Giannoulias pledges not to raise Chicago property taxes if elected and says any new revenues would require action in Springfield, including a potential 3% tax on millionaires, while vowing to reverse automatic inflation-based increases from the previous administration.

On public safety, he calls for adding 1,000 to 1,500 officers and bringing back the ShotSpotter gunshot-detection system.

In remarks about governance, he avoided sharp critiques of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s staffing but urged greater transparency about hires and staff changes.

His policy agenda includes continuing annual supplemental payments to underfunded city pension funds, raising the minimum wage to $22 an hour, and universal pre-K.

Regarding data centers, he backs responsible development that won’t raise residents’ utility bills and opposes an outright moratorium on new facilities.

He cites San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie as an admired leader for public safety and urban revitalization, using that model to frame his own approach.

Concordia announces leadership changes: Matthew Swift becomes Executive Chairman and Rodney Ferguson is named CEO Designate, with Ferguson later becoming President & CEO.

He argued that linking Johnson to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel and billionaire Michael Sacks is unfounded, dismissing such associations as ridiculous and desperate.

He stresses the importance of strong relations with Springfield to secure new revenue and notes that measures like a millionaire’s tax would require constitutional changes and a referendum.

He promotes environmentally responsible development that minimizes utility costs and supports projects avoiding large rises in water and electric rates.

He criticizes Johnson’s staffing transparency and defense strategy, calling for clearer communication about personnel changes.

Economic and social policy priorities include raising the minimum wage to $22 per hour and universal pre-K, with a policing plan to add officers and reinstate the ShotSpotter program.