Chicago's net spending has surged by $4 billion in just seven years, hitting nearly $13 billion in 2026.

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) November 13, 2026