CHICAGO— Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement and the Office of Budget and Management to announce the Mayor’s Office 2027 Budget Engagement Roundtable events.
This year’s roundtables will extend engagement through a new Budget Engagement Scenario Game, an interactive exercise inviting participants to collaborateto develop shared priorities within a simulated budget framework, encouraging thoughtful discussion and a deeper understanding of fiscal decision-making.
This series of dynamic public meetings allows Chicagoans to engage in conversations surrounding community priorities for the upcoming budgetary cycle while sharing ideas shaping the future of the City.
“Building safe and affordable communities requires meaningful partnership with the people who call our city home,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.“These roundtables create an important opportunity for residents to help guide the investments that will strengthen our communities for generations to come.
From public safety and youth opportunities to housing, mental health services, infrastructure, and economic development, our administration is committed to centering public voices in the budget process while ensuring City operations serve the needs of our residents.”
Building upon budget engagement outreach from previous years, Mayor Johnson will host five roundtable events across Chicago to welcome input from community members.
Four of the events will welcome the general public and one will focus on input from youth ages 14-24.
These roundtables present Chicagoans the opportunity to speak directly with City officials and share which services matter most, what programs should be prioritized, and where spending can be realigned.
The interactive Budget Engagement Scenario game, developed in partnership with the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago, aims to deepen public understanding of the City’s annual budget process by helping residents explore the real-world tradeoffs involved in funding City programs and services.
“People feel the impacts of City budgets but rarely get the chance to wrestle with the choices behind them,” said Thea Crum, Associate Director of Neighborhoods Initiative at the Great Cities Institute. “By working through the simulation, participants will discover that budgeting involves more than line items and spreadsheets, it’s about values, tradeoffs, and what kind of city we want to build.
The game creates a shared space for learning, conversation, and collective problem-solving, helping residents engage with the budget process in a more meaningful and informed way.”
Residents are welcome to engage and learn more by visiting theFY2027 Budget Engagement websiteand reviewing the City’s Budget 101 video.
Feedback can be provided through the Public Comment Portal and by completing the Budget Engagement Survey, available on the 2027 Budget Engagement Website.
At all public roundtable events except the final youth session, a City Resource Fair will be held beginning one hour prior to the event.
During this time, residents can meet with representatives from City departments and explore the range of services available.
All events will be broadcast live on the City’s social media platforms for those unable to attend in person.
ASL will be available at all events.
Closed captioning will be offered at Harry S.
Truman College and Spanish interpretation will be possible at Malcolm X College.
BUDGET ENGAGEMENT ROUND TABLESSCHEDULE
ROUNDTABLE IWednesday, June 3, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Doors open/Resource Fair: 5 p.m.–6 p.m. Malcolm X College – 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
ROUNDTABLE IISaturday, June 6, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Doors open/Resource Fair: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Harry S. Truman College – 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
ROUNDTABLE IIITuesday, June 16, 20266:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Doors open/Resource Fair: 5 p.m.–6 p.m.
Kennedy-King College – 740 W 63rd St
ROUNDTABLE IV – Southwest Side, Spanish
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Doors open/Resource Fair: 5 p.m.–6 p.m.
Curie High School - 4959 S Archer Ave
ROUNDTABLE V – Youth EngagementThursday, June 25, 202511:00 AM – 1:30 PMHarold Washington Winter Garden – 400 S. State St.
Residents can register to attend roundtables in advance on the City’s Budget Engagement Website:https:www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/obm/provdrs/budget/svcs/FY2027BudgetEngagement.html
Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.