Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Chicago Raises Hotel Tax to Boost Tourism Funding

3/20/2026

34 5

Summary

Story summary

The Chicago City Council approved raising the hotel room tax from 17.5% to 19% on hotels with more than 100 rooms to fund the Tourism Improvement District and support Choose Chicago.
Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the decision as a tool to boost tourism and economic growth.
Social media reactions expressed concerns about the tax hike, with some questioning its impact on tourism and criticizing local Democrats.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Chicago City Council approved raising the hotel room tax from 17.5% to 19% on hotels with more than 100 rooms to fund the Tourism Improvement District and support Choose Chicago.
Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the decision as a tool to boost tourism and economic growth.
Social media reactions expressed concerns about the tax hike, with some questioning its impact on tourism and criticizing local Democrats.