Part 6/8:
One of the most significant developments in Chicago governance is the approval of the city’s 2025 budget. The plan—costing $17 billion—manages to avoid a property tax hike, yet it inevitably means a rise in costs across various sectors. Chicagoans will face heightened charges for driving and utilizing rideshare services in the downtown area.
Among the adjustments, the bag tax has increased from 7 cents to 10 cents, and new taxes on streaming services and online games will rise from 9% to 10.25%. Traffic fines, particularly from speed cameras, are also set to increase, potentially raising millions in additional revenue. While the budget does not include layoffs or cuts to services, these adjustments will impact residents' pocketbooks and contribute to an overall sense of financial strain.