to the election result. "There are 47,200 illegals in the city... Sigcho-Lopez has made sure they'll be housed. They're housing illegals over Americans."

Jessica Jackson: "I'm sure everybody's feeling good this morning. I know I am. Trump 2024... We're gonna let you all talk about this budget and let you do some silly things like vote to increase property taxes some more."

Jackson urged meeting attendees to become Republicans, and repeated a refrain of "Trump 2024."

Kimberly Sombers: "I've been a Republican since before Trump ran... Last time I was here, I was asking you what's going on with Englewood because it looks like the projects. The aldermen have been misappropriating funds."

Sombers discussed the need for increased awareness of the Troubled Buildings Initiative. chicago.gov/city/en/depts/…

A person whose name I missed said that because Trump has promised mass deportations, all budget items related to migrants should be removed. "They're about to go home. We don't have to dedicate any more conversation to them, any more time, any more energy, any more money."

She also asked that the Sanctuary City Ordinance be suspended and CPD cooperate with federal immigration officers to conduct deportations.

George Blakemore: "All these Black faces in high places are selling Black people out. You're not going to get on the Mexican side. You're not going to get on the Chinese side. You're going to get on the Black side." This is a common refrain in his speeches.

Justin Russell, organizer with SOUL, spoke in favor of the Water For All ordinance. "It allows people to live without worrying about how they will pay for a life-sustaining ordinance."

Public comment has concluded.

Appropriation for the mayor's office has decreased by 30%, primarily due to contractual services, travel services, and 909A accounts, said a representative of @ChicagoCOFA

Annette Guzman, OBM director, emphasized that the decision to raise property taxes was not taken lightly, and that not doing so would have necessitated reducing staffing or cutting spending on public safety infrastructure.