Chicago Voters Back Vacant Property Tax for Schools

A nonbinding referendum backing an annual tax on long-term vacant commercial properties to fund Chicago Public Schools passed with about 74% support.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Commercial

Photograph of a weedy vacant urban lot with cracked concrete and chain-link fencing, with a brick school building in the distance under overcast sky. — Chicago voters overwhelmingly backed a nonbinding annual tax on long-term vacant commercial properties to help fund Chicago Public Schools, which face a $730 million deficit. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should Chicago tax owners of long-term vacant properties to fund public schools?

Chicago voters approved a nonbinding referendum supporting an annual tax on owners of long-term vacant or undeveloped commercial or investment properties, with nearly 74% in favor. The tax would take effect only if introduced and approved by the City Council.

Why it matters

Chicago Public Schools entered the current school year facing a $730 million deficit and has already raised property taxes to the legal limit. The referendum signals voter interest in a new revenue source for Chicago schools, while also addressing vacant lots that can become blighted or dumping grounds near schools.

The vote was a nonbinding referendum with about 74% of 624,339 Chicago voters in favor, and CPS's $730 million deficit was the stated reason for seeking the tax. The referendum did not define long-term vacancy or set a rate, so the revenue amount remains unknown until the City Council acts.

The players

Chicago Public Schools

The city's public school district, which faces the funding deficit that the proposed vacancy tax is meant to address.

Chicago City Council

The city legislature that must introduce and approve the vacancy tax before it can take effect.

The details

The referendum asked whether owners of long-term vacant or undeveloped commercial or investment properties should pay an annual tax supporting CPS. Supporters point to vacant lots near schools that can become dumping grounds and sources of blight, while Chicago sold some vacant lots to developers for $1 each.

2011: Washington, D.C. implemented a vacancy tax.
2024: Baltimore approved a vacancy tax.
July 1: Baltimore's vacancy tax went into effect.
November 3, 2026: Chicago voters approved the nonbinding referendum.

Industry Context

Washington, D.C. implemented a vacancy tax in 2011, and Baltimore approved one in 2024 that took effect July 1, making Chicago the latest large city to consider taxing long-term vacant commercial property. Chicago's proposal is still nonbinding and must pass the City Council before any tax applies.

Owners of long-term vacant commercial or investment properties in Chicago could face an annual tax if the City Council approves one, though no rate has been set. Property owners should watch for City Council action, since the referendum itself does not impose any charge.

The takeaway

The vote shows Chicago voters are open to using vacancy taxes to close school funding gaps, but the outcome depends on City Council action and a rate yet to be determined. Property owners and investors should track whether the council introduces a measure.