In the heart of Chicago, at Harmony Community Church in Lawndale, residents gathered on a Saturday evening, united in their quest for justice and transparency. Their goal: to shed light on the rising property taxes that have left many homeowners with unexpected financial burdens.

Across Chicago, the latest wave of property tax increases has caught the attention of homeowners, prompting questions about the allocation and purpose of these funds. The substantial bills have left residents wondering where their hard-earned money is going and how it is being utilized by local authorities.

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In Lawndale, this concern has become a shared challenge among community members. In response, local leaders have teamed up with the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation to host a communal bonfire. This gathering serves as a platform for neighbors to come together, voice their concerns, and explore possible solutions to the financial strain caused by the tax hikes.

Among those affected is Thomas Worthy, a Lawndale resident who was hit with a bill nearly $1,000 higher than last year’s. His story is just one of many that highlight the growing frustration and financial pressure felt by homeowners across the community.

Lawndale resident Thomas Worthy received a bill this week that was $977 more than what he paid last year.

“Tax increase is tied to a TIF that I have no idea why,” Worthy said. “It’s collecting money from our neighbors and streets, but we’re not being notified why it’s in the bill.”

The group discussed a number of solutions for the issue, including an effort to propose new policy which would be modeled after California’s Prop 13. That would limit property taxes to one percent of assessed value with annual increases capped at 2%.

Homeowners are also frustrated because they feel like they’re not seeing the tax hikes lead to notable investment in their neighborhoods.

“There’s been a divestment in this community for the most part but it seems now that have people found an interest in reclaiming the neighborhood,” lifelong Lawndale resident Milton Clayton said. “Now we’re being taxed for prosperity.”

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas also spoke earlier Saturday on the tax bills while at a Rainbow PUSH event. She says there are new avenues for homeowners to pay these bills at their own pace.

“You do not have to pay your bill on December 15,” Pappas said. “You hear that you don’t have to pay it. Let me tell you why we went to Springfield last year and set up a payment plan.”

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