FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Diana Martinez | Diana.Martinez@cityofchicago.org | (312) 597-1830
Valencia, Martin and Lee propose City Sticker Ability to Pay Pilot Program
CHICAGO – City Clerk Anna Valencia, Alderman Matt Martin (47th Ward) and Alderwoman Nicole Lee (11th Ward) filed an ordinance yesterday establishing a pilot program that creates an ability to pay model for City Sticker tickets that cost $200. The pilot would provide low-income residents with an opportunity to apply for a waiver or reduction based on financial need.
“We know many of our families are getting squeezed by the rising costs of rent, groceries, gas and other basic needs. We’re using this program as an opportunity to provide relief for residents while creating a pathway to compliance through affordability,” Valencia said. “My Office’s Amnesty Month program has already proved that people will take advantage of these types of programs if we offer them.”
Under this program, Administrative Hearing Officers will determine a resident’s ability to pay considering various factors such as a resident’s participation in government assistance programs as well as their employment status and monthly income. The proposal sets a scale that will determine the amount that an applicant will ultimately be responsible for paying.
“This is going to be a tough budget season and we owe it to our residents to put effort into these types of win-win ideas,” Martin said. This can help the City collect revenue we otherwise wouldn’t see and help our residents who want to follow the law, but need some support to do so.”
The City Sticker Ability to Pay Pilot Program, as proposed, would sunset on December 31, 2028, at which point a more expansive and permanent program can be considered.
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