Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Members of the Chicago Fiscal Sustainability Working Group
illi News/10300910

CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the formation of the Chicago Fiscal Sustainability Working Group (CFSWG), a diverse and cross-sector body tasked with identifying strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce long-term budget gaps, and ensure the city's finances are positioned for a stable and sustainable future.

The working group, established through Executive Order No. 2025-1, will provide recommendations for a long-term financial plan for the city. Co-chaired by Jim Reynolds, Chairman and CEO of Loop Capital, and Karen Freeman-Wilson, President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, the group brings together respected leaders from various sectors to help shape a better future for all residents.

Mayor Johnson stated that this is a pivotal moment for Chicago and that bringing together leaders from different sectors will help design a budget that is rooted in purpose, equity, and long-term planning. He believes their insights and experience will be crucial in shaping a better future for all residents.

The working group will be supported by staff from the Office of Budget and Management and advised by Ernst & Young (EY). Budget Director Annette Guzman emphasized that this initiative is not just about financial management but also about building trust in how public dollars are used. She expressed her confidence in the members' commitment to making Chicago fiscally sound for everyone.

More on illi News

• Noble World Foundation Urges UN to Declare Religious Identity Laws a Crime Against Humanity
• Host Your Next Retreat in Costa Rica: Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel & Studios Offers the Ideal Setting in Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica
• Koplon Implant & Family Dentistry Receives National Recognition as One of the Best Dental Implant Practices in the U.S
• San Antonio Buyer Secures 2.375% Mortgage in 2025-Broker Reveals the Mistake Costing Buyers Thousands
• Heritage at South Brunswick Grand Opening Success!

Co-chair Jim Reynolds expressed his honor in co-leading this effort and believes that Chicago has the talent and capacity to solve complex challenges. He looks forward to working alongside a diverse and dedicated group of leaders to move the city forward.

Co-chair Karen Freeman-Wilson highlighted the importance of collaboration in producing real, lasting change. She expressed her humility in being part of such a diverse group that represents voices from every corner of the city.

The inaugural CFSWG membership includes co-chairs Jim Reynolds and Karen Freeman-Wilson, as well as members Adrienne Alexander (Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at AFSCME Council 31), Martin Cabrera, Jr. (CEO and Founder of Cabrera Capital Markets and Cabrera Capital Partners), Tyler Clark (US Government Affairs Industry Director at Microsoft Corporation), Phil Clement (President and CEO of World Business Chicago), Ronald Denard (CFO of United Way), Ishan Daya (Co-Director of the Institute for the Public Good), Maricela Garcia (Interim President and CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción), Pasquale Gianni (Counsel and Director of Government Affairs at Teamsters Joint Council 25), Jeffrey Howard (Executive Vice President at SEIU Local 73), Trever Johnson (Head of Customer Engineering at Google LLC), Andrea Kluger (Chief of Staff at Chicago Federation of Labor), Jimmy Lee (President of Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce), Dan Lurie (President and CEO of Metropolitan Planning Council), Ralph Martire (Executive Director of Center for Tax and Budget Accountability), Annie McGowan (Policy and Research Director at The Civic Federation), Farzin Parang (Executive Director of Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago - BOMA/Chicago), Chasse Rehwinkel (Executive Vice President and CEO at Devon Bank) and Mary Wagoner (Director, State and Local Finance at Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago).

More on illi News

• Celebree School Speeds Up National Growth with Wave of Q1 Franchise Signings
• Riverbend Industries Appoints Jim McTaggart as President of Williams Comfort Products
• $1B Target by 2027 Amid eSIM, Global Roaming Expansion; $57.6M Q1 Revenue and Market Uplisting, Advancing Toward IQSTEL, Inc. (Stock Symbol: IQST)
• SharpeMachine brings six systematic equity strategies to allocators via validityBase, delivering a fully verifiable live track record
• LIB TH-50/TH-80 Benchtop Environmental Chamber Drives Global Demand

In addition, several members from the Chicago City Council will serve as part of an advisory group within the CFSWG. This includes Alderwoman Pat Dowell, Chairwoman for the Committee on Finance; Alderman Jason Ervin, Chairman for the Committee on Budget and Government Operations; Alderman William Hall, Chairman for the Revenue Subcommittee; Alderman David Moore from the 17th Ward; and Alderman Michael Rodriguez, Chairman for the Committee on Workforce Development.

As the work progresses, additional members are expected to be added to the working group. The CFSWG will hold its inaugural meeting this Saturday, May 17th and will deliver its preliminary report to Mayor Johnson by August 31, 2025, and a final report by May 31, 2026. Their recommendations will inform budget decisions and long-term financial planning to ensure Chicago remains fiscally strong, innovative, and responsive to the needs of its residents.

---

Show All News | Report Violation