The Future of Chicago’s Public Transportation, Da Bears, and Tax Increases? June’s Power Poll Results Are In
By: Thom Serafin
June 16, 2025
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You can listen to the latest Power Poll podcast here.
What’s on the minds of Chicago’s Power Pollers this month?
From the future of public transportation to the debate over funding a new Bears stadium and new tax legislation affecting residents and businesses, the June Power Poll reflects the opinions and concerns of Chicago’s decision-makers.
Since our last edition of the Power Poll, headlines have shifted quickly. Nationally, President Trump called members of the California National Guard into federal service to address the immigration protests. Locally, Chicago continues to wrestle with long-standing infrastructure challenges and rising costs. In this month’s Power Poll, we asked local thought leaders to weigh in on these rapidly developing issues.
Do you approve of President Trump’s decision calling members of the California National Guard into Federal Service to address immigration protests in Southern California?
- 32% Yes
- 61% No
- 7% Unsure
Possible Future Changes to Chicago’s Public Transportation.
Chicago is known around the country for our public transportation, especially the “L”, which has been part of the city’s history and way of life since 1892. Illinois lawmakers passed a $55 billion budget but failed to address the Chicago-area transit system’s $771 million fiscal cliff.
How concerned are you about potential massive service cuts to CTA, Metra, and Pace in 2026?
- 46% Very concerned – this would be devastating for the region
- 29% Somewhat concerned – lawmakers must find a solution
- 17% Not very concerned – transit agencies will find ways to raise dollars
- 7% Concerned – will service cuts force needed reforms
- 1% Uncertain about the potential impacts
Mayor Johnson’s Approval Rating in 2025
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s approval rating has reportedly dropped to historic lows (as low as 6.6% in recent polling). What do you think is the primary reason for his declining popularity?
- 3% Handling of the migrant crisis
- 24% Fiscal management and budget issues
- 2% Conflicts with the school board and Pedro Martinez
- 39% Leadership style and communication
- 30% Progressive agenda for Chicago
- 2% White House unfairly damaging his reputation.
Da Bears’ New Stadium Funding
The Chicago Bears continue to pursue a new stadium but again failed to receive assistance from Springfield. We asked Power Pollers: Should Illinois provide any taxpayer support for a new Bears stadium?
- 12% Yes, keeping the Bears is worth significant public investment
- 30% Yes, but only minimal infrastructure support, not stadium funding
- 52% Taxpayers shouldn’t fund private sports facilities – If they want to move to the suburbs, they should go.
- 6% No opinion – The Bears should operate as a business and build where its affordable
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Hiring Practices
With Mayor Brandon Johnson facing a Justice Department investigation into Chicago’s hiring practices, how do you view his hiring for city positions?
- 12% Appropriate focus on diversity and representation
- 26% Concerning if it violates equal opportunity laws
- 11% Good politics but poor execution
- 5% Justified given historical inequities
- 46% Too divisive for effective governance.
New Tax Increases?
Illinois passed new taxes on sports betting, tobacco, and other items to balance the budget. We want to know what Chicago thinks. We asked:
Do you support these targeted increases?
- 32% Yes, better than broad-based tax increases
- 20% Yes, these are appropriate “sin taxes”
- 5% No, any tax increases hurt economic growth
- 32% No, the state should cut spending instead
- 11% Mixed – some are acceptable, others aren’t
Final Thoughts: What This Month’s Poll Says About Chicago
Chicago’s Power Pollers continue to reflect a city that’s engaged, thoughtful, and divided on key issues. There’s a widespread concern about the future of public transportation, skepticism over new taxes, and uncertainty about City Hall leadership.
As the summer takes hold in the city, Chicagoans are not just heading outdoors- they’re tuning in, and weighing in.
Stay tuned for the next edition of the Chicago Power Poll and don’t forget to give the Power Poll podcast hosted by Thom Serafin a listen.
Note: The Serafin Power Poll isn’t a scientific survey, but like Chicago weather, it gives you a pretty good idea of which way the wind is blowing. The poll represents the views of regional decision-makers and thought leaders in the Chicago metropolitan area.
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