Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's "A Day in the Ward" Visit to the 43rd Ward

"A Day in the Ward" Initiative

• 🏙️ Mayor Brandon Johnson continues his "A Day in the Ward" series, visiting Chicago's 43rd Ward to engage with local businesses and community groups.
• 🎯 The initiative aims to build the safest, most affordable big city in America by understanding and addressing community needs.

Business and Community Support

• ☕ Visited Soloway Cafe, highlighting the owner's story of supporting Ukrainian individuals fleeing war and discussing business vitality with the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce.
• 💰 The administration has invested over $772,000 in businesses within the 43rd Ward, including a $250,000 community development grant to Junior Chef's Kitchen.
• 🧑‍🍳 Nikki, owner of Junior Chef's Kitchen, is empowering children with culinary skills and nutrition education, partnering with Chicago Public Schools and aiming for expansion.
• 🤝 Supported Care for Friends, a nonprofit providing food, toiletries, and healthcare assistance, emphasizing the importance of community around a shared mission.

Investments and Youth Programs

• 🏛️ Investments in the 43rd Ward include $14,314,640 in infrastructure and hiring 105 young people through the One Summer Chicago youth program.
• 🌳 Explored the Lincoln Park Zoo, acknowledging its role in educational programs and its importance as a city asset.

Chicago Public Schools Budget Discussion

• 📚 Mayor Johnson is committed to passing a balanced budget for Chicago Public Schools without classroom cuts, emphasizing long-term sustainability.
• 💰 He highlighted that the state of Illinois owes CPS $1.6 billion, and receiving just 12% of that would create a surplus.
• 💡 The administration is exploring all options to ensure smaller class sizes, libraries, social workers, and counselors are maintained.
• 🗣️ Addressed the use of TIF (Tax Increment Financing) money, stating the focus is on securing state funding rather than relying solely on TIF surplus for school budgets.

Progressive Revenue and City Investments

• 📈 Discussed the need for progressive revenue to fund infrastructure improvements and city services, noting broad support across different income levels for investing in public education and social programs.
• 🏘️ Highlighted efforts to build 10,000 affordable homes and support business growth, citing examples like Nikki's business in Lincoln Park.
• 📉 Emphasized a 30% reduction in homicides and significant decreases in shootings and robberies as evidence of progress in making Chicago safer.
• ☔ Addressed infrastructure needs, including fixing issues causing flooding due to poor planning, and ensuring dignity for retirees through pension support.
• ❤️ Celebrated his wife's birthday at the Lincoln Park Zoo, underscoring the importance of family and community.