Dear Neighbors,
For the first time in Chicago history, today a City Council led budget was passed by a vote of 30-18 (for the final step). A few of us began crafting this alternative budget months ago when it became clear that the Mayor was not willing to meaningfully negotiate his original proposed budget. At first, this was a strategy to push the Mayor’s budget into a better direction. As we discussed weekly in this newsletter, “a better direction” meant removing the corporate head tax on jobs, reinstating our full advanced pension payment, not over-relying on any single revenue source, and avoiding a property tax.
Yet, the Mayor showed little interest in compromise - particularly surprising given that he was never close to the votes needed to pass a budget. As a result, we advanced a formal alternative and today passed a plan that is more responsible and sustainable for Chicagoans, while protecting the programs and services many residents rely on. There is a lot to unpack, and I recommend sources like WBEZ and Block Club Chicago that will analyze this budget in more depth, but below are the major changes we achieved today:
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Makes the full advanced pension payment (~$260 million) to strengthen the city’s finances and help avoid higher costs and borrowing in the future. This combats the trend of credit rating decreases that we have fallen into under the Mayor’s term.
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Implements efficiencies recommended by Ernst & Young by modest fee updates, modernization of systems, and collection of money already owed to the city - all while keeping relief programs intact for low-income residents and seniors.
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Uses a diversified revenue approach to spread responsibility across multiple sources, including modest increases to taxes on shopping bags, retail alcohol sales, expanded congestion fee zones for rideshare trips, and ads on light poles.
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Removal of the corporate head tax which could have discouraged business growth at a critical moment for Chicago. Avoiding this tax supports momentum in job creation, recovering our downtown economy, and maintaining a stable commercial tax base (which contributes significantly to our levy).
In addition, through this alternative budget, we have added funding for essential programs such as gender-based violence programs and the Chicago Public Library.
An “easy budget” will not exist until we move Chicago into a stronger financial position after decades of over-leveraging and overspending. Until then, we must remain steadfast in advancing budgets that are balanced, forward-looking, and growth-focused. Today, we did exactly that.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to my leadership partners during this historic time, especially Ald. Nicole Lee (11th), Sam Nugent (39th), Pat Dowell (3rd), and Matt O’Shea (19th). I am also deeply grateful to City Hall employees for the nights and weekends spent working through the holidays, and the city’s finance and budget teams who precisely design the large portion of the budget that goes un-debated. And finally, thank you to the many 43rd Ward residents who engage thoughtfully on these issues and share insights that help guide my negotiations and votes.
Let me be clear: The Mayor could still veto this budget; however, a veto to a budget this late in the year would likely mean making the choice to shut the City down. Doing so would leave thousands of hardworking government staff without pay, disrupt essential services, and have an immediate negative impact on our City’s credit rating. The Mayor must not veto this budget.
Go Bears! Sincerely,
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Alderperson Timmy Knudsen
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Alderperson Knudsen’s Statement on the Capital Bond Vote
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During the budget discussions, we also voted on a bond debt authorization ordinance. I voted no on this authorization because, as written, it gave the mayor far too much unilateral spending authority with limited City Council oversight. At the same time, it weakened funding structures for core, resident-focused programs - including Smart Streets, which supports pedestrian safety, traffic calming, and safer neighborhood design. I support investing in our infrastructure, but those investments must come with transparency, accountability, and a clear commitment to proven safety programs.
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43rd Ward Holiday Office Hours
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Diane Fitzgerald, 43rd Ward Civic Leader of the Year
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Ald. Knudsen Urges Johnson & CDOT to Prioritize Bridge Closures and Offer Alternative Traffic Congestion Plans
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"Finally, the ongoing closure of river bridges (especially the Cortland Bridge) has created major traffic strain and frustration for residents and businesses alike. During last week’s budget hearings, I joined several colleagues in calling for immediate, creative solutions and expedited action from the City. Alongside seven other aldermen, I sent a letter to Mayor Johnson urging his administration and CDOT to prioritize this bridge issue. My office will continue pushing for clearer communication, smarter coordination, and the fastest safe timeline possible to get these bridges reopened." -Ald. Timmy Knudsen
Our office received a letter back from CDOT, outlining steps they are taking to help reduce traffic congestion and delays for 43rd Ward residents. You can read it here.
