Chicago mayor faces criticism over proposed head tax as council signals opposition

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s recent proposal to reinstate a corporate “head tax” has drawn strong criticism from national media and sparked debate among local officials. The Wall Street Journal editorial board published an article on November 1, directly challenging the mayor’s plan and questioning its impact on Chicago’s business environment.

The proposed measure would impose a surcharge of approximately $21 per month for each employee at large companies operating in the city. This move is intended to help address a projected budget deficit nearing $1.15 billion for 2026. Critics argue that such a tax could deter businesses from expanding or relocating to Chicago, citing concerns about increased costs and unpredictability in the city’s fiscal policies.

The Wall Street Journal editori