Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks to reporters during a news conference March 20, 2024. [Chicago Mayor's Office livestream]

Thousands of mailed ballots have yet to be counted, but results have not looked promising for the signature policy proposal for Mayor Brandon Johnson and progressive allies on the City Council — the Bring Chicago Home referendum.

Although the question survived a legal challenge from a coalition of real estate and business groups, about 53.6 percent of voters opposed the real estate transfer tax changes as of the latest results Wednesday, which would increase the tax on sales over $1 million and decrease the tax for sales under $1 million. Proceeds from the additional tax would be used to combat homelessness, and advocates estimated the changes could give the city $100 million annually for that cause.