The agenda can be found here: A link to join the live meeting is here: …storagev1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/meetingattachm… chicityclerk.com/committee-hous…

The committee is made up of the alderpersons listed here: chicityclerkelms.chicago.gov/Legislative-Bo…

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward) chairs the City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate. 11 other members of the committee are present.

Public comment is made by Dee Perkins, who ran for 5th ward alderperson in 2023, on the appointment of two new Chicago Housing Authority commissioners and its recent controversy. blockclubchicago.org/2024/04/19/aft…

Five public commenters generally frustrated about lack of housing, especially for Black Chicagoans, and the council's handling of budget. Twenty written comments also submitted.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner of the First District George Cardenas introduces the Circuit Breaker Legislation Proposal, which "links property taxes to a person's ability to pay."

The proposal would give homeowners a property tax credit for taxes that exceed a threshold of their income. Renters can claim a credit as well.

Analyst Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy Brakeyshia Samms says Illinois has above average taxes for working class people. Circuit breakers, like the ones in other Midwest states such as Michigan and Minnesota, could help address this. Report: itep.org/property-tax-a…

Ald. Jessica Fuentes (26th) asks the board about the design of application, budget for outreach, how income will be defined and the involvement of state legislators.

In the current stage, Cook County Board of Review reps say they are looking to the platform in Minnesota and Michigan as models. They also say they have support across levels of government and from community groups.

Daniel La Spata (1st) asks the board about the eligibility threshold (at this point set at the state's median income of $75-78k) to ensure they're targeting relief appropriately. The board says that will be part of the bill development process.

Maria Hadden (49th) asks the board about the state's former tax breaker program in effect until about a decade ago and which served seniors. In response to Hadden's question about potential agencies responsible for sending credits, the board mentioned the possibility of Revenue.

Gilbert Villegas' (36th) asks how credits will be funded, and the board points to a constitutional amendment that would increase taxes for millionaires -- an advisory ballot question this November: . ballotpedia.org/Illinois_Incom…

Multiple alders brought up concerns about the process of administering the renters' credits.

Ald. Greg Mitchell (7th) emphasized the need to ensure access for the senior population, especially when it comes to the ease of applying for credits and the definition of income. The board suggested "adjusted gross income," which includes income beyond earned income.

Alds. Sigcho-Lopez and Hadden also brought up the possibility of using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for credits.

Overall, Council Chamber was filled with excitement about this proposal. Almost all alders who spoke expressed support of the property tax breakers.

During call to approve Juliana Gonzalez-Crussi, delegate commissioner for the Chicago Housing Authority, David Moore (17th) said he could not support the appointments until both delegates spoke to Central Advisory Council members, the resident leadership of the CHA.

Fuentes proposed compromise: delegates would meet with Central Advisory Council members before next City Council meeting. Motion approved. mycac.org

Motion to appoint Brian "Jawanza" Malone also approved with previous contingency in mind. Many alders commended the choice of the two delegates.

Motion approved for city to access property for environmental testing southwest of intersection of Schroud property site, E Avenue O at S 126th St. cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/curs…

Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) proposed to designate North Milwaukee Ave, from N Wisner Ave to N Kedzie Ave, a “Low Affordability Community,” reducing assessment value (and property taxes) for affordable rental housing construction or rehabilitation there. ilga.gov/legislation/il…

Council approved Ramirez-Rosa's motion.

Motion for financial restructuring and sale transfer, adding City Vacant Lots transfer, of 1251 S Sawyer Avenue, 1214-1232 S Kedzie Ave and 1242-1256 S Kedzie Ave, previously held by Heartland housing, to Chicago House and Social Service Agency approved.

Approved: Motions for restructuring of city loans for the following senior suites: 13550 S Avenue O., 3656 W Huron St., 2345-2561 E 67th St. and 5400 N Northwest Hwy.

Department of Housing recommends amendment to Municipal Code Chapter 2-44 providing loan restructuring (or modification) authority to Commissioner of Housing. Recommendation passed by council.

Ald. Peter Chico (10th) defers agenda item 13 for more time to plan about the vacant land use with stakeholders.

Approved: Sale of city-owned properties in 20th Ward (listed below and on agenda) under ChiBlockBuilder platform. chiblockbuilder.com

Chicago City Council’s Committee on Housing and Real Estate meeting ends at 4:39 p.m. Find more information through Daniel Wolk’s notes for @chidocumenters: chicago.documenters.org/meetings/?alt=…