Chicago Mayor Faces Budget Scrutiny as Council Forms Accountability Coalition

Aldermen launch new group to monitor city spending, debt, and public safety

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson touted the city's economic outlook, but aldermen, including Gil Villegas, have announced the formation of a new coalition to closely monitor the city's budget spending, debt levels, and public safety concerns.

Why it matters

As the city faces ongoing fiscal challenges, the new accountability coalition aims to provide greater transparency and oversight of the mayor's budget and spending priorities, which have come under increased scrutiny from the city council.

The details

The coalition, led by Alderman Gil Villegas, will review the city's budget, debt levels, and public safety data in an effort to hold the mayor's office more accountable to the city council and residents.

  • Mayor Johnson delivered his economic outlook address on February 13, 2026.

The players

Mayor Brandon Johnson

The current mayor of Chicago who recently touted the city's economic outlook.

Alderman Gil Villegas

A Chicago alderman who is leading the new accountability coalition formed by the city council.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold the mayor's office accountable and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly.”

— Alderman Gil Villegas, Leader of the Accountability Coalition (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The accountability coalition plans to hold regular public hearings to review the city's budget, debt, and public safety data.

The takeaway

As Chicago faces ongoing fiscal challenges, the new council-led accountability coalition aims to provide greater transparency and oversight of the mayor's budget and spending priorities, which have come under increased scrutiny.