Brace Yourself: Chicago’s Tax, Fine, and Fee Hikes Are Coming!
Good morning, Chicago!
The clock was ticking, but Mayor Brandon Johnson and the city council managed to push through the 2025 budget just in time. As we gear up to welcome the new year, brace yourselves, Chicagoans: you’re about to see your taxes, fines, and fees take a hike as part of the city’s balancing act.
This budget showdown was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Johnson stood firm against massive layoffs and service cuts, while council members shot down his property tax increase proposals. In the end, a series of smaller, less controversial increases came together—expected to rake in close to $200 million next year. This bill touches nearly every corner of life in the city, from Netflix subscriptions to cloud services and speeding tickets.
Here’s what you need to know as the city gears up for a new year.
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