The Annual Appropriation Ordinance, also known as the City or Corporate Budget, contains the expenditures and liabilities of the City and specifies the objects and purposes for such appropriations for the next fiscal year.

Budget Process
By August 1, the Budget Director files the Preliminary Budget Estimate Report with the City Clerk. The Mayor then submits the Executive Budget recommendations to the City Council for consideration.

Once introduced, the budget document is referred to the City Council Committee on the Budget and Government Operations for hearings and departmental testimony. Copies of the budget are also made available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk (see below) and the Chicago Public Library. Prior to final action on the budget document the City Council conducts at least one public hearing. During consideration of the budget, members of the City Council may submit additions or amendments which, if approved, are incorporated into the final budget. Under Illinois law, the City Council must adopt a balanced budget by December 31 of the previous year.

Additional information is also provided by the Office of Budget and Management and the Committee on the Budget and Government Operations.

2010 Preliminary Estimates
Contains a statement of expenditures and revenues for the City for the prior year, the first six months of the current year and estimates for the remainder of the calendar year.

Executive Order 2009-2
Submission deadline for filing 2010 Executive Budget

Mayor’s Budget Address
Delivered to City Council on October 21, 2009