Chicago Park District Board Receives 2025 Proposed Budget and Five-Year Capital Plan Reflecting Nearly $700 Million in Investment in Families, Communities and its Workforce;[...]

Park District; Board honor former Commissioner Jose Muñoz for his years of service and dedication to the Board

Today, during its monthly meeting, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners received the District's proposed $598.1 million 2025 Budget, which prioritizes families and strengthening communities by investing in youth engagement, local park programming, workforce development, sustainability initiatives and infrastructure. The Park District also presented its five- year Capital Plan, that delivers $100 million in investment annually. Also, during the meeting held at the Chicago Park District headquarters, the Board elected Dr. Marlon Everett as its new President.

Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño presented the 2025 budget recommendations to the Board. The $598 million budget is a fiscally responsible plan that reflects a 3.76% increase from the previous year to address rising operating costs, investments in local parks and the District's workforce. Highlights of the balanced Operating Budget include the addition of beginner gymnastics opportunities on the city's south side and an increase in field trips for day campers and college tours to enhance educational experiences for youth. The proposed budget also upholds vital seasonal employment opportunities and nature-based programs, previously supported by grants. The Park District Board of Commissioners will vote on the 2025 budget recommendations during its regular monthly meeting on December 11th.

The Chicago Park District's 2025 budget recommendations can be viewed online here.

"In 2025 we are prioritizing investments in our youth, our workforce, community programs, wellness and sustainability efforts, as well as neighborhood infrastructure," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. "In addition, this financial plan is the result of thoughtful decisions strategic decisions to preserve the Park District's impact in our communities for years to come."

The Board voted to elect Commissioner Everett as President for a one-year term. A practicing cardiologist in the Chicagoland area, Everett was appointed to the Park District Board in September. He spearheads the S.C.O.R.E. program, a collaboration with the Chicago Public Schools to teach high school students the tremendously valuable life-saving skills of CPR and is committed to sharing important heart health messaging, particularly in at-risk communities. Since 2011, Dr. Everett had served as the co-director of a highly successful youth program in Chicago, called the Chicago Elite Classic, where hundreds of kids learn important life skills through basketball. The classic hosts workshops and programs throughout the year focusing on issues like conflict resolution and financial literacy, and culminates with one of the top high school basketball showcases in the country.

"I am honored to serve as the President of the Chicago Park District. It's an exciting time to be part of the Park District. I'm looking forward to collaborating with my fellow Commissioners and the Administration team as we launch the District's Five-Year Vision in 2025."

The District also delivered a presentation on the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan. Much like the District's operating budget, the District's Capital Improvement Plan is a forward-thinking approach to maintaining existing infrastructure and making new investments that support families and communities. Each year, the District spends roughly $100 million is capital investments, comprised of $35 million from Park District issued debt and $65 million in outside funding sources. Remaining committed to the equitable distribution of resources, the Park District spends 50% of its capital budget in historically disinvested communities with $40 million invested in or near the city's priority block groups. Highlights of the capital improvement plan includes the framework plans for the South Lakefront, Washington Park and Grant Park; DuSable Park, Midway Park Inclusive Playground and the renovation of the Garfield Park Conservatory Children's Garden.

The Board authorized the District to enter into a one-year agreement Flood Brothers Disposal Company for trash collection and disposal services. As the manager of nearly 9,000 acres of public parkland that attracts millions of patrons annually, trash collect is vital to park operations and the park goers experience. It is estimated that over the next year, Flood Brothers will collect and dispose of 7,000 tons of waste, 1,000 tons of recyclable materials, and 1,800 cubic yards of organic herbaceous waste. Further, there are approximately 5,000 containers and dumpsters that will be picked up 4-7 times per week during the peak season, from May to September, and 1-3 times per week during the off season, from October to April. The amount of this contract is not-to-exceed $3,828,000 and the Minority- and Women-Owned participation includes 25% Minority-Owned and 7% Women-Owned meeting/exceeding the District's goals.

Also at today's meeting, the Board approved a joint procurement agreement with the City of Chicago to purchase computerware from Dell Marketing. Items to be procured under the agreement include laptops and related accessories, data center cloud services, software and security subscription licensing. The amount of the contract is not-to-exceed $6,750,000 for the three-year term. The Minority- and Women-Owned participation includes 25% Minority-Owned and 7% Women-Owned meeting the District's goals.

Former Commissioner Jose Muñoz was honored for his service to the Park District Board. A resolution was read into record highlighting his years of service and commitment to parks. Muñoz was appointed to the Board in September of 2019 and served until September of this year.

The Park District Chief Financial Officer Kelly Flannery was appointed to the Park Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago. Deputy Director of Program Information Rebecca Brandtman was designated the Delegate of the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and Naureen Rana was delegated the Alternate Delegate for IAPD.