Tax Updates
Property Tax Appeal Webinar for River Forest Township
River Forest Township is open for appeal through August 28, 2020. A property tax appeal webinar will be held August 6 at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Outdoor "Drive-thru" Tax Appeal Workshop for Polish speakers
August 22
11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
St. Hyacinth Basilica parking lot
3636 W. Wolfram Street, Chicago
This will be an outdoor-only event in the parking lot of St Hyacinth. We ask you to drive up, grab a complaint form, fill it out in your vehicle and drop off your completed complaint with a Board of Review staff member. If you have questions, an analyst will be available to assist. We will have Polish translators on hand for additional assistance. Please arrive with a mask to ensure everyone’s safety.
Haven't paid your property tax bill yet?
No problem. You have until October 3 because of the coronavirus. The treasurer encourages you to stay home to reduce your exposure. Everything you can do in person at the Treasurer's Office you can do at home via the website below.
Census: Now help others shape the future of your community
Bring thousands of dollars in essential funding into your community over the next decade with every person you get to complete the census. Help people in your family or community to complete the census--before it's too late. Visit MyCensus2020.gov to complete your Census today. #EachOneReachOne #CookCountyCensus #MakeILCount
Coronavirus
We have gotten this far . . .
We have all sacrificed to help stop the spread and flatten the curve. With the gradual reopening, our numbers are understandably creeping up. Now is NOT the time to let our guard down. Wearing masks and practicing social distancing is still required. We can handle that, and we must if we want to see Phase 5. For updated COVID-19 information, please visit the websites below.
Illinois Phase 4 Guidelines
Governor Pritzker has authorized Illinois to begin following Phase 4 Guidelines. Health and fitness providers, day camps, film production, museums, and others are among the industries with new guidelines.
Some of the minimum guidelines that are uniform across all businesses, industries, and nonprofits within the state include:
- All employees who can work from home should continue to do so.
- Continue to wear face coverings that cover nose and mouth.
- Social distance of at least 6 feet should be maintained between non-household individuals.
- All employees must complete health and safety training.
- All employers must provide a wellness screening upon entry into the workplace and mid-shift screenings when applicable.
- Employers are to limit elevator capacity to allow for 6-feet of distance.
City of Chicago Phase 4 Guidelines
Widespread testing is available--at no cost to you
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides for free COVID-19 testing and related office visits for those who need it, including reimbursement for the uninsured. There are a number of requirements so check with your provider for details.
New Cook County Community Recovery Fund
Cook County’s Bureau of Economic Development has launched The Community Recovery Fund as part of the Community Recovery Initiative. This loan fund offers one-time, zero-interest loans of up to $20,000 for small businesses and $10,000 for independent contractors in suburban Cook County. Loans will be administered by the Chicago Community Loan Fund and provided by a network of community lenders.
To apply, businesses and independent contractors in suburban Cook County must meet these requirements:
- Small Businesses
- Fewer than 25 employees
- Less than $3 million in revenue
- Gig Workers
- At least half of income from 1099 contract work
- Less than $100,000 in gross annual income
To learn more about the initiative and sign up for updates for when the application period opens,
Forest Preserve District: Phase 4 Updates
Know before you go to the forest preserves
The Phase 4 guidelines at the Forest Preserve District of Cook County are many and varied. It is best to identify your area of interest and check the forest preserve map below indicating what is open and when. Note especially the parking availability and capacity limits.
Here are a few key updates:
- A limited number of public bathrooms are open. Please plan and time your visit accordingly.
- Gatherings are limited to 25 people or fewer. Gatherings of 25 to 50 people (with physical distancing) will be allowed with an existing permit.
- No new permits will be issued for events in July 2020. To book permits for event dates from August 1 – December 31, please call 800-870-3666 (option 1) or email fpd.permits@cookcountyil.gov.
- Bring your own food and water.
- Group sports are allowed. Sports leagues or groups with 25 to 50 people require a permit.
- Picnic tables are available for use.
- Grills and coolers are allowed.
- Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course and boat rentals are open with restrictions and limited capacity.
- Aquatic Centers will not open in 2020.
Reminders:
- All social distancing requirements apply. Wear a cloth mask.
- Do not visit the forest preserves if you are sick or experiencing symptoms, or if you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last two weeks.
- Carry and use hand sanitizer if you touch handrails or other surfaces.
- If you witness people not observing social distancing guidelines, please call the forest preserve non-emergency number: 708-771-1000.
- Stay at home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms.
Brookfield Zoo is back!
Brookfield Zoo begins a limited reopening (all indoor spaces remain closed) with new guidelines, including reserved timed entry and parking. No tickets will be sold on site. Food, beverage, and gift shop transactions must be via credit/debit card.
Reserve your time now
Everything you need to know about Cook County
My door is always open . . .
Cook County is responsible for providing essential services in the areas of public safety, public health, the court system, elections, tax assessment and appeals, recording deeds, and managing forest preserves. As an independent-minded member of the Board, I have worked hard to combine fiscal responsibility with social awareness. I am honored to serve the people of the 9th district, which includes: portions of the far northwest side of Chicago; Park Ridge, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Harwood Heights, Mount Prospect, Norridge, River Grove, Rosemont, and Schiller Park; portions of Arlington Heights, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Niles, and Prospect Heights; and unincorporated Norwood Park, Maine, and Wheeling Townships.
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Voter Information & Registration
Suburban Residents
Click the button below to be directed to the Cook County Clerks website for information on voter registration, your elected officials, working on election day, and more.
Chicago Residents
Click the button below to be directed to the Chicago Board of Elections website detailing information on voter registration, early voting, and more.