Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions

Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions

Chicago’s government pension obligations have increased nearly sixfold since 2014, driving up Chicago’s sky-high property taxes. Another increase for 2025 was likely avoided, but city leaders need state lawmakers to make a permanent fix.

By Bryce Hill

Illinois state pension debt climbs to $144B

Illinois state pension debt climbs to $144B

Illinois' unfunded statewide public pension liabilities grew another $1.5 billion in the past year. Better investment returns couldn’t keep up with public worker pensions growing faster than projected.

By LyLena Estabine

Brandi Lentz

Brandi Lentz

“My husband and I own a couple hundred acres. When I heard about the tax on wooded acreage going up, I emailed the assessor. My previous tax bill was $756. I found out that was going to go up over $10,000.” “What I’ve learned from [state Rep. Wayne] Rosenthal is that when this law passed...

Rafael Leon

Rafael Leon

The Chicago Metropolitan Housing Development Corp. started in 1982 as a government agency. Rafael Leon stepped in and restructured it as a non-profit in the mid-1990s. It is now independent of the government and provides low-income housing in parts of Chicago that other non-profit housing entities often overlook. “We’re not associated with the Chicago Housing...

Tom Sanderson

Tom Sanderson

“Sept. 19, I had to work late. And along the way back to my parking garage at Wells and Madison, I stopped at a 7-Eleven.” “There’s a guy on the ground there, panhandling. He asked me to get something for him and I said, ‘Sorry, I don’t have anything for you.’” “As I came back...