Chicago Report – Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
Summary
The FOX 32 Chicago Chicago Report interview featured Great Cities Institute report co-author Juan González discussing GCI’s new study on Chicago’s use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). González explained that although TIF was created to spur development in struggling neighborhoods, Chicago’s extensive use of the tool has diverted property-tax revenue from schools and public services while disproportionately benefiting downtown areas. He discussed the additional tax burden placed on homeowners, persistent underinvestment on the South and West Sides, and high affordable-housing development costs. González also outlined proposed reforms, including inflation indexing, stronger oversight, improved transparency, and better tracking of TIF spending. Watch from 12:22.