Dear Neighbor,
As the City faces unprecedented fiscal challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing civil unrest, citizen participation in the budget process is more important than ever. Elected officials need to hear from you to make sure that the City maintains the services that you rely on, provides robust funding for programs that lift up the most vulnerable Chicagoans, and supports the small businesses and institutions that define our neighborhoods.
I invite you to join me in watching the Budget Week Virtual Town Hall series. This week-long series will be streamed online nightly via Facebook Live:
Budget Week Virtual Town Halls
Monday, August 31 – Friday, September 4
Streaming nightly from 6:00 pm to 7:00pm
Watch: Facebook.com/chicagomayorsoffice
The Budget Week Town Halls are an opportunity to learn about the critical functions of each City department, receive updates on issues that impact the City’s finances, and most importantly, provide feedback on how the City should allocate funding in the 2021 budget.
In order to make sure that your voice is heard during the budgeting process, I invite you to take these three action steps:
Watch the “State of the Budget” Town Hall
Visit facebook.com/chicagomayorsoffice on Monday, August 31 at 6:00 pm for an overview of the City’s current finances.
Tune in to at least one additional Budget Week Topic
You can pick topic you are already interested in, or a topic you would like to learn more about! You may also submit a question for each topic by filling out this online form. Click here for a full schedule of topics.
Take the Budget Week Survey
Submit feedback on your priorities for the 2021 budget by taking the Budget Week Survey. The survey will be open from August 31 to September 13.
These important discussions help me advocate for the best use of limited financial resources in order to promote safety, prosperity, and equity for all Chicagoans. I will be listening closely to the Budget Week Town Halls, and I hope you will join me.
For more information on the Budget Week Virtual Town Hall series, please visit the 2021 budget website.
Sincerely,
Alderman Brian Hopkins
2nd Ward
Budget Week Virtual Town Hall Schedule
Monday, August 31: State of the Budget
Featuring Susie Park, Budget Director; Jennie Huang Bennett, Chief Financial Officer; and Alderman Pat Dowell, Chairman of the City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations
Tuesday, September 1: Public Safety
Featuring Susan Lee, Deputy Mayor of Public Safety
Wednesday, September 2: Human Services
Featuring Commissioner Lisa Morrison Butler, Department of Family and Support Services; Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, Department of Public Health; and Commissioner Rachel Arfa, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
Thursday, September 3: Infrastructure
Featuring Commissioner Randy Conner, Department of Water Management; Commissioner John Tully, Department of Streets and Sanitation; and Commissioner Gia Biagi, Department of Transportation
Friday, September 4: Neighborhood and Economic Development
Featuring Commissioner Maurice Cox, Department of Planning and Development; Commissioner Marisa Novara, Department of Housing; and Commissioner Rosa Escareno, Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
Source: 8/31/2020 Brian Hopkins 2nd Ward Alderman
