Cook County Property Tax System Reform

Economic Vitality

Aug 22

Clients: President, Cook County Board of Commissioners

Challenge: Cook County property taxes provide over $16B annually for the City of Chicago, Cook County, and the many school districts, special districts, and municipalities throughout the County. The current tax system is complex and difficult to navigate. In 2023, Civic Consulting Alliance supported the creation of the Cook County Property Tax Reform Group (PTAX), convened by the Cook County Board President, and including the offices of the Cook County Assessor, Board of Review, Clerk, Treasurer, and State's Attorney. The PTAX Reform Group agreed upon a mission to ensure that the property assessment and tax system produces predictable, accurate, fair, and equitable results in a timely and efficient manner.

Action: Civic Consulting Alliance worked with the PTAX and its Staff Working Group to develop a more effective model for public information and customer support regarding the property tax system. This included a current-state analysis of the system, informed by stakeholder feedback and best practice research from other jurisdictions. The Civic Consulting Alliance team developed detailed recommendations and a roadmap to implement the recommendations that would improve customer service.

A Civic Consulting Alliance team then worked with the PTAX to develop the outline and first draft of an annual report that will highlight the accomplishments and activities underway, serve as a critical communication tool for residents, and reinforce the commitment of all elected officials engaged in the property tax system to work together.

Result: The Staff Working Group has developed a subcommittee focused on improving and coordinating all the public engagement processes in each of the separate offices to address the full list of recommendations that Civic Consulting Alliance made for improving customer service. Improving transparency and ease of navigation of the property tax system will support all stakeholders, including property owners and taxing districts. It will also make the system more equitable.

EquityCook CountyCook County Board of Commissioners - Office of the PresidentImplementation PlanningStrategy Development Operational Process Design and ImprovementResponsive and Efficient Institutions

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