Dear Homeowner, As you know, we are currently experiencing the worst economic global recession since the Great Depression 70 years ago. I’m very concerned that too many people here in Chicago are struggling to make ends meet and keep their homes.

During these tough times, we are doing all we can to protect Chicago’s working and middle-class families, our seniors and other residents.

New higher city property taxes are the last thing we should be asking homeowners to pay next year.

Homeowners need property tax relief, and they need it now.

That’s why I recently proposed and the City Council passed, the City of Chicago’s Property Tax Relief Program.

It is meant to provide relief between $25 and $200 to City homeowners hit hardest by increases to their 2008 property tax bill for their primary residence. This program is needed largely because of the phase-out of the state law that put a 7 percent cap on the annual increase in the taxable value of home property, and because the drop of this year’s exemption under that law went to $20,000 from $26,000.

The amount of tax relief you might receive is based on a combination of income level and the amount of your property tax increase. For example, the lower your income and the higher your property tax increase, the more relief you’ll be eligible for.

On this website, you will be able to find an application, instructions and helpful tools to guide you through the application process.

Chicago’s working families are the heart and soul of our city. We hope the Property Tax Relief Program will provide you with some assistance during these tough times.