Increase alcohol, cigarette and ride-sharing taxes, but hold the line on property taxes.
That’s what Chicago residents had to say in an online survey the city conducted as a companion to Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s recent budget town halls. The mayor wanted a variety of channels where residents could weigh in on spending and savings as the city faces a nearly $1 billion shortfall next year.
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The survey, conducted between Aug. 16-Oct. 3, drew 7,347 responses from all residential ZIP codes, according to the mayor’s office.
A snapshot: “Nearly 72% of respondents indicated an interest in increasing the tax on cigarettes, while more than 85% feel property taxes should remain the same. Nearly 87% said they also feel sales tax should remain the same. The revenues that received a majority “Increase the tax or fee,” include ridesharing tax (46%), alcohol tax (46%) and the garage parking tax (44%).” Read the results of the study along with the conclusions drawn from town hall meetings here.
All the feedback pointed to the typical sentiment: Maintain services, but find a way to cut costs.
Twitter @byldonovan