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43rd Ward Volunteer Corps
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The 43rd Ward’s Volunteer Corps Development Project (VCDP) Team is always looking to engage with anyone interested in volunteering with the ward. If you or anyone you know is interested in getting involved, fill out this form here to stay updated!
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Crime, and safety remain top of mind for our community. Each week, the 18th and 19th District post Compstat numbers that reflect changes in indexes for key crimes. As a reminder, these statistics represent 100% of the 18th & 19th Police Districts; accordingly, they represent an area much larger than our ward.
For 18th District (south of Fullerton) Week 50 Compstat.
For 19th District (north of Fullerton) Week 50 Compstat.
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We work closely with the 43rd Ward’s local CAPS districts, which include the 18th (Near North) and 19th (Town Hall) Police Districts. Our office is in frequent contact with officers from both of these districts and their local CAPS officers, who host a variety of community forums and events including beat meetings, informational settings, and expert panel discussions, as well as sending out community alerts when a pattern of crime is detected.
Beat Meetings are part of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy and an excellent way to hear directly from CPD about your neighborhood. Meetings are held in the evenings every two months. Click here and find out your Police District and Beat number.
2025 43rd Ward CAPS Meetings:
All Beats in the 43rd Ward have held their last meetings for 2025. If you need assistance, please reach out to the 18th or 19th District CAPS offices.
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North Ave Underpass Mural
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The world could use more joy and beauty right now! You can donate HERE.
We have a fundraising goal of $50,000. Any funds we raise in excess will be donated directly to the Lincoln Park Conservancy, an organization that is dear to my heart and that will be collecting and managing the funds and maintenance of the project. Chicago Public Arts Group has helped us navigate the process, coordinate the budget and is overseeing the permitting process and other tasks as needed.
During the design process we decided one side should represent the city during the day and the other in the evening.
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Caroling with LCA and OTTA
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Lincoln Central Neighborhood Association, Old Town Triangle Association, and Alderman Timmy Knudsen invite you to a festive afternoon of caroling and community cheer! Meet at 3:30 p.m. at the Chicago Fire Department at 605 W Armitage and sing along as we visit neighbors and businesses along the way. We will finish at Church of Three Crosses (333 W Wisconsin) around 5:00 p.m. for hot drinks and holiday treats. The event is free and community members of all ages are welcome. Caroling books will be provided.
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Letters to Santa Drop-Off
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JATES Design + Build, located at 2501 N Lincoln Avenue (Lincoln & Altgeld) has set up a Letters to Santa drop-off mailbox for neighborhood children, available daily from 8:30am to 5pm now through December 23rd.
They've also created a festive holiday window display and indoor Christmas scene for families to enjoy and take photos. Their aim is simply to contribute to the neighborhood spirit and offer something fun and uplifting for the community during the season. Go send some letters!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Have questions about street work happening in your area? The Department of Transportation has a wonderful tool to look up street work in your area called the Chi Street Work Portal. Here you can input an address and see all surrounding permits for projects on that street. The map is also interactive, allowing residents to view the real permits, view projects in other areas of the City, and see which type of work is being done on your street.
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Parking Enforcement via 311
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The Department of Finance (DOF) announced that City residents now have the option of reporting the following parking enforcement violations: Bus Lane Parking, Commercial Loading Zone, Commercial Vehicle Parked on a Residential Street, Disabled Parking, Fire Hydrant Parking, Residential Parking, Rush Hour Zones, School Safety Zones, Vehicle Parked in Bike Lane, Other (Semi-trucks parked on streets, etc.) Neighbors can report parking violations by calling 311, using the CHI311 app, or through the 311 website. The request type is “Finance Parking Code Enforcement Review.”
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E-Scooters and E-Bikes Policy Updates
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Please click here for updated guidance and rules from CDOT on Scooter and E-Bike rides.
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I want to keep spreading the good word of how powerful a tool CHI 311 is to address non-emergency services in our Ward. Via the CHI 311 website and mobile app, you can:
- Create new service requests and check the status of existing requests (such as on timing and completion).
- Snap a photo of an issue to submit it with a request to improve location accuracy.
- Get local and relevant information/tips regarding the 43rd Ward including visibility into what other requests are being made in your neighborhood. The free CHI 311 mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and may be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
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