Few topics generate more frustration among Park Forest residents than property taxes, but Village officials assert that the issue is more complex than many realize. This summer, the Village launched a Facebook campaign aimed at clarifying where tax dollars go and why the community relies more heavily on property taxes than many of its neighbors.

The "Understanding Your Property Taxes" campaign utilized charts, graphics, and straightforward explanations to guide residents through decades of changes that have shaped the local tax burden. Officials aimed to dispel common misconceptions, such as the belief that all property tax dollars go directly to the Village.

Village staff explained in one Facebook post that many people don't realize that Park Forest receives only about 38 percent of the property taxes they pay. The majority—nearly 55 percent—goes to schools.

The Village initiated the campaign after numerous conversations with residents who questioned why property taxes in Park Forest are higher than in surrounding communities. Finance staff frequently receive inquiries about the steepness of tax bills and the allocation of the funds. The online outreach sought to provide a clear, shareable explanation.

A central aspect of the campaign traced the story back to the 1970s, when Park Forest Plaza, the community's outdoor shopping mall, began to decline following the opening of Lincoln Mall in nearby Matteson. Park Forest Plaza had been a significant source of sales tax revenue for decades, supported by national retailers such as Sears and Marshall Field's. However, as sales declined, so did the Village's financial cushion.

In 1990, Park Forest collected more than $1.4 million in sales taxes. By 2010, that figure had fallen below $300,000. Although sales tax revenues have stabilized in recent years, they remain significantly below historical levels. In 2024, the Village collected about $665,000—less than half of what it collected during the early 1990s.

Officials explained that the Village turned to property taxes to maintain services as sales tax revenue declined. Unlike many other communities where separate taxing districts fund fire protection or recreation, Park Forest pays for those services directly from its share of the property tax levy. This means that a larger portion of the Village's budget must be covered by residents' property tax bills.

The Facebook campaign included a breakdown of a typical bill in School District 163. About 32.7 percent of taxes went to that district, while another 20.5 percent went to Rich Township High School District 227, and 1.7 percent to Prairie State College. Village services accounted for less than 40 percent of the total.

Officials also noted that Park Forest has worked to keep property tax increases below the rate of inflation over the past decade. In five of the last ten years, the Village Board did not increase the tax levy at all. Overall, the levy has risen by just 9.15 percent during that time—an average of less than 1 percent per year.

The campaign further emphasized the services that property taxes fund, including police and fire protection, recreation, parks, and infrastructure. Officials argued that while no one enjoys paying taxes, these funds are essential for maintaining the community's quality of life.

Simultaneously, Park Forest leaders stressed their commitment to advocating for residents. Current efforts include monitoring state legislation that could affect exemptions, ensuring that property improvements are accurately reflected in assessments, and advocating for fairness in appeals that could otherwise reduce the tax base.

Park Forest officials said the goal is to ensure that everyone contributes fairly to the services everyone relies on. Village officials said they will continue to work with county and state officials to ensure Park Forest has an equitable tax system.

By using social media to explain the history and complexity of property taxes, Park Forest officials hope that residents will better understand why tax bills are structured as they are and how the Village is working to manage them responsibly.

To review the campaign and learn more about property taxes in Park Forest, click here to see a page dedicated to the campaign and breaking down taxes in the Village.