CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, like the mayors of New York and Los Angeles, he has spoken with President-elect Donald Trump since the election.

After saying he doesn't talk about private conversations with a president or president-elect, the mayor confirmed Trump called him to discuss the White House transition.

"The president-elect is aware, obviously, I've worked for two presidents in different positions – a senior adviser for President Clinton, chief of staff for President Obama – and I've worked on their transitions. I think you also know that we talked about a host of things, a host of issues," Emanuel said.

The mayor said he was no shrinking violet, and discussed things important to Chicago, including its status as a sanctuary city.

"I've been very clear about what I think is important for the city, and what our values are; not just as a city, but as a country," he said. "Not only am I not a shrinking violet, I am familiar with being able to speak honestly and frankly with presidents."

Although Trump has threatened to block federal funding for sanctuary cities like Chicago, Emanuel has asserted Chicago "always will be a sanctuary city."

Chicago's "Welcoming City Ordinance" prohibits police officers and other city employees from asking someone about their immigration status, unless required by state or federal law or court order. It also protects someone from being detained solely because of his or her immigration status.

Asked if the call with Trump was cordial, Emanuel repeated that private phone calls he should receive should remain private "unless they want to talk about it," but said "I was up front, honest."

"We talked about a range of issues. I can think it's fair for me at least to characterize that he is, obviously, quite familiar with my background working in two prior administrations in different roles, and also on the transitions," Emanuel said.

The mayor repeatedly declined to go into detail of what was discussed, stressing the need to respect the privacy of the conversation.

"It could also be, if you do it wrong, the last phone call you have," he said.