Easily identified Yellow Taxi Cab. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

“Mayor Lightfoot’s ride-hailing premium will hold affluent riders responsible for the congestion and pollution caused by their rides,” said Coli. “Local 727 is proud to support the mayor’s plan, a plan that moves our city in the right direction without squeezing working families.”

As a representative of nearly 4,000 Teamster members employed in Chicago’s parking industry, Coli has in recent years called upon the City to explore untapped alternative sources for revenue, such as improved enforcement of Chicago valet licensing regulations.  

The City of Chicago currently employs only two inspectors to verify and enforce all Chicago valet licenses. For years, Local 727 has pressed the Chicago Mayor’s Office to step-up its citywide valet license inspections, advocating for the inspections’ dual-use as an enforcement mechanism and revenue stream. 

“More stringent license enforcement would not only crackdown on illegitimate valet operators but would ensure that operators who disregard the law are held financially accountable for their actions,” said Coli. “I urge Mayor Lightfoot to continue to pursue these new methods of generating revenue, to continue to have the back of Chicago’s working families, and to continue to improve our city by upholding and enforcing Chicago’s licensing regulations.”

Mayor Lightfoot will appear before the City Council tomorrow, Wednesday, October 23, to deliver her complete 2020 city budget address.  The City Council is currently scheduled to vote on the mayor’s proposed 2020 budget ordinances, including the ride-hailing congestion tax, on November 26.

Teamsters Local 727 represents nearly 10,000 hardworking men and women throughout the Chicago area, including nearly 4,000 parking and valet industry professionals.