Story perspectives

Chicago Appoints Acting Budget Director as $1.16B Shortfall Looms

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that Budget Director Annette Guzman resigned on Tuesday to care for her family.
He appointed Deputy Jonathan Ernst as acting budget director for the 2027 budget season.
Chicago projects a $1.16 billion 2027 shortfall, a $90 million mid-year deficit, and a $16.6 billion council spending plan that Johnson must negotiate despite his opposition, while two of three senior finance posts remain vacant after recent CFO departures.

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Story summary

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that Budget Director Annette Guzman resigned on Tuesday to care for her family.
He appointed Deputy Jonathan Ernst as acting budget director for the 2027 budget season.
Chicago projects a $1.16 billion 2027 shortfall, a $90 million mid-year deficit, and a $16.6 billion council spending plan that Johnson must negotiate despite his opposition, while two of three senior finance posts remain vacant after recent CFO departures.