Wrongful Convictions Cost Chicago Taxpayers $204.6M in 2025: Analysis – WTTW (Chicago)

That is more than triple the $82.5 million set aside in the city’s 2025 budget to cover the cost of resolving police misconduct lawsuits. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed 2026 budget does not propose to increase that amount but would borrow $283.3 million to cover the soaring cost of lawsuits alleging Chicago police officers committed a wide range of misconduct. It will likely cost Chicago taxpayers approximately $52 million in interest.