Dupage Policy Journal

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's board of commissioners voted today to place a referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot. If approved by voters, it would increase the property tax rate for the Forest Preserve District by an additional 0.0350% above the limiting rate.

Since 2006, when DuPage voters last approved a Forest Preserve District referendum, the annual visitor count, which remained steady at 3 million until 2020, has grown to its present-day 5.5 million (an 83% increase). During that time, for every dollar a property owner pays in real estate tax, the portion going to the Forest Preserve District has dropped from 2.3 cents per dollar to 1.5 cents per dollar. If passed, the portion of each tax dollar received by the Forest Preserve District would still be less than 2 cents for every dollar.

In addition to more visitors, the Forest Preserve District now has more holdings to protect than ever before. Since 2006, the Forest Preserve District grew by more than 600 acres of open space, added 30 miles of trails, restored 8,500 acres of land, and restored 30 miles of rivers and streams.

For a DuPage County property owner, this change would translate to an estimated additional tax of $11.67 per $100,000 of home value for the 2024 levy year.

The increase would provide the Forest Preserve District with essential funding:

Per state law, the Forest Preserve District cannot increase the tax levy over the limiting rate without voter approval. For further information on the referendum, visit dupageforest.org/referendum2024.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County improves quality of life for all DuPage County residents. Its 26,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands and waterways contribute to cleaner air and water help with flood control create vital habitats for wildlife and provide safe spaces where people can boost their physical and mental health More than 5.5 million people visit its forest preserves trails education centers and programs each year For information call or visit where you can also link to e-newsletter Facebook X Instagram YouTube TikTok pages

"We strive to connect all people to nature," said a spokesperson from The Forest Preserve District. "We're committed to promoting diversity equity inclusion and belonging providing facilities programs activities free from discrimination or harassment."