* Fran Spielman…

Business and real estate interests spent millions to tank Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to raise Chicago’s real estate transfer tax on high-end home sales to create a dedicated revenue source to combat homelessness.

They also bankrolled a $2 million independent expenditure committee to help elect moderate City Council members they hoped would be “part of the solution, not lob bombs from the sideline.”

Now, influential business leaders are forming yet another nonprofit group, with an affiliated political action committee, to advance their “long-term, systemic civic priorities” for the city and state.

They’re calling it “One Future Illinois,” and its leadership roster of business heavyweights includes some who have held prominent positions in city and state government.

Among them: investment banker Steve Koch, who served as deputy mayor under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel; Derek Douglas, president of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club; and Jesse Ruiz, former deputy governor for education in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration. Ruiz also served as interim CEO of Chicago Public Schools, chair of the Illinois State Board of Education and board president of the Chicago Park District.

Their PAC’s statement of organization describes its mission as “To advance common sense solutions to meet the most significant challenges and opportunities of the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago.” No contributions have yet been reported.

Mike Ruemmler, who was one of Rahm Emanuel’s top go-to people, will run both the c4 and the PAC, Fran reports. Go read the rest.

…Adding… Crain’s…

In a call with Crain’s, the group’s leaders wouldn’t disclose how much they expect to raise, but the money should start flowing soon and is expected to take in at least seven figures.

The group will “be involved” in the mayor’s race and next City Council election, said Michael Ruemmler, a former advisor to both Emanuel and President Barack Obama. He wouldn’t disclose if they’d take on Johnson.

Asked if the PAC will spend money opposing elected school board candidates supported by the Chicago Teachers Union, Ruemmler would only say “we’ll take a look at all the candidates.”