Juanita Irizarry's Priorities 

The property tax system is rigged against homeowners in Cook County, with corporate landlords paying less than they should. The Board of Review gives special treatment to big corporations and large commercial developers, lowering their assessments and shifting more of the tax burden onto working class families. Between 2021 and 2023, homeowners paid $2 billion more than they should have to pay for commercial appeals granted by the Board of Review. This burden shift is forcing seniors out of homes they've lived in for decades and pushing working families out of their neighborhoods. The biggest increases are hitting communities whose populations are majority Latino and Black.

As Board of Review commissioner, Juanita will:

• End backroom deals that give massive tax reductions to commercial properties while homeowners pay more

• Reverse the burden shift that unfairly pushed property tax burden from large commercial properties to homeowners

• Hold corporations accountable with the same standards applied to homeowners, with no special treatment for political donors

• Ensure fair assessments across all property types so big businesses pay their fair share

Rising housing costs are pushing too many Cook County families out of their homes, destabilizing communities and displacing families. Homeowners need the property tax system to work for them, including fairer assessments, more property tax relief, and protection from property tax spikes.

As Board of Review member, Juanita will:

• Prioritize the expansion of senior property tax relief so that longtime homeowners don’t face displacement due to sudden tax increases

• Address systemic bias in assessment and appeals that has historically overcharged communities of color

• Track and report on disparities in how different communities are treated in the appeals process

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, but they're getting squeezed by rising property taxes while big commercial property owners get breaks through expensive lawyers and political connections.

As Board of Review commissioner, Juanita will:

• Level the playing field so small businesses get fair treatment in appeals, not just corporations with connected attorneys

• Recognize community impact when small business closures due to property taxes devastate neighborhood commercial corridors

• Provide accessible appeal support so small business owners can navigate the system without hiring expensive lawyers

• Protect neighborhood businesses that serve as anchors for communities, not just profit centers for developers

The current Board of Review operates in ways that favor those with power, money, and connections. Real reform requires someone who understands how the system is rigged and has a track record of fighting to change it.

As Board of Review commissioner, Juanita will:

• Use her affordable housing expertise to create property tax policy that supports housing stability and community health

• Apply community organizing experience to ensure working families have a voice in how the system operates

• Maintain independence by refusing all contributions from the property tax appeals industry

• Stay accountable to communities, not corporate donors or political machines