Town Hall Budget Meeting Set for Ward 47

Learn more about the 2013 City of Chicago budget at a town hall meeting hosted by Ward 47 Alderman Ameya Pawar. 

The meeting will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Chase Park Auditorium (4701 North Ashland, second floor). 

Pawar will make a presentation on the budget and then have a discussion so residents can give feedback, according to an email announcement from the Ward office Thursday. 

(Can't make the meeting? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.)

Mayor Rahm Emanuel presented his proposal for the 2013 budget Wednesday, which he said balances finances without a tax increase.  

The proposed budget totals $8.3 billion and has $67 million of spending reform and cuts, according to a city press release. 

The following are highlights in the 2013 budget, from the City of Chicago website. 

• Early Childhood –There will be 5,000 additional early childhood education slots.              
• Eye Exams – There will be eye exams and glasses for 23,000 more kids, bringing the total to 30,000 kids.
• Small Business Center –A new Small Business Center in the Department of Business and Consumer Protection (BACP) will serve as a one-stop-shop for small business owners. 
• Funding for Chicago Police Department to hire officers to remain at full strength at all times.
• Rodent abatement – Employees on limited duty due to injuries will bait for rodents, enabling the City to bait up to 1,800 more alleys in 2013.
• Recycling – Recycling will be expanded citywide by the end of 2013.       

See our database for proposed 2013 city employee salaries. 

Residents can read more about the budget and submit ideas here.