# Chicago municipal budget proposal debate > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chicago-municipal-budget-proposal-debate > Updated: 2026-10-28T13:30:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Chicago City Council has initiated hearings regarding Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $17.6 billion budget. The spending plan includes $286 million for Chicago Public Schools, funding for pension programs, homelessness prevention, and the hiring of 390 street outreach workers. The budget also includes a plan to borrow $481 million to cover costs related to lawsuits involving Chicago police officer misconduct. A primary point of debate is a proposed corporate head tax. This measure would charge companies with more than 125 full-time employees $25 per employee per month. Mayor Johnson describes the plan as a “fair share budget,” while the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and Governor JB Pritzker have expressed opposition, suggesting the tax could discourage job growth. Additionally, the Mayor defended the administration’s efforts to combat antisemitism during a town hall meeting, noting that city officials claim anti-Jewish hate crimes in Chicago have declined by 55% this year. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-28: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson defends $17 billion budget proposal Mayor Brandon Johnson defended a proposed $17 billion Chicago budget featuring new funding for schools and public safety, alongside a controversial corporate head tax to close funding gaps. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-defends-17-billion-budget-proposal ### 2026-10-26: Chicago City Council begins hearings on Mayor Johnson's budget Chicago City Council has started hearings on Mayor Brandon Johnson's $17.6 billion budget, which features a controversial corporate head tax and increased spending for public schools. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-city-council-begins-hearings-on-mayor-johnsons-budget --- Cite as: Chicago municipal budget proposal debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chicago-municipal-budget-proposal-debate