How Will Chicago Close $1B Budget Gap? Plus, Visit Austin’s New Grocery Store
Chicago is staring down a $1.15 billion budget gap. This week, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget task force released its official report, which includes nearly 90 policy suggestions. We are joined by city hall reporters A.D. Quig from the Tribune and Tonia Hill from the Triibe to discuss a city vacancy freeze, raising garbage fees, and a property tax hike. Plus, a city council committee approves a historic police violence settlement, RTA is surveying possible transit cuts, and Austin’s newest grocery store is prepping for its opening.
Good News: Chicago River Swim, Jerk, Seafood, and Vegan Festival, Rainbow Cone
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Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 19 episode:
- Chicago Architecture Center
- Kidney Cancer Association
- Chicago Association of Realtors
- Window Nation
- The Newberry
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