Tessa Weinberg covers city government and politics for WBEZ. She comes to Chicago from The Missouri Independent, where she was a founding member of the team and focused on covering health, education and the legislature. She previously covered Texas state government for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and first spent a stint in Chicago as an intern at The Chicago Tribune.
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Chicago’s City Council approves Mayor Johnson’s plans to borrow $1 billion and use $70 million in reserves to support migrants
The fiery debate exposed divisions within the City Council over the mayor’s first major development plan and the increasing cost of supporting migrants.
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Chicago lobbyists escape serious punishment for improper donations to Mayor Johnson’s campaign
The board says it doesn’t have the authority to enforce an executive order barring lobbyists from contributing to a mayor’s political committee.
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Chicago City Council committee gives initial approval to $70 million more for migrants
Some alderpersons objected to spending the money when their communities also need funding. The proposal goes before the full council Wednesday
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Three Jewish lawmakers turn down Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s invitation to discuss antisemitism
Chicago Ald. Debra Silverstein, state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz and Rep. Bob Morgan said the mayor’s support of a cease-fire resolution showed “disrespect” for the Jewish community.
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson pitches more City Council say over projects funded by $1.25 billion borrowing plan
Johnson’s administration offered more transparency and greater say to the council for projects over $5 million under the massive borrowing plan funded from expiring TIFs.
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Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez avoids punishment from colleagues for attending a rally where a U.S. flag was burned
Conservative City Council members called a special meeting to castigate Sigcho-Lopez for his attendance at the rally.
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Bring Chicago Home referendum fails after vote-by-mail ballots counted
The Associated Press called it for opponents, as voters reject an effort to authorize a tax increase on the sale of high-end properties to raise money for homelessness prevention.
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Mayor Johnson’s plan to borrow $1.25 billion for development projects gets a mixed reception
Some Chicago City Council members urged more oversight of which projects Johnson’s plan would fund, while supporters said it would be a much needed boon to housing and city development.
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What’s next as the Bring Chicago Home referendum hangs in limbo
Johnson rebuffed claims that the lackluster showing so far for the referendum is a referendum on him.
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Bring Chicago Home referendum appears headed for defeat
The referendum would have permitted the City Council to raise taxes on high-end property sales while lowering the tax on properties under $1 million. Its defeat would be a stunning blow to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plans to fund homelessness prevention.
