Chicago's net spending has surged by $4 billion in just seven years, hitting nearly $13 billion in 2026. The vast majority (76%) of this extraordinary budget growth is consumed entirely by pensions and city employee costs.

🚨NEW Chicago's net spending has surged by $4 billion in just seven years, hitting nearly $13 billion in 2026. The vast majority (76%) of this extraordinary budget growth is consumed entirely by pensions and city employee costs. https://t.co/LGxlrhe4fe

— Illinois Policy (@illinoispolicy) October 22, 2026