Recent Research

• 04.05.10

  The Cook County Property Assessment Process: A Primer on Assessment, Classification, Equalization, and Property Tax Exemptions

  This report describes how the taxable value of real estate is established in Cook County, Illinois. It explains the determination of assessed value and the calculation of taxable value, including data on triennial assessment districts, assessment mentods, classification, assessed value, equalization, homestead exemptions, taxable value, and estimated full value of real estate.

  Read the press release for this report here.

• 12.09.09

  Metropolitan Water Reclamation District FY2010 Tentative Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

  The Civic Federation supports the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s FY2010 Tentative Budget of nearly $1.7 billion as a prudent response to revenue shortfalls. The MWRD plans to prioritize spending, control personnel costs, and implement a modest increase to its property tax levy to balance its budget. The Federation cautions the District, however, that substantial changes may be necessary to stem growing pension liabilities.

• 12.02.09

  Chicago Park District FY2010 Operating Budget Recommendations: Analysis and Recommendations

  The Civic Federation offers qualified support for the FY2010 Chicago Park District’s proposed operating budget of $391.9 million. The District is proposing a responsible budget that reduces expenditures and holds the property tax levy flat by using operating efficiencies, personnel cuts and a modest increase in certain fees to balance the budget.

  This support is qualified because the District’s budget proposes closing $7.7 million of its budget gap with proceeds from the parking garage lease that were initially set aside for capital projects.