Racial Equity & Real Estate Conversations- NEW Page

In 2017, the Chicago Tribune published a series of articles called “The Tax Divide.” In the series, the Tribune described significant inequities in Cook County’s assessment system under prior administrations. In many cases, these inequities were alleged to be more prevalent in Black and Latino communities, and among property owners of more modestly priced homes.

Since taking office in December of 2018, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi and his staff have worked to create an assessment system grounded in three values: fairness, ethics, and transparency.

Residential assessments are now fairer than in past years, commercial assessments more accurately reflect fair market value, and the operations of the Assessor’s Office are more accessible and more ethical than ever before. Additional work remains, but the Office has achieved significant progress and transparency by publishing valuation reports and methods.

However, this is only part of the story.