Illinois Mayors Resign as Rockford Mayor Steps Down and Chicago Budget Director Leaves

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara announced his resignation, effective later this month, to become chief executive officer of the Illinois Municipal League, a nonprofit representing nearly 1,300 municipalities. McNamara, who has led Rockford since 2017, will be succeeded by a city‑council member selected to serve until a special election in 2027.

In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the sudden resignation of budget director Annette Guzman, who is leaving to care for an aging parent. Guzman's departure follows the earlier exit of the city’s chief financial officer, prompting criticism about stability in the mayor’s office. Johnson emphasized that the administration remains focused on its budget goals and public‑safety initiatives, with deputy Jonathan Ernst stepping in as acting budget director.