Mayor’s Aide Involves in Dispute Between Health Department and Nonprofit

This year, a top aide to Mayor Brandon Johnson intervened in a conflict between the Chicago Department of Public Health and Acclivus Inc. The nonprofit, known for its antiviolence efforts, receives significant public funding but faced scrutiny over its data tracking practices.

In 2025, an audit by the health department highlighted issues with Acclivus’ compliance. Dr. Olusimbo Ige, the health commissioner, alleged that Acclivus attempted to bypass city protocols. Despite the audit’s findings, Acclivus leadership protested these conclusions for months.

Jason Lee, Johnson’s senior adviser, played an unusual role in this matter. Typically, such disputes fall outside a mayor’s direct purview, especially when concerning an $8 million grant managed by a separate department. Acclivus has ties to Johnson through donations and employs a South Side activist linked to his campaign.

In March, Acclivus COO Sheila Regan escalated the issue by involving Lee and Cristina Pacione-Zayas, the mayor’s chief of staff, in an email. Lee requested swift follow-ups, stressing the importance of the program’s success.

“Thank you Sheila,” Lee wrote. “CDPH team, please provide as prompt a follow-up response as possible. In the Mayor’s office, we are available for a call if needed to reach clarity. Our interest is in the successful administration of the program as soon as possible.”

This email led to a meeting involving CDPH officials, where Acclivus challenged the audit’s findings. Tensions between Dr. Ige and Acclivus persisted, with Ige contemplating not renewing their contract.

Regan and Johnson’s spokesperson, Allison Novelo, denied any improper actions by Acclivus. They asserted that the organization sought only clarity, not additional funds. Novelo indicated that CDPH allocated additional funds without mayoral consultation.

The heart of the dispute lay in conflicting award amounts for Acclivus. The health department cited a clerical error as the reason for the discrepancy, confirming the smaller amount as correct.

External Scrutiny

Reform for Illinois Executive Director Alisa Kaplan raised concerns about the mayor’s involvement, suggesting that Acclivus may have expected special treatment. The nonprofit’s relationship with the mayor’s office raises questions about public fund allocations.

Dr. Ige’s emails showed long-standing tensions with Acclivus, noting previous refusals to follow city processes. Only Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood responded to her concerns before his own dismissal.

Regan refuted Ige’s claims, stating they are baseless. The city’s RFP process aims for fair service procurement, but Acclivus reportedly clashed with former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration over these procedures too.

While Acclivus and Metropolitan Family Services both received antiviolence funding, only Acclivus faced extensive friction with the city.

Stone-tepid contact with Johnson once the RFP opened, corresponding directly while the applications proceeded.

Transparency and Funding Issues

Funding and transparency remained contentious. Records showed Acclivus questioning city directives. CDPH Assistant Commissioner Ayla Karamustafa and Medical Director Dr. Miao Jenny Hua highlighted mismatched reporting data.

Lee’s involvement raised eyebrows, with internal emails expressing caution over Regan’s follow-up memos. Future communications began labeling audit-related discussions as “site visit follow-ups.”

In July, CDPH internally confirmed Acclivus’ data accuracy, but key individuals like Hua and Karamustafa were not informed.

Street outreach efforts have gained popularity in U.S. cities for combating violence. Chicago’s initiatives draw wide political support. Yet, funding allocation disputes, such as this one, persist.

Mayor Johnson had a financial link to Acclivus through a $25,000 donation. His political fund also received substantial contributions, including funds tied to controversies.

Regan joined a mayoral delegation to the Vatican, emphasizing the alignment between the mayor’s priorities and Acclivus’ mission on social media.

The situation brings focus to the nuanced dynamics between nonprofits and city administrations, with transparency and accountability as ongoing priorities.