Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC), the North Lawndale Homeowners Association (NLHOA), and Harmony Community Church will host The Property Tax Bonfire: Light the Way to Fairness on Saturday, November 15 at 6:00 PM at Harmony Community Church. This impactful community action will bring together residents, small business owners, and commercial property stakeholders to demand transparency, fairness, and meaningful reform in Illinois’s property tax system.
Illinois has one of the highest property tax rates in the country, yet many residents lack clarity on how those rates are calculated and why they continue to increase. The event will amplify the voices of those most affected—homeowners, renters, and small business owners—while shedding light on longstanding inequities built into the current system.
“This is about more than numbers on a bill,” said Dr. Richard Townsell, Executive Director of LCDC. “It’s about fairness, stability, and the right to stay in the homes and neighborhoods we’ve built for generations. People deserve a property tax system they can understand and trust.”
A symbolic bonfire will visually represent the community’s shared frustration and unified commitment to systemic change. Participants will share personal experiences with unpredictable tax hikes and explore solutions modeled after California’s Proposition 13, which limits property taxes to one percent of assessed value and caps annual increases at two percent.
“This system is broken, but we can fix it if we act together,” said Whittney Smith, LCDC Deputy Director. “We’re calling for simplicity, transparency, and fairness for North Lawndale—and for every Illinois resident who deserves economic security.”
The gathering will also function as a listening and research session to inform a broader statewide campaign for property tax reform. Policymakers, community leaders, and media outlets are encouraged to attend and hear directly from residents impacted by inequitable taxation.
Key Partners
- Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC)
- North Lawndale Homeowners Association (NLHOA)
- Harmony Community Church
About Lawndale Christian Development Corporation
Founded in 1987, LCDC is a mission-driven organization committed to revitalizing North Lawndale through affordable housing, economic development, and community empowerment. By cultivating strategic partnerships and launching innovative programs, LCDC works to create sustainable change and improve the quality of life for residents on Chicago’s West Side.
