Chicagoans wary of more taxation

A recent Harris Poll survey of Chicagoans found that they are concerned about their personal financial situations and they are dissatisfied with the taxes and fees levied by local government. Their problems with the city’s fiscal situation stretch beyond dollars and cents. Confusion about tax policies and distrust in City Hall likely contribute to residents’ distaste for additional taxation that may be levied to support a looming budget deficit. Below are a few key findings from our recent survey. 

Chicagoans’ financial concerns may impact their opinions on local taxes.

Three-quarters of City of Chicago residents (74%) are at least somewhat concerned about their personal financial situation (38% very concerned). Two-thirds (66%) find the local tax situation in their area concerning, and a similar number (64%) think the area’s taxes and fees are worse than those in other places across the U.S. Half (51%) think the situation has worsened over the past year. Two-thirds of city residents (66%) think that essential purchases should be taxed at a lower rate than non-essential purchases. Nearly as many (60%) disagree that they would support an increase in purchase-related taxes over an increase in larger assessed taxes (e.g., income, property). Strikingly, 36% note that they would consider moving if local taxes increase.

Chicagoans want to see their tax dollars improve daily life for residents.  

Two-thirds of City of Chicago residents (65%) agree that they be willing to pay more in taxes if the revenue was used to fund resources that benefit them.

Below are the resources residents most often want funded with tax revenue:

• City services and maintenance: 53%
• Public education: 50%
• Housing: 48%
• Social services: 45%
• Infrastructure: 44%
  • Public transportation: 44%

Below are the resources residents most often would be willing to pay a tax increase to fund:

• Social services: 31%
• Public education: 31%
• Housing: 27%
• Infrastructure: 23%
  • Public transportation: 21%
• City services and maintenance: 23%

Residents less often express willingness to fund longer-term investments and expenses with indirect or limited benefits with local tax revenue.

Few Chicagoans are confident in their understanding of local tax policies.

Less than 20% of City of Chicago residents feel very confident in their understanding of many key aspects of local tax policies.

• Amount paid (e.g., tax rates, total expense): 17%
  • Not at all confident: 22%
• Types of local taxes paid (e.g., income, sales): 15%
  • Not at all confident: 23%
• Which group (i.e., local, state, or federal government) is collecting revenue from each tax: 12%
  • Not at all confident: 23%
• How tax dollars are used by local government: 10%
  • Not at all confident: 32%
• Tax proposals being considered by local government: 9%

Trust in local officials’ distribution of tax revenue is low.

Only 31% of City of Chicago residents at least somewhat agree that they trust the local government to use tax dollars in a way they support (only 7% strongly agree and 41% strongly disagree). Twice as many (63%) at least somewhat agree that they would be willing to pay more in taxes if they supported how the revenue was used.

Residents prefer less spending over increased taxation to address budget shortfalls.

Half of City of Chicago residents (51%) think the local government should shore up its budget through decreased spending. Comparatively, only 31% think the budget deficit should be supported by any increased charges to residents. Of those prospective increases, 17% support increased assessed taxes and fees (e.g., income, property), 12% support increased purchase-related taxes and fees, and 12% support increased fees for government services.

This survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll from September 12, 2024 to September 18, 2024 among 1,000 Cook County, IL residents, aged 18+. Figures were weighted where necessary to align with actual proportions within the population. For additional information, please contact The Harris Poll.