Overview
- Residents gathered Saturday at Harmony Community Church for a "property tax bonfire" organized with the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation to share concerns and options.
- Homeowners reported steep year-over-year hikes, including a $977 increase cited by Thomas Worthy, while some said their bills have yet to arrive as officials continue mailing them.
- Several residents pointed to Tax Increment Financing line items on their bills without clear explanation, prompting calls for transparency.
- Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said full payment on Dec. 15 is not required and announced online payment plans of up to 13 months beginning Dec. 16.
- The neighborhood push for clarity comes as Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to pull about $1 billion from TIF districts for the 2026 budget faces City Council pushback.