(The Center Square) – Chicago’s Community Power Over Policing referendum is unlikely to be on the ballot this year.
The city council has yet to vote on the ordinance, which would expand the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. It would also give that commission negotiating power over contracts with the Fraternal Order of Police.
Color of Change Policy Strategist Queen Adesuyi said the goal was to have the referendum on the ballot this November.
“We’re committed to continuing the fight and seeing this through for the next election cycle, and we have plenty of time to do that,” Adesuyi said.
Frank Chapman is executive director of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. Chapman said that if anyone is responsible for holding up the referendum, it’s Alderman Raymond Lopez.
“The referendum was in the public safety committee. It was removed from that committee by Alderman Raymond Lopez. That’s how it ended up in the rules committee,” Chapman said.
Adesuyi said the full council would need to pass the referendum by Aug. 18 in order for it to have a chance to be on the November ballot.
The current proposal requires voter approval for an ordinance expanding the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability in both size and degree of control.
Queen Adesuyi of Color of Change said Alderman Raymond Lopez is allied with the Fraternal Order of Police and intentionally referred the ordinance to the finance committee.
“He doesn’t support this ordinance and he doesn’t want to see this ordinance move, so he’s invested in slowing it down,” Adesuyi said.
The proposed referendum could get a boost from another part of City Hall. Adesuyi said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is an ally.
“We believe that the mayor is on the right side of history when it comes to police accountability and that he is supportive of this ordinance and referendum,” Adesuyi said.
While the referendum may be off the table this year, Adesuyi said she hopes it will pass in 2025.
