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Property Taxes Too High?
Here's How to Reduce Them
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The 2025 Second Installment Cook County property tax bills have been landing in Fifth Ward homeowners' mailboxes in recent days. Homeowners must pay the full tax bill to the Cook County Treasurer’s Office by Thursday, October 1, 2026. Before you pay, I urge you to check the bottom left corner to confirm the correct exemption(s) have been applied.
If you believe you are entitled to an exemption that is not reflected in that space, you can apply for what is called a Certificate of Error. You are allowed to redeem missing exemptions for up to three years in addition to the current tax year. Homeowners can now apply for the 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021 tax years. The forms are available online.
In this short video, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi fully explains the process so that you can avoid paying more than you owe.
| The bottom line: If your Certificate of Error application is granted, you will receive either a corrected tax bill or a refund for the difference. | Here's More Help from the County |
Need Property Tax Redemption? Free Help Desk Opens This Week
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Starting Thursday, September 17, Cook County residents struggling to navigate the county’s complex property tax redemption process can receive free legal guidance through a new Property Tax Redemption Help Desk.
The new Help Desk, announced by County Clerk Monica Gordon, is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Clerk’s Office and Legal Aid Chicago. It will provide free, one-on-one legal assistance to help homeowners better understand the tax redemption process and their legal options.
Help Desk services will be offered by appointment on the third Thursday of each month in the Clerk’s Real Estate and Tax Services Department. Attorneys from Legal Aid Chicago will provide pro bono legal guidance to residents seeking assistance with redemption issues, court notices, filing requirements, statutory deadlines, and other legal questions about the redemption process.
Participants must be pre-screened for eligibility. The Help Desk will offer advice only, not extended legal representation.
The Help Desk will operate on the third Thursday of each month from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clerk’s Real Estate and Tax Services Department located at 118 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Room 434.
To complete the screening process and make an appointment, email [email protected].
| Meet the 5th Ward's New Chief of Staff | |
Lanessa Young, whose preferred name is "Ling," brings eight years of experience with the City of Chicago and a fresh perspective as the City Council's youngest chief of staff.
A proud 5th Ward native, Ling has committed to public service throughout her career, from youth programming and constituent services to community engagement.
Most recently, Ling served as Chief of Staff for the City Council's Committee on Education & Child Development, where she managed a team, a $300,000 annual budget, community programs, and a variety of legislative and constituent priorities.
The Hyde Park Academy grad attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she majored in urban planning and public policy. Ling says her college experience shaped her interests and gave her a solid foundation for a career in public service.
"I’ve always been drawn to work where I can make a difference in people's everyday lives," she says. "Local government is unique because you get to see the direct impact of the work you do. Whether it’s helping a family navigate a city service, creating opportunities for young people, or working with residents to address neighborhood concerns, I love connecting people with solutions."
What excites her about joining the 5th Ward team? Ling says, "I’m looking forward to learning, growing, and taking on new challenges while contributing to the work we’re doing together. After spending so much of my career focused on Chicago and our communities, I’m excited for this next chapter and the opportunity to continue making an impact in a new capacity."
Next week, you'll meet Mikail Redmond, our new director of operations.
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Don't Wait 'til It's Too Late!
Apply for a $150 Grocery Gift Card
| The CSBG Disaster Relief Program, offered through the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), provides a one-time $150 grocery gift card to eligible residents who suffered a power outage of two or more consecutive days due to severe summer storms. | |
Learn How to Save Lives.
Classes Start Tomorrow.
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The City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC) invites residents to register for the Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) training program for Fall 2026.
Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6-9 PM (Please arrive early to find parking) from tomorrow, Sept. 15th, to Thursday, Oct. 15th:
OEMC
1411 W. Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60607
CERT members train for a minimum of 27 hours of classroom training and 3 hours of hands-on practical skills in the following areas before becoming a registered volunteer:
- Disaster preparedness
- Fire safety & utility controls
- Light search and rescue
- Team organization
- Disaster psychology
- Terrorism response
- Disaster medical operations
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Register by scanning the QR code on the left or by clicking this link: Fall 2026 CERT Registration.
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Attorneys:
The Dept. of Law Is Hiring
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The City of Chicago has just announced new openings for attorneys. If you or someone you know is seeking a new position or has just passed the Illinois Bar exam, please share this information.
SHAKMAN EXEMPT
Deputy Corporation Counsel - Finance and Real Estate Division
Deputy Corporation Counsel - Revenue Litigation Division
SENIOR ATTORNEYS (ACC Supervisor and Chief)
Four (4) divisions are hiring:
Employment Litigation, Special Federal Litigation, Torts, Real Estate
MID-LEVEL ATTORNEYS (ACC III)
Five (5) divisions are hiring:
Constitutional & Commercial Litigation, Torts, Employment Litigation, Special Federal Litigation, Collections, Ownership and Administrative Litigation
ENTRY to MID-LEVEL ATTORNEYS (ACC I and II)
Two (2) divisions are hiring:
Legal Information and Prosecutions, Building and License Enforcement
For more information, contact:
Shelley A.D. Sandoval
Director of Attorney Recruitment & Professional Development
City of Chicago Department of Law
2 N LaSalle St., Suite 560
Chicago, IL 60602
312-742-0335
Or visit:
www.cityofchicago.org/law
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Leverage the City of Chicago's
Job Search Resources
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The City of Chicago has created an online resource for those searching for positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. You can find these opportunities listed year-round on the Careers page on the City's website. Job seekers are encouraged to add this resource to their job search arsenal.
