The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is in the midst of balancing its 2026—and your input could help shape the future of local public transit.
This month, the CTA will host three town hall meetings eliciting public feedback regarding the 2026 budget plan.
The meetings will give the community the opportunity to share ridership experiences and pose equitable funding solutions.
The town hall meetings will be held on the following dates:
- Tuesday, September 16 – Imani Village (901 E. 95th St.)
- Thursday, September 18 – Truman College (1145 W. Wilson Ave.)
- Thursday, September 25 – Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd.)
Breaking down the 2026 budget shortfall
The CTA is facing a multi-million dollar budget shortfall for the coming year, driven by the end of COVID-era federal relief funds.
Transit officials previously warned that the funding shortfall could spur a 40% reduction in service and mass layoffs.
The town hall meetings will provide a transparent look at the CTA’s financial standing and scenarios for bridging the gap.
“We are committed to hearing directly from our riders about what matters to them and what they value in CTA,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen.
“As we work with the Illinois State Legislature to identify a solution to fund transit in the region, it is incredibly important that we engage with our riders and community partners to keep them updated and hear directly from them.”