The Cook County Board of Commissioners met to discuss a paid parental leave measure during the Cook County Finance Committee meeting Wednesday.The resolution would expand paid parental leave for Cook County employees for up to 12 weeks. The proposed measure aligns with the county’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for its employees, according to the meeting agenda.

City Budget Director Annette Guzman and Ald. Jason Ervin (28) during a committee meeting last week. [City of Chicago livestream]

While the annual rigorous city departmental budget hearings are still about four months away, Mayor Brandon Johnson and his budget leaders last week gave a look into how the new administration plans to handle crafting the city’s 2024 spending plan. 

Budget leaders over the course of the past two weeks have said they hope to incorporate input from residents and alderpersons ahead of Johnson’s budget address to avoid multiple last-minute amendments to next year’s spending plan. 

Members of the City Council Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety met Wednesday. [Erin Hegarty/The Daily Line] 

With 17 days until NASCAR drivers descend upon Chicago’s downtown streets, alderpersons finally had the opportunity to ask race officials and city leaders questions publicly about the safety precautions and closures surrounding the event. 

The NASCAR street race, the first of its kind for Chicago, was controversial from the get-go when former Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced plans for the race weekend without seeking approvals from the City Council. But alderpersons’ concerns seemed softened during Wednesday’s hearing. 

Members of the finance committee will meet Wednesday. [Erin Hegarty/The Daily Line] 

Members of the City Council Committee on Finance will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday to consider approving four settlements totaling more than $9 million and proposals for tax-increment finance funding for developments across the city. 

Wednesday will mark the first time the finance committee is meeting under the new leadership of chair Ald. Pat Dowell (3). Ald. Bill Conway (34) is the vice chair of the committee. 

The City Council Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development will meet Tuesday to consider appointments to various Special Service Areas across the city. The Committee on Workforce Development on Monday approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for land management services provided through Greencorps Chicago.