This Week's Featured Openings:
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OEMC currently has two job postings:
- General Superintendent of Special Traffic Services
- Police Communications Operator I (9-1-1 Call Taker)
You can find both positions posted at chi.gov/oemcjobs and on the City’s main website here. Under the drop-down menu for Organization, select “Office of Emergency Management & Communications.”
Watch recruitment videos online for other divisions at
City of Chicago :: Join Our Team
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Starting Today!
Learn More about Careers You
Might Not Have Considered
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Tomorrow:
Discover How the Park District
Can Become Your Customer
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The Purchasing Department of the Chicago Park District (CPD) is hosting a series of Informational Sessions on Doing Business with the Park District. Representatives from Park District departments will be present to speak on contracting opportunities in Planning & Construction, Natural Resources, and Facility Management.
Fifth Ward business owners are invited to explore opportunities during breakout sessions with various Park District departments.
Tuesday, September 15th
Horner Park
2741 W. Montrose Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Wednesday, October 21st
South Shore Cultural Center
7059 S. South Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60649
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Department of Purchasing will provide light refreshments throughout the day.
These informational sessions are first-come, first-served and are in high demand. Due to the limited space, we encourage you to register as soon as possible.
| Check Out These Free or Affordable Healthcare Services | |
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It's Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Time for Commissioner Lowry's
Annual Health & Resource Fair
| | What Else Is Going On in the 5th? | | |
Ald. Yancy Is Instrumental in Renaming Police Station
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On Saturday, September 12, the Chicago Police Department dedicated its 3rd District station at 7040 S. Cottage Grove in honor of fallen officer Dorelle C. Brandon, who became the city's first female officer killed in the line of duty. The tragic incident occurred on January 25, 1984, while she was apprehending a suspect.
Ald. Yancy played a key role in this milestone by co-sponsoring the ordinance that renamed the station. He is also connected to the late Officer Brandon through her widower, Matthew Brandon, who worked with two generations of Yancys. Brandon and the alderman's father served together as police officers. He later worked with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), where young Desmon Yancy was an organizer.
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At the Obama Presidential Center
Click the calendar for details.
| | Thursdays through October 8: Walk at the OPC | | |
Walk at Your Pace at the Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Center has launched a weekly exercise program called "At Your Pace," in partnership with Peace Runners 773, a non-profit organization that advocates for health equity.
Each session begins at Jackson Park Field next to Home Court with a guided warm-up, followed by a group walk or run. The route travels through the OPC campus and surrounding park. There's no performance pressure. You can take breaks whenever you need to, and move in a way that feels right for you.
September 3 and every Thursday until October 8, 2026
9:15 a.m. Check in/Registration
9:45 a.m. Dynamic Warm-Up
10 a.m. "At Your Pace" Program
11 a.m. Cool Down
The "At Your Pace" program is free, and registration is optional.
| | Tonight at Merrill Garden | | Saturday Mornings in September | | Catch up with Celebrity DJ Desmon Yancy This Saturday! | | |
Help Build a List of
Research Priorities for Seniors
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Summer's Free Museum Days
Are Winding Down
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Schedules
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Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Free for Illinois residents on Sept. 15-16, 20-23, and 27-30; griffinmsi.org.
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Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Free for Illinois residents on Sept. 14-15; adlerplanetarium.org.
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Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. Free for Illinois residents on Sept. 24; chicagohistory.org.
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Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. Free for Illinois residents on Sept. 14-18, 21-25, and 28-30; naturemuseum.org.
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Free Year 'Round: Our Public Libraries | | Join Scholars and Athletes Supporting Higher Education | |
HBCU RUN & BRUNCH
Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 RAINBOW BEACH
⌚ RUN 6.2 MILES or RUN OR WALK 3.1 MILES
🧇 BRUNCH ON THE YARD IS BACK! - IF RUNNING ISN'T YOUR THING, REGISTER TO PULL UP!
REGISTER HERE!
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Take the Next Step!
The fair will include:
- College representatives from various HBCUs providing on-site information about their institutions
- A college-planning resource corner
- A chance for seniors to enter a book scholarship raffle
Pre-register at www.ipcdf.org/events.
| | The annual HBCU College Fair hosted by Imani Pearls Community Development Foundation (IPCDF), the nonprofit arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Chi Omega Omega Chapter. | | |
Younger Scholars!
SAVE THIS DATE
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SCHOOL SUPPLIES GIVEAWAY
If you couldn't attend our Back-to-School Celebration and would like free school supplies, simply drop by the Fifth Ward office at 2230 East 71st Street. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have plenty of bookbags and other classroom needs on hand.
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Achieve a Safer Community | | |
Attending 2nd or 3rd District Community Policing (CAPS) meetings provides opportunities to connect with your local beat officers, address your concerns, and exchange valuable information. All of it contributes to a safer, stronger community.
Not sure of your beat number? Call (312) 747-7004. Learn more.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CollaBOOrate with Neighbors for a Safe Halloween
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Are you a nonprofit organization with a program or event that will benefit Fifth Ward residents?
Please send your information and flyer at least two weeks in advance to [email protected]
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ALWAYS KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE FIFTH!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
| Follow Us on Social Media | | | Alderman Desmon Yancy | 2230 E. 71st Street | Chicago, IL 60649 US | | | | |
