Chicago’s chief financial officer, Ashlee Gabrysch, resigned on Friday, saying staying in the role would “compromise my integrity and professional obligations,” according to a statement first reported by the Chicago Tribune and cited by Block Club Chicago. Her departure marks the third CFO turnover in less than a year and arrives as Mayor Brandon Johnson faces a contentious 2027 budget season.
Mayor Johnson’s office confirmed the resignation and announced that city comptroller Michael Belsky will serve as acting CFO effective immediately. The mayor’s press release said Gabrysch had been “largely absent” while the budget was being prepared and noted a recent attempt to make a $75 million payment without proper legal authority. Johnson’s administration said it will refer the matter to the city’s Office of Inspector General for an independent review.
City Council members have also called for scrutiny. Alderman Bill Conway (34th) urged the inspector general to begin an immediate investigation, alleging the mayor’s office may have asked the CFO to present false information. Finance Chair Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd) is seeking an “independent audit” of the city’s finances, as reported by Crain’s. Both critics are part of a council bloc opposed to several of Johnson’s budget proposals, including a corporate head tax and a proposed increase to the Personal Property Lease Tax (PPLT) from 15 percent to 20 percent, which could raise about $234 million.
Other political rivals have weighed in. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, a mayoral challenger, called for an immediate explanation, labeling the resignation a “five‑alarm fire.” Former state comptroller Susana Mendoza, also running for mayor, warned that the “pace of financial professionals fleeing this mayoral administration” is alarming for Chicagoans.
City Council must approve a balanced spending plan by the end of the year, and the debate over the $75 million payment—originally negotiated during the recent transfer of the city’s parking meter ownership to support pension funds—remains a focal point. The mayor has indicated he will tweak aspects of the head‑tax and lease‑tax proposals, though details have not yet been released. Residents can expect council hearings on the budget and tax measures in the coming weeks as the deadline approaches.
Sources: blockclubchicago.org
