A significant conflict emerged this year, involving Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s health commissioner and a notable antiviolence group, Acclivus Inc. This group, despite handling substantial public funds, faced scrutiny over its data management practices. The issue came to light following a 2025 review by the Chicago Department of Public Health, which identified challenges in collecting data from Acclivus.
This tension stemmed from complaints by Health Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige. She accused Acclivus of attempting to bypass city contracting and payment rules prior to her removal. In response, Acclivus strongly opposed the audit findings, engaging in lengthy discussions with health department officials, who oversee the city’s antiviolence grants.
This dispute caught the attention of Mayor Johnson’s senior adviser, Jason Lee, an unusual step given the grant’s administration by a separate department. Johnson’s connections to Acclivus include campaign donations and links with a South Side activist employed by the nonprofit.
Key Developments
In March, amidst financial discussions with Ige’s team, Acclivus COO Sheila Regan reached out directly to Lee, bypassing the health commissioner. Lee’s response emphasized his office’s commitment to the program’s effective administration.
The day after, Lee attended a meeting with CDPH officials. During this session, Acclivus leaders contested the audit’s findings and suggested the department’s improvement efforts were excessive.
“Thank you Sheila,” Lee wrote on March 3. “Our interest is in the successful administration of the program as soon as possible.”
The audit ordeal marked the peak of ongoing frustrations for Ige, who at one time considered not renewing Acclivus’ contract. Regan and Mayor’s spokesperson, Allison Novelo, refuted claims that Acclivus breached city rules or sought special treatment, asserting their objective was clarity on the fund amounts.
Funding and Political Ties
Despite the audit and political ties, Acclivus won the highest score in the 2024 award process. However, city records revealed discrepancies between two documents concerning the funds allocated to Acclivus. Novelo termed this a “clerical” error, affirming the smaller amount.
Jason Lee’s involvement, although claimed necessary for preventing further delays, raised concerns among political transparency advocates, pointing to potential favoritism issues.
Campaign finance records highlight a $25,000 donation from Johnson’s political fund to Acclivus amid the bidding process. Additionally, Acclivus’ CEO LeVon Stone had direct communication with Johnson before the RFP deadline.
Inner Workings and Responses
Emails from Ige underscored ongoing disputes and her consideration of contract extension for Acclivus, given its challenges. The department also audited Metropolitan Family Services, another antiviolence grant recipient, yet faced no similar conflicts.
Regan dismissed audit findings as invalid, arguing they stemmed from mismanagement by CDPH itself. Furthermore, internal communications indicated apprehension by department officials regarding Regan’s handling of the situation.
Street outreach initiatives bear historical significance, frequently backed by elected officials. However, the current dispute underscores the complexity of fund allocation, amid political and operational intricacies.