The Chicago Commission on Human Relations is the investigatory and enforcement agency for Chicago’s Human Rights and Fair Housing ordinances. The Commission also provides support for hate crime victims and oversees advisory councils on equity, LGBTQ+ issues, new Americans, veterans’ affairs, and women.
Snapshot: Appropriation & Staffing Changes from 2023 Budget
| 2023 Budgeted | 2024 Proposed | Net Change | Percent Change | |
| Appropriations | $3,169,003 | $3,330,423 | $161,420 | 5.1% |
| Positions & FTEs | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0.0% |
Departmental Highlights
- Two of the department’s largest appropriations – “indirect costs” and “fringe benefits” – are broad categories that could cover a number of unspecified expenses, and add up to over a million dollars.
- CHR added new appropriations for students as trainees, salary provision, and overtime in the 2024 budget, while eliminating appropriations for furniture/furnishings and IT development.
- Headcount remained unchanged, with 20 total positions and minor title changes.
Historical Context
From 2011-2023, the commission’s budget declined at an average rate of -0.1% per year. Departmental budgets overall increased an average of 5.9% per year over the same time period, while the total city budget including Finance General appropriations grew at an average rate of 8.2% annually.
The department’s budgeted workforce declined at a rate of roughly -3.0% annually from 2011-2023, largely due to a reduction in headcount in Rahm Emanuel’s first budget in 20212. Overall budgeted positions for the city remained relatively flat across the same time period, with minor year-to-year fluctuations averaging out to an overall growth rate of -0.04%.
Staffing
Headcount remained unchanged, with 20 total positions and minor title changes.
Appropriations
Largest Appropriations
Salaries and wages are the largest appropriation in the 2024 proposed CHR budget.
Two of the department’s largest appropriations – “indirect costs” and “fringe benefits” – are broad categories that could cover a number of unspecified expenses, and add up to over a million dollars.
Change from Previous Year
CHR added new appropriations for students as trainees, salary provision, and overtime in the 2024 budget, while eliminating appropriations for furniture/furnishings and IT development.
