An online survey of 801 general election voters conducted by Change Research from Nov. 18-21 revealed a snapshot of
Chicagoans’ opinions on budget negotiations, property taxes, and city spending.
The poll, which had a modeled margin of error of 3.7%, explored topics ranging from politician favorability to spending priorities and Chicago’s sanctuary city policies.
The survey found Gov. J.B. Pritzker held the highest favorability rating at 37, while Mayor Brandon Johnson received a net favorability score of -55. In the “groups” category, city alders scored a net favorability of 19, compared to the Chicago Teachers Union’s -15.
Residents oppose tax hikes, want more spending on critical services
Respondents overwhelmingly opposed a $150 million property tax increase. However, many felt the city underfunds essential services, including mental health, housing, homelessness reduction, and public safety.
Regarding migrant policies, a significant majority believe the city is overspending on social services and housing for migrants. This sentiment comes as the administration plans to close its migrant shelter network by the end of 2024, integrating it with the homeless shelter program due to a decline in asylum seekers, according to a Nov. 4 report by Block Club Chicago.
Budget challenges and potential shutdown
Ald. Marty Quinn (13th), part of the group that commissioned the poll, said its findings would guide upcoming budget negotiations. He noted the lack of public support for property tax increases and highlighted residents’ preference for government downsizing. Quinn also pointed to Mayor Johnson’s unfavorable poll numbers as an indicator of potential political fallout should the city fail to balance its budget by the Dec. 31 deadline.
“If Chicago’s government shuts down, the poll results show respondents would overwhelmingly blame the mayor,” Quinn said.
Federal funding and political standoffs
Further complicating the city’s financial challenges, President-elect Donald Trump’s team is reportedly exploring ways to withhold federal funding due to Chicago’s noncompliance with mass migrant deportations, as reported by The Washington Post on Nov. 26. Additionally, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is considering blocking infrastructure grants for O’Hare and Midway airports over the use of O’Hare facilities to house migrants. A Dec. 1 report from the Chicago Tribune noted that Cruz has received partial responses from Mayor Johnson’s office after previous inquiries were ignored.
Calls for spending reform
Ald. Silvana Tabares (23rd) emphasized that residents demand fiscal responsibility. “Chicago does not want a tax increase,” Tabares said. “They want us to right-size the budget and live within our means.” She proposed returning most city spending, aside from public safety, to pre-pandemic levels adjusted for inflation—a move she said could save nearly $600 million.
The poll results inspired 16 aldermen to sign an amendment revising the 2025 budget to include funding for ShotSpotter technology, supported by a $2.5 million pledge from business leaders, while cutting costs in other areas.
“The fact of the matter is we can’t continue to spend one-time revenue COVID dollars and expect new programs to fund themselves,” Quinn said. “We need guardrails to control spending.”