Chicago, IL town hall & government
Chicago spent $15.5 billion in the year to December 31, 2024, about $5,825 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Chicago's government.
Who runs Chicago
From public records (Open States and Wikidata), which can lag behind an election. If a name is out of date, tell us: when two neighbors agree, it's hidden until the records catch up.
Where Chicago's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Property taxes 28%
- Fees & charges 20%
- Sales taxes 17%
- From the state 12%
- Interest, fines & other 10%
- From the federal government 7%
- Utility sales 6%
- Other taxes & licenses 1%
Who works for Chicago
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Chicago Public School District 299
Chicago's K–12 school district. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from Illinois districts overall: 52% local, 38% state, 10% federal
- Local 48%
- State 33%
- Federal 18%
Of the $24,330 per pupil, $15,614 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Also serving Chicago: Maine Township High School District 207 ($29,333 per pupil) · Township High School District 214 ($27,472 per pupil) · Community High School District 218 ($25,321 per pupil).
Which schools Chicago kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Chicago pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Chicago's government
Who represents Chicago
Chicago is represented in Congress by Senators Richard J. Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and Representatives Jonathan L. Jackson, Danny K. Davis, Mike Quigley, Jesús G. "Chuy" García, Robin L. Kelly, Delia C. Ramirez, Janice D. Schakowsky and Sean Casten. J. B. Pritzker is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.