Contracting Oversight News Today

Under Mayor Brandon Johnson’s “Unity Plan,” Alderman Emma Mitts (37th) has been appointed by Johnson as chairman of the Contract and Compliance Committee, and

Former Inspector General Joe Ferguson had pushed for a more independent Council, but slammed this approach as a “pre-emptive power move of the status quo wrapped in a package that includes meaningful reforms.”

Mayor Lori Lightfoot punished her enemies and rewarded her friends in a City Council reorganization that was the first test of her political clout.

Three committee chairs are working behind the scenes to reorganize and empower the City Council before a new mayor and Council are seated.

Ald. Carrie Austin, 73, who did not seek a seventh term on the Chicago City Council, stepped down the day after Chicago voters went to the polls to pick a new mayor and City Council. 

Black Caucus Chair Jason Ervin (28th), Emma Mitts (37th) and Chris Taliaferro (29th) will be on hand for the mayor’s announcement.

Even as more dollars are pumped in, several City Council committees aren’t meeting regularly, raising questions about why they exist in the first place.

The panel will mull Lightfoot’s final casino recommendation before it goes to the full City Council.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re about to make history here,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, just before the first electronic vote.

City Council has more pressing matters than spending time and energy on an ordinance targeting Trump and his ugly downtown sign.