Angela Ybarra

Committee members approved a tax incentive for the rehabilitation of the Congress Theater, a historic landmark, as part of a larger redevelopment agreement including $27 million in TIF funds.

MWRD presented department details including responsibilities and covered outstanding agenda items.

The “do not hire” list was brought up a number of times along with peace circles, in light of the recent Ronnie Reese case. Multiple alders also asked that Leigh and Jackson be referred to resources regarding issues with their properties.

Alders seem invested in finding alternative ways to manage budget

Meeting discussions centered on how to enforce BACP regulations for small businesses as well as peddlers.

Committee approved amendment allowing indoor urban farm operations in former office spaces to increase use of building spaces left vacant in the downtown shopping district after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The committee heard from members of the Fire Fighters Union Local 2 regarding the need for leave for firefighters after experiencing the loss of a colleague.

The committee discussed data residency and storage within the City of Chicago through ordinance SO2024-00082.

Chicago Public Schools officials reported higher rates of diversity and preparedness among teachers, along with other positive stats on the start of the new school year, though public commenters shared that funding changes and staffing cuts have left their schools scrambling.

Riot Fest and Sueños music festivals, Fundraising for kids in the parks, Douglass Park, Washington Park

There is a great deal of contention regarding contractors for O’Hare International Airport, especially the fact that there is only 1 black contractor

Issue with right to protest was a main concern as DNC nears and permits are being denied or prohibited and also not allowed within certain distance from the convention center

Chicago City Colleges takes steps to provide more access to mental health resources for students

The impending DNC will most likely be met with a great deal of protesting and there is a worry regarding how CPD will address it.

The Treatment Not Trauma program has been in planning processes for some time and in the news making many feel as if it might not come to fruition.

Commissioners unanimously approved major rezoning requests in Pullman, paving the way for a drive-thru Chick-fil-A.

City Council passes a cease-fire resolution

Alders approve multiple zoning ordinances

Meeting was adjourned as the commission did not meet quorum.

Members of the public and Chicago City Council speak in favor of demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Committee on Budget and Government Operations approved a collection of ordinances which make up the 2024 budget, which suggests it will easily pass City Council’s final budget vote.

While Mayor Rahm Emanuel dissolved Chicago’s Department of Environment over a decade ago, Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to bring it back with a $1.1 million funding boost.

The top issues for the Department of Streets and Sanitation are rodent control, tree trimming and street sweeping.

The Chicago Public Schools academic year was off to a hot start last week, with the city seeing temperatures in the triple digits.

Expanding trauma care and gun violence prevention.

COVID-19 vaccination rates, mental health, parental outreach