WBEZ: "A Revamped Tax Program Is Offering Relief To Homeowners On Chicago’s Northwest Side"

For years, the Northwest Side Housing Center lobbied state lawmakers to change the assurance program into a resource that didn’t waste taxpayer dollars.

“We’re glad to see that the program is up and running, and that it’s helped folks,” said James Rudyk, the center’s executive director. But he says the program needs to do more than offer renovation loans.

“What we saw during the pandemic, and what we’re still seeing is that not only are folks at risk of eviction and foreclosure, but there’s also a real issue with people being able to pay their property taxes, particularly older adults, those that are disabled and people of color,” Rudyk said.

So this summer, state lawmakers passed a bill that amends the Home Equity Assurance Act. The amended law makes it possible to give loans to homeowners with delinquent property tax payments. That change takes effect in January.

Now the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program board of directors has to approve it. Ellis says they are excited to move forward with the new change.