See where property taxes spiked most

Johnson's $600M Tax Package Defeated at City Council

Alders rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed revenue package, signaling continued strain between the mayor and City Council. Johnson wanted to address the city’s $1.1 billion budget hole with a slate of new taxes, including a head tax for large corporations. [Sun-Times]

• Related: Here’s who Johnson wanted to tax. [Hey Chicago 💻]

National Guard Out and Holiday Market Season

Out-of-state National Guard troops are to leave Illinois, officials say. Two hundred federalized troops from Texas have remained at a training ground near Joliet since early October. We discuss the latest on today’s podcast — plus the comeback of local holiday markets. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Record Property Tax Hike Strikes South and West Sides Hard

The median residential property tax bill in Chicago increased 16.7% — that’s the largest percentage jump in at least three decades, according to a report from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. Black neighborhoods on the South and West Sides experienced even sharper increases, while bills fell for downtown properties. [WBEZ]

• Related: Now, Pappas says she’s running for mayor. [Fox 32]

Rainforest Cafe Building Owner Sued

The former Rainforest Cafe has sat shuttered in River North since 2020. Now, the building’s owner faces a $9.3 million foreclosure lawsuit. Plans to turn the space into a dispensary were scrapped last year, but its owner recently cited interest from the gaming sector. [Crain’s 🔒]