By Bardil 
Cook County, Illinois, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to provide financial relief to homeowners grappling with soaring property taxes. The Cook County Board of Commissioners has approved a $15 million relief fund, offering $1,000 payments to eligible households struggling to manage increased property tax bills.
The Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund is designed to assist residents facing a “substantial increase” in property taxes in recent years. The application process is set to commence in the summer, targeting households with incomes at or below 100 percent of the Area Median Income for their respective household size. For example, a family of four earning $119,900 or less would qualify. Additionally, applicants must have experienced a property tax bill increase of at least 50 percent since the 2021 tax year.
While the program has a total budget of $15 million, $1.4 million will cover operational costs, leaving $13.6 million for direct distribution to beneficiaries. The initiative follows extensive public hearings held with property owners starting in September 2024.
BRIDGET GAINER, a Cook County Commissioner, emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “Property taxes are rising faster than homeowners’ ability to pay, forcing people to leave neighborhoods they love and undermining the ability to build wealth through homeownership.”
TONI PRECKWINKLE, President of the Cook County Board acknowledging the one-time payment as a temporary solution, noted that county officials are committed to addressing the root causes of the property tax crisis for long-term stability.
This initiative underscores Cook County’s commitment to supporting homeowners and stabilizing communities amidst escalating financial pressures. Further details on the application process and eligibility criteria will be announced in the coming months.
Sources: Cook County Government, WBEZ