### Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Orders Companies to Disclose Leadership Diversity for City Contracts

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order that mandates city contractors to reveal information about their leadership demographics and report any ties to law enforcement agencies such as ICE. This move is part of Johnson's strategy to leverage the city's purchasing power to enforce new contracting standards that prioritize diversity and ethical business practices.

The executive order, announced during a press conference at Arise Chicago, a nonprofit organization focused on protecting immigrants' rights, comes as a response to what Johnson views as corporate influence in Washington. "If you want to do business with this city, we want to know whether the people leading your company reflect the diversity of the communities whose tax dollars are paying your contracts," Johnson emphasized.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has criticized the mayor's order, accusing him of punishing American companies for assisting federal immigration enforcement. A DHS spokesperson stated, "If Mayor Johnson wants to lecture anyone about taxpayer dollars, remember what he is: a sanctuary politician who bullies American companies with money that isn't his."

The order also directs Chicago's chief procurement officer to develop rules within 90 days that would disqualify vendors found to have committed public integrity, workplace discrimination, or wage theft violations during the previous five years. Contractors must disclose whether they received more than $500,000 from government or law enforcement agencies or faced proceedings alleging excessive force, unlawful detention, unconstitutional policing, discrimination, or other civil rights violations.

Large private companies with corporate families reporting at least $1 billion in net income must provide information about leadership diversity, board composition, and diversity policies when not already covered by Illinois reporting law. The order also requires contractors to report efforts to hire and promote formerly incarcerated people, with future awardees updating the disclosures at least annually.

The campaign "Not With Our Money," which joined Johnson at the announcement, identified $3.19 billion in Chicago contracts held by 42 firms that also do business with ICE. The campaign's research suggests that this executive order could significantly impact the city's contracting practices.

Johnson's executive order is a bold step towards ensuring that the city's spending aligns with its values. By requiring transparency in leadership demographics and ethical practices, Johnson aims to address discrimination and promote fairness in the city's contracting process.

The order is also a direct challenge to the Trump administration's efforts to end federal reporting requirements. Johnson argues that workplace data is necessary to identify discrimination and that the city has a responsibility to use its purchasing power to enforce standards that reflect its values.

Despite the criticism from the DHS, Johnson remains steadfast in his commitment to the executive order. "Make no mistake, we will not be deterred," he said. "Under President Trump, ICE will keep enforcing the law in Chicago, whether City Hall likes it or not."

The executive order is expected to have a significant impact on the city's contracting landscape, potentially leading to more inclusive and ethical business practices. As Chicago continues to grapple with issues of diversity and social justice, Johnson's order represents a significant step towards creating a more equitable city.