Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot preaches equity in 2023 budget proposal - Axios ChicagoLog InLog InAxios Chicago is an Axios company.

Lightfoot preaches equity in 2023 budget proposal

Photo Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images Mayor Lori Lightfoot presented her $16.4 billion 2023 budget proposal to city council yesterday, touting the lowest budget gap in her time as mayor — $127.9 million. Driving the news: The mayor pitched it as a "stability budget." She proposed boosting spending on the police department and abortion services without raising property taxes. Lightfoot says that while 2022 amusement and real estate tax revenue was stronger than anticipated, the budget would still rely on federal pandemic stimulus funds. Yes, but: Chicagoans don't get their tax bill from the city. Instead it's rolled into the bill sent from Cook County. What they're saying: "Getting our fiscal house in order is foundational," Lightfoot said in her speech to city council. "Be bold with me." Zoom out: Lightfoot focused on equity and combating generational poverty, two issues she ran on in 2019."I am and will continue to be unapologetic about the need to invest south of Roosevelt Road and west of Ashland," she said. Other budget highlights: Crime/violence: The mayor wants an additional $100 million for public safety. CPD's budget would increase from $1.88 billion in 2022 to $1.94 billion in 2023. The mayor says this would include updating police vehicles and securing more helicopters. $36 million would go to . Housing: The mayor made a pledge to increase affordable housing units while proposing $200 million to reduce homelessness. She also wants to set aside $3 million to launch a "Tiny Homes initiative." Pensions: The proposal includes paying more to the city's pension debt, including launching a $242 million fund to "essentially end paying the minimum monthly payment on our pension credit card." What's next: The City Council must approve the city's 2023 budget by Dec. 31. Editor's note: This story was corrected to note that Chicago taxes are included in the county tax bill, not that Cook County has more property taxes than Chicago. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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