Opinion

DAVID MARCUS: Democrat logic: Chicago raises hotel tax ... to attract tourists

new ordinance hikes hotel taxes from 17.5% to 19%, with proceeds going to Choose Chicago as it eyes the 2028 Democratic National Convention

By David Marcus Fox News

Published March 21, 2026 10:08am EDT

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Just when you thought that the hare-brained schemes of the Democrats who run our beleaguered big cities couldn’t get goofier, Chicago has passed a new doozy. The Windy City is raising hotel taxes to, get this, increase tourism.

Ordinance 2026-0022544 will raise the tax on hotel rooms within that district to 19% from the rate of 17.5%, with the proceeds going to an organization called Choose Chicago, which will use the cash for tourism marketing campaigns.

The top target on Choose Chicago’s wish list of events is the 2028 Democratic National Convention, and now, everyone who books a room in Second City gets to chip in a bit on the effort.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson listens as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a news conference to address President Donald Trump's plan to send National Guard troops into the city on August 25, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Scott........

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