Mayor Brandon Johnson Implements Hiring Freeze in Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson has enacted a hiring freeze across Chicago in light of a looming $1 billion budget deficit.

At a Glance

Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a hiring freeze in Chicago due to a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall next year.
The freeze includes limitations on non-essential travel and overtime expenditures outside of public safety operations.
The current CPD academy class is not affected by the freeze.
Budget sacrifices may be required, though specifics have not been detailed.
Contributing factors include revenue declines, rising labor costs, and pension payments.

Chicago’s Hiring Freeze Amid Budget Deficit

Mayor Brandon Johnson has enacted a citywide hiring freeze due to a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall expected for next year. This decision affects all city government positions, including the police force, and includes restrictions on non-essential travel and overtime outside of public safety operations. Johnson has stated this freeze is crucial to combating the city’s severe financial challenges.

The hiring freeze will not impact the Chicago Police Department (CPD) current academy class. This exemption is pivotal as the police department’s staffing has decreased from 13,400 officers in 2019 to 11,700 as of this July. Reports indicate that the freeze extends to various city departments, though agencies like the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and the Park District remain unaffected.

Mayor Brandon Johnson enacts citywide hiring freeze ahead of $1B budget gaphttps://t.co/Fvmm9Q8E0N

— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) September 10, 2024

Budgetary Concerns

Mayor Johnson’s second budget plan will necessitate sacrifices to close the fiscal shortfall and address a $223 million gap for the current year. While specific measures have not been detailed, the administration has not ruled out property tax increases. Contributing factors to the shortfall include revenue declines, rising labor costs, and a $175 million pension payment for non-teaching staff at Chicago Public Schools. The projected deficit of $222.9 million for FY 2024 is expected to rise to $982.4 million in FY 2025.

Aldermens’ Reactions and Path Forward

Aldermen’s reactions to the hiring freeze have varied. Despite the exemption for the current police academy class, the freeze reportedly applies to both the police and fire departments. Ald. Matt O’Shea described the inclusion of police and fire personnel as “unacceptable,” with Ald. Derrick Curtis, 18th, highlighting, “We are already 2,000 members short at the Chicago Police Department.” On the other hand, Ald. Brian Hopkins supported the measure, mentioning that he had called for an immediate hiring freeze two weeks prior.

Budget hearings will commence next month, and the City Council has until December to pass a balanced budget. Johnson will recommend a budget to the City Council in October, requiring support from at least 26 of the 50 aldermen.