In December of 2022, Pilsen residents received much higher tax bills than expected. Some saw increases of 300%. On average, the increase was 46% across the entire neighborhood. The Social Justice Committee of St. Paul immediately called a meeting of neighbors. Here is the breakdown of their work so far.
Raised taxes will mean raised rents. If you are affected by tax payments or are concerned about what might happen to your rent, come to our next meeting on January 28th at St. Paul Church. We’ll outline what can be done.
Community dialogue with Alma Anaya • December 17th
80 attendees
Key Goals
- Detail the taxing process
- Outline important dates for appeals
- Explanation of exemptions and departments within city taxing process
Outcome:
- Residents shared their stories of increased bills
- Residents were told to appeal using explained process
- Meeting attendees called for another meeting with Fritz Kaegi
Letter Sent • December 17-24
A registered letter was sent to Fritz Kaegi, demanding his presence at St. Paul
No response was received
Planning Meeting for an action at Fritz Kaegi’s Office • January 7th
75 attendees
Individual Meetings • Week of January 8th
Mary Gonzales, St. Paul Church Social Justice Chair meets individually with leadership from Healthy Hood, Lincoln United Methodist Church and Pilsen Neighbors Community Council to combine efforts
Zoom Planning Meeting for the Action • January 11th
12 attendees
Action at Fritz Kaegi’s Office • January 12th
The newly combined groups met at the Cook County Building demanding to see Kaegi
Attendance: 10 (from Healthy Hood), 6 (from Pilsen Neighborhood), and 34 (from St. Paul Church)
Outcome: Kaegi was not present because he was in Springfield, but Scott Smith, Chief of Staff agreed to a future meeting with Kaegi in Pilsen on January 20th
Media Outlets present: Chicago Tribune, Univision, Channel 7, Channel 9, Channel 2, Block Club Chicago, Telemundo
Planning Meeting for meeting with Kaegi on Zoom • January 18th
Zoom:10 attendees
Meeting with Kaegi @ 11:30 AM on January 20th
7 representatives of Pilsen from: Resurrection Project (Salvador Garcia), PNCC (Juan Soto), St. Paul (Mary Gonzales), a homeowner (Gabriel Strohschen), St. Pius (Fr. Tom), Alivio Medical Center (Teresa Fraga) met with Fritz Kaegi
Goal:
- Gain a better understanding of the reasoning for the tax increase
- Get a commitment for him to attend a community meeting in Pilsen on February
Outcome: To issue a press conference and get confirmation Mr. Kaegi agreed to attend the February 1st meeting in Pilsen
Press Conference followed @ 12:30PM on January 20th
Media Outlets present: Chicago Tribune, Univision, Channel 7, Channel 9, Channel 2, Block Club Chicago, Telemundo, Channel 2, Channel 5
St. Paul Social Justice Team holds a Planning Meeting in the Hall • January 21st
118 Attendees
Focus: Turnout by St. Paul committee for Feb 1st Meeting at Benito Juarez
Team agreed to bring 400 attendees to future meeting
Next meeting:
January 28th • St. Paul Hall
Goal: Confirm turnout for the meeting on February 1
Outline what services Kaegi’s office will provide immediately to residents
Attendee Goal: 140 people
