The Washington Post editorial criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson, saying Chicago has relied on temporary fixes and has "lost its mind" financially after a nearly 40% rise in its net operating budget from 2019–2025. The board warned proposals to raise a lease tax from 11% to 14% and revive a $33-per-worker head tax could harm hiring and long-term growth. Mayor Johnson rejected the critique, citing the Civic Federation and arguing the measures would not damage jobs. City aldermen have proposed an alternative budget that includes higher garbage fees, which Johnson has pledged to veto.
Washington Post: Chicago Has “Lost Its Mind” Financially — Mayor Johnson Rejects Criticism
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
The Washington Post editorial board on Monday sharply criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, arguing that the city has relied on short-term fiscal fixes and is repeating a pattern of temporary measures that leave deep structural budget problems unresolved.
The editorial highlighted a nearly 40% increase in Chicago's net operating budget between 2019 and 2025 and cited Grant McClintock of the Civic Federation, who said much of that growth was "subsidized in large part by temporary federal pandemic funding that kept the City financially afloat." The piece warned that the end of pandemic-era federal support has exposed persistent spending commitments that may be unsustainable.
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"Chicago has lost its mind," the editorial declared, singling out specific proposals it called potentially disastrous for the city's long-term finances.
The Post singled out two contested revenue measures: a proposed increase in the tax on leases of "personal property" (including computers, vehicles and software) from 11% to 14%, and the revival of a city "head tax" that would charge large employers about $33 per worker per month. The board warned those measures could raise costs for businesses, deter hiring and ultimately reduce long-term tax receipts.
Mayor Johnson forcefully rejected the editorial at a Monday press conference. "Their assertion is just way off base," he said, arguing that the Civic Federation — which some critics cite — has not found empirical evidence that the proposals taxing less than 1% of the largest corporations would harm job growth. He also noted the Civic Federation previously advised against paying the full pension contribution and viewed the proposed community safety surcharge as a legitimate option.
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The editorial described additional budget maneuvers as "gimmicks," including a temporary hiring freeze that does not address structural gaps between spending and revenue, diverting surplus funds earmarked for economic development into the general fund and schools, and cutting extra contributions to underfunded pensions. The board said these moves postpone hard decisions and risk sacrificing future growth to cover current obligations.
There appears to be limited consensus within Chicago's Democratic leadership. Some city aldermen proposed an alternative budget that would raise garbage collection fees — a move Mayor Johnson reportedly vowed to veto. The conflict underscores sharply different views on how to close the budget gap and finance city priorities.
Fox News Digital contacted Mayor Johnson's office for comment and did not receive an immediate reply.
