Nov 12, 2024 - Climate

Collar counties vote to support forest preserves

Monica Eng

Cook County forest preserves (above) benefited from a 2022 ballot measure and collar counties are following suit. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

While last week's victory for President-elect Trump is expected to pose major roadblocks to addressing climate change, some successful collar county ballot measures are expected to improve the local environment.

Why it matters: Money collected through the referendums in DuPage, Lake and Kane counties will be earmarked to preserve hundreds of acres of land, protect waterways, plant trees, improve flood control and expand nature education.

Zoom in: The wins followed a successful 2022 Cook County measure that added about $1.66 per month to most property tax bills. The 2024 referenda approved include:

A DuPage County property tax increase of 0.035%
A Kane County tax increase of 0.029163%
A Lake County bond issuance of $155 million

What they're saying: Over 20 years "these three measures will collectively deploy an additional $609 million into nature for cleaner air and water, more accessible open space, and a healthier region for generations to come," environmental advocacy group Openlands CEO Michael Davidson said in a statement.

Between the lines: Even in an age of deep political divides and fights over tax hikes, protecting local forest preserves remains a largely popular cause.

What's next: At press time, a similar ballot measure in McHenry County was still too close to call.

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Collar counties vote to support forest preserves

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