Debt Issuance Supermajority Rule

At a glance

What: Ordinance O2026-0026270 adds Section 2-8-036 to the Municipal Code: every ordinance authorizing a debt issuance by the City (or by an entity it creates) needs the affirmative vote of three-fifths of the aldermen entitled by law to be elected, in addition to any existing requirements. The list includes general obligation, tax increment, special assessment, airport, sales tax, motor fuel tax, water and wastewater transmission revenue bonds.
Result: Passed 32 to 15 on September 29, 2026, after being deferred and published on September 23.

Vote detail

Committee (September 14): recommended passage by roll call with nine dissents: Hall, Ramirez, Rodriguez, Sigcho-Lopez, Burnett, Ervin, Rodriguez-Sanchez, Quezada and Martin.
September 23: deferred and published at the request of Ervin and Hall.
September 29: Quinn moved passage. Nays (15): Robinson, Hall, Ramirez, Moore, Rodriguez, Sigcho-Lopez, Fuentes, Burnett, Ervin, Rodriguez-Sanchez, Quezada, Clay, Martin, Manaa-Hoppenworth and Hadden. La Spata, Taliaferro and Vasquez are not recorded as voting.
A companion proposal by Vasquez, introduced September 29, would require the Budget Director, Chief Financial Officer, Comptroller and Finance chair to keep a live accounting of outstanding debt and give 30 days' notice of debt sales and securitizations.

Sources

City Council journal, September 23, 2026, Volume I: https://chicityclerk.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public-1/reports/2026_09_23%20Journal%20of%20the%20Proceedings%20Vol.%20I.pdf
City Council journal, September 29, 2026: https://chicityclerk.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public-1/reports/2026_09_29%20Journal%20of%20the%20Proceedings.pdf

Log

2026-09-29 - City Council

Passed 32 to 15 on Quinn's motion. Supporters said the three-fifths requirement protects long-term fiscal health and keeps debt service from crowding out core services, and applies to all future mayors.

2026-09-23 - City Council

Committee report deferred and published (journal page 49234).