What Chicago Needs in Its Next Mayor
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Chicago City Hall (Getty Images)
For Chicago’s next mayor, winning the election is the easy part. Whether it’s Brandon Johnson securing a second term or one of his numerous challengers in the upcoming February mayoral election, the city’s leader will face an immediate array of challenges stemming from the city’s financial troubles, stagnant growth, and politically charged atmosphere. Overcoming these obstacles will require more than strategic decisions; it will mandate difficult and politically costly choices, regardless of the policy direction chosen.
"The mayor has to understand that, politically, this is more of a grave-digging job than a ladder — right now and for the next few election cycles," says Samir Mayekar, former deputy mayor for economic and neighborhood development under Mayor Lori Lightfoot. "It remains to be seen if there’s self-awareness among candidates about the nature of the challenges they’re facing and the potential trade-offs required to solve structural city problems."
A unique aspect of this moment is the pension crisis, which has been simmering for years, finally reaching a boiling point and exerting immense, immediate pressure on the city’s budget.
"There really is no more runway," states Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson. After decades of underfunding city pensions and accumulating massive debt, the city has been relying on temporary fixes or pandemic-era funding to avoid addressing the issue.
"I don’t think people fully appreciate that this era is over," Ferguson adds.
The consequences are dire: Pension-related expenditures consumed approximately 40% of the city budget in 2025, according to the Civic Federation. The Chicago Financial Future Task Force, led by Mayor Johnson, emphasized this point in its report, stating that the "magnitude and durability" of the pension crisis "is projected to constrain future budgets significantly."
With such a large portion of the budget dedicated to legacy bills, there is little room for other priorities. Every choice becomes unappealing: Budget cuts are both politically and operationally challenging, and new revenue sources often come with compromises that make the city less attractive to residents or businesses.
"In this context where resources seem to be dwindling, every budget decision appears like a zero-sum game," explains Nik Theodore, professor and head of the Department of Urban Planning & Policy at the University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Urban Planning & Public Affairs. "This polarizing environment makes coalition building extremely difficult for the mayor’s office."
Solutions and Required Skills
There is a path out of this challenge, a way to lead all parts of Chicago into a period of prosperity. However, achieving this will demand unwavering dedication and specific skills:
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Catalyze Growth: One solution involves stimulating a robust growth spurt across the city. This requires a comprehensive strategy to attract businesses, invest in infrastructure, and create jobs, ensuring a vibrant and diverse economy.
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Bold Leadership: The next mayor must possess the courage to make tough decisions and advocate for the long term, even when it means facing short-term political backlash.
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Effective Communication: Communicating a vision for the city's future clearly and persuasively is crucial. The mayor should engage with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to build consensus and support for transformative changes.
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Collaborative Mindset: Fostering collaboration between different community groups, businesses, and political factions is essential. Building coalitions will be key to navigating the city's complex political landscape and implementing meaningful reforms.
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Financial Savvy: A deep understanding of the city's finances and budget is imperative. The mayor must be adept at analyzing complex financial data, making informed decisions, and navigating the challenges of the city's pension obligations.
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Strategic Vision: The ability to envision Chicago's future and develop a comprehensive plan to get there is critical. This includes identifying opportunities for growth, addressing systemic issues, and preparing the city for the challenges and opportunities of the future.