City & Local

Cook County

4 articles

Editorial illustration for Chicago's Neighborhood Capital Fund: Six Eligibility Tests for Your Project and What Comes Next
Neighborhoods

Chicago's Neighborhood Capital Fund: Six Eligibility Tests for Your Project and What Comes Next

The Chicago Community Trust's Neighborhood Capital Fund offers late-stage capital for community-led real estate projects in underinvested Cook County neighborhoods. This article outlines the fund's six eligibility tests and guides aspiring applicants through the process and timeline for future funding cycles.

Derek Molina·November 6, 2026
Happy dogs of various breeds running and playing freely in a sun-drenched, spacious off-leash dog park in Cook County.
Best in City

4 Dog Friendly Off-Leash Areas in Cook County

Cook County residents face a $60 annual fee per dog, non-residents double that, just to enter designated off-leash dog areas.

Hannah Pierce·August 29, 2026
Homeowner examining a property tax assessment document with a magnifying glass, seeking to understand and appeal the valuation.
Neighborhoods

How Property Tax Assessments Work and How to Appeal

A successful property tax appeal for a missing exemption can put a refund check in a homeowner's hand within 3-4 weeks.

Derek Molina·June 4, 2026
Diverse group of Illinois homeowners celebrating outside their homes, symbolizing protection of their equity after new legislation.
Real Estate

Illinois lawmakers pass bill to protect homeowners' equity

Cook County was recently found liable in a class-action lawsuit, ordered to pay damages to 2,500 property owners.

Hannah Pierce·June 1, 2026