Alders Call for Hearing on Implementation of $46.6 million EY Efficiencies Identified as Part of FY2026 Budget

Alders Call for Hearing on Implementation of $46.6 million EY Efficiencies Identified as Part of FY2026 Budget

Resolution demands accountability and progress on EY Report reforms adopted in City budget


CHICAGO, IL – Today, Aldermen Nicole T. Lee and Scott Waguespack introduced a resolution calling for a City Council hearing to examine the City’s progress in implementing key efficiency and reform measures outlined in the EY Financial and Strategic Reform Options report.

The resolution calls on the Committee on the Budget and Government Operations to convene a subject matter hearing, to take place no later than Wednesday, May 13, 2026, assessing the status of reforms adopted as part of the FY2026 budget and Management Ordinance.

The resolution underscores the urgency of closing the City of Chicago’s $1.2 billion budget deficit. It is critical that this administration, which has an obligation to execute on every element of the budget, is ensuring they avoid falling short of the revenue goals outlined in FY2026 Budget. City Council has yet to receive a comprehensive update on implementation progress, benchmarks, or realized savings tied to these reforms.

Joining Aldermen Lee and Waguespack in sponsoring this resolution are Aldermen Brian Hopkins, Pat Dowell, Lamont J. Robinson, Desmon C. Yancy, William E. Hall, Gregory Mitchell, Michelle Harris, Anthony Beale, Peter Chico, Julia M. Ramirez, Marty Quinn, Jeylu B. Gutierrez, Raymond Lopez, Stephanie D. Coleman, David Moore, Derrick G. Curtis, Matthew J. O’Shea, Jeanette B. Taylor, Ronnie L. Mosley, Silvana Tabares, Monique L. Scott, Jessica Fuentes, Walter "Red" Burnett, Chris Taliaferro, Ruth Cruz, Felix Cardona, Jr., William Conway, Gilbert Villegas, Emma Mitts, Nicholas Sposato, Samantha Nugent, Andre Vasquez, Jr., Anthony Napolitano, Brendan Reilly, Timmy Knudsen, Bennett R. Lawson, James M. Gardiner, Angela Clay, Matthew J. Martin, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Maria E. Hadden, and Debra Silverstein.

“The EY Report laid out a clear path to make City government more efficient, more accountable, and better positioned for the future,” said Ald. Nicole T. Lee. “We incorporated many of these reforms into the budget. Now we need to make sure they are actually being implemented and delivering results.”

“Too often, we pass reforms with the expectation that they will improve how government operates, but we do not always get clear answers on whether they are being carried out,” said Ald. Scott Waguespack. “This hearing is about getting real transparency. We need updates on where things stand, what is working, what is not, and what needs to change.”

As part of the FY2026 budget, City Council included approximately $46.6 million in anticipated efficiencies based on the $3 million EY report issued by the mayor’s office last year, which identified more than $2 billion in efficiencies that could be pursued by the administration. The expectation is that the administration will identify and implement the actions necessary to achieve those savings in FY26. The resolution seeks a clear update on how the administration is progressing toward that goal, including what actions have been taken and what savings have been realized to date.

The resolution emphasizes City Council’s responsibility to conduct ongoing oversight of the executive branch, noting that meaningful accountability cannot be limited to annual budget hearings alone.

The proposed hearing will examine the City’s progress across multiple reform areas, including technology modernization, asset management, workforce policies, fleet management, and cost-saving initiatives. It will also seek clear benchmarks, timelines, and measurable outcomes for each workstream.

The hearing calls for testimony from key City officials, including the interim Chief Financial Officer, Budget Director, Comptroller, Chief Procurement Officer, Chief Information Officer, and other department leaders responsible for executing the reforms.

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