Chicago’s mayor propose ‘mansion tax’ on houses that cost over $1million.

Chicago’s Proposed ‘Mansion Tax’

The Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, is pushing for the implementation of a ‘mansion tax’ on homes selling for more than $1 million in the city. Additionally, his administration is considering higher taxes for households with incomes exceeding $100,000 as part of their strategy to combat homelessness and fund various initiatives.

New Mayor’s Agenda

Mayor Brandon Johnson, who took office in May, succeeding his predecessor Lori Lightfoot, is eager to increase taxes to address pressing issues in the city. His administration has also announced a comprehensive $12 billion plan for Chicago titled ‘First We Get the Money,’ which aims to create a more equitable city by reducing police funding and introducing new taxes.

Targeting Wealthy Property Owners

Mayor Johnson’s proposed ‘Bring Chicago Home’ plan seeks to impose taxes on homeowners with properties valued at $1 million or more. The plan represents a compromise from an earlier proposal that would have significantly raised the transfer-tax rate. Under the new proposal, there would be a progressive-transfer rate, with lower tax rates for sales below $1 million and progressively higher rates for higher-value properties.

Limited Number of High-Value Properties

Despite the proposed tax on properties over $1 million, it’s noteworthy that there are relatively few such properties available in Chicago, with the majority being condos or small townhouses. Data indicates that there were 2,391 homes sold for $1 million or more in the city last year, down 14.5 percent from the previous year.

Challenges and Concerns

Critics of the proposed tax argue that it could deter global investors, hinder development, job creation, tax-base growth, and small businesses. They also point out that Chicago already has a relatively high property tax burden compared to competitive cities, and this additional tax may exacerbate challenges in the city’s real estate market.

Impact on Middle-Class Households

The ‘First We Get the Money’ plan, which includes increasing taxes for households earning over $100,000, may disproportionately affect middle-class residents in Chicago. The cost of living in the city is high, and a $100,000 salary does not go as far as it does in many other cities. According to reports, Chicago ranks 58th out of 76 U.S. cities for cost-of-living adjusted take-home pay from a $100,000 income.

Additional Challenges

Beyond taxation, Mayor Johnson faces other challenges, including managing a migrant crisis in the city, as Chicago is considered a ‘sanctuary city’ for migrants. Some companies have expressed concerns over additional taxes and have considered leaving the city, which has already experienced a rise in crime rates in recent years.

Legacy of Previous Mayor

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s tenure was marked by criticism over her handling of rising crime rates in the city, reaching the highest levels in 25 years. Her administration faced controversy over strained relations with the press and city unions, as well as accusations of limiting access to public records.

Conclusion

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed ‘mansion tax’ and other taxation measures are part of his broader strategy to address critical issues in Chicago. These proposals are generating debate and concerns among various stakeholders, including property owners, businesses, and middle-class residents in the city.