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LETS EASE PROPERTY TAX BURDEN BY FIXING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING – KIM WALZ IN THE CHICAGO SUN TIMES (1/3/23)
SENATOR DICK DURBIN ENDORSES KIM WALZ FOR 46TH WARD ALDERWOMAN (10/4/22)
STATE REPRESENTATIVE MARGARET CROKE ENDORSES KIM WALZ FOR 46TH WARD ALDERWOMAN (9/16)
MORE THAN 100 COMMUNITY MEMBERS JOIN KIM WALZ FOR KICK-OFF EVENT IN CAMPAIGN FOR 46TH WARD ALDERWOMAN (7/26/22)
U.S. REPS MIKE QUIGLEY, JAN SCHAKOWSKY ENDORSE KIM WALZ FOR 46TH WARD ALDERWOMAN (7/20/22)
KIM WALZ LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR 46TH WARD ALDERWOMAN (7/12/22)
LETS EASE PROPERTY TAX BURDEN BY FIXING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
KIM WALZ OP-ED IN THE CHICAGO SUN TIMES
January 3rd, 2023
Soaring prices for food, gas and other household items, coupled with annual holiday spending, put additional financial pressure on so many of us as we headed into the final weeks of the year. That’s why the recent spikes in property tax bills, which rose 6.6% across Chicago, were especially unwelcome for so many Chicagoans.
Studies show one reason for the increase: the uneven tax burden across the city and Cook County. In the 2021 reassessment, the increase in downtown assessments was offset by other assessment decreases. Chicagoans were caught in the middle.
Now, many landlords, small businesses and homeowners face sizable tax increases they simply cannot afford. Now more than ever, we need a strong City Council whose members understand this problem, are prepared to develop data-driven solutions to help lessen the burden on taxpayers and are willing to do what it takes to create change.
My career has centered around public policy and community advocacy. I have too often witnessed how a lack of affordable housing hurts families, many of whom are struggling to stay in homes their parents and grandparents owned.
Others face being priced out of their apartments because landlords are forced to pass property tax increases on to their tenants. Still others have told me how they cannot afford to become a homeowner at all, an important way to build wealth for the future.
And we have all seen too many small businesses forced to close over the past few years, leaving our streets riddled with empty storefronts.
To make matters worse, Chicagoans are being asked to absorb sharp tax increases without any apparent payoff. Residents feel they are not seeing improved city services, safer streets or more efficient government. How tax dollars are spent should be connected to how we live. Taxpayers should know, for example, how many traffic lights were repaired or how many public safety officers are in the neighborhood.
Ultimately, property taxes are a math problem we must solve if we want the fabric of our neighborhoods to remain intact. All ideas should be on the table.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2022
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SENATOR DICK DURBIN ENDORSES KIM WALZ FOR 46TH WARD ALDERWOMAN
Illinois’ Senior Senator cites Walz’s experience as a community advocate and coalition builder in endorsement
CHICAGO – Today, US Senator Dick Durbin announced his endorsement of Kim Walz in her campaign for 46th Ward Alderwoman. A community advocate and coalition builder, Walz is running for Alderwoman to build on her decades of experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors to increase access to affordable healthcare and housing, support those impacted by homelessness, mental health issues and substance abuse, and create safer neighborhoods.
“For over 20 years, I’ve known Kim Walz to be a strong community leader and advocate for reform, and I am heartened that she is running for 46th Ward Alderwoman to serve her community she cares so deeply about,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “Kim understands how to bring people together to tackle the issues that matter most, and I am confident she will be part of the new generation of leaders on Chicago’s City Council. Kim has the experience and the resolve to be an effective advocate for the 46th Ward. I am proud to support her.”
Walz has an impressive record of work in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She served as Congressman Mike Quigley’s Chief of Staff when he served as Cook County Commissioner, where she helped develop a blueprint for reforming county government and services and authored numerous reports on how to restructure and reinvent Cook County government so it would be more responsive to constituents. As Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for a non-profit health insurance co-op, she developed outreach programs to help low-income working families and others who were uninsured learn about the Affordable Care Act and get coverage. She currently works for Walgreens, where she serves as a liaison between states, local communities, and the company, and has fought to successfully pass legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs and combat organized retail crime.
“Senator Dick Durbin is an incredible public servant and voice for Illinoisans, and I am honored to have his support in my campaign for 46th Ward Alderwoman,” said Kim Walz. “I believe that my decades of experience and deep understanding of the issues facing our community have prepared me to be an effective leader, and I’m humbled that Senator Durbin agrees. In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to continuing to meet with people across the 46th Ward to share my vision of how we can build safer, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods for everyone.”
Walz is an active volunteer in the community, including at the House of Good Shepherd to support mothers and children living at the shelter. She serves on the board of Kids Above All, a non-profit helping children and families who have survived trauma, and on the leadership council of the Haymarket Center, which helps those suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues and their families. Walz has deep, personal connections to these issues, experiencing firsthand the challenges families face when loved ones struggle with Schizophrenia and homelessness.
For more information on Walz’s campaign, visit www.kimwalz.com.
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About Kim Walz
Kim Walz is a candidate for Alderwoman of the 46th Ward, which encompasses the Lakeview and Uptown neighborhoods. A longtime 46th Ward resident, Walz has served in numerous roles across the public, private, and non-profit sectors and is an active volunteer who leads service efforts for organizations across the community. As Alderwoman, she will fight for safe and affordable communities, quality education for children, and efficient and responsible governance to help move the community forward. To learn more, visit www.kimwalz.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2022
CONTACT
STATE REPRESENTATIVE MARGARET CROKE ENDORSES KIM WALZ FOR 46TH WARD ALDERWOMAN
In her endorsement, Croke cites Walz’s depth of knowledge on the issues facing the community
CHICAGO – Today, Kim Walz announced the endorsement of State Representative Margaret Croke (IL-12) in her campaign for 46th Ward Alderwoman. Walz, a longtime 46th Ward resident, has spent her career working in the public, private and non-profit sectors to expand access to affordable healthcare and housing, support persons impacted by homelessness, mental health issues, and substance abuse, and create safe neighborhoods. Rep. Croke’s 12th District previously encompassed part of the 46th Ward.
“Kim is exactly the kind of person we need more of in public service – someone with a record of bringing people together to get results and a deep understanding of the issues facing her community,” said State Representative Margaret Croke. “As a young mom myself, I believe we bring a unique perspective to positions in government and I know Kim will be a strong and effective voice on Chicago’s City Council. Kim will fight for the residents of the 46th Ward each and every day, and I’m proud to endorse her campaign.”
Walz has an impressive record of work in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She served as Congressman Mike Quigley’s Chief of Staff when he served as Cook County Commissioner, where she helped develop a blueprint for reforming county government and services and authored numerous reports on how to restructure and reinvent Cook County government so it would be more responsive to constituents. As Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for a non-profit health insurance co-op, she developed outreach programs to help low-income working families and others who were uninsured learn about the Affordable Care Act and get coverage. She currently works for Walgreens, where she serves as a liaison between states, local communities, and the company, and has fought to successfully pass legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs and combat organized retail crime.
“In her first term as state representative, Margaret Croke has been a tireless advocate for her constituents, working to make our communities safer and more welcoming for everyone. I hope to embody that same type of public service as Alderwoman for the 46th Ward, and I am grateful to receive her endorsement,” said Kim Walz. “I believe that my decades of experience have prepared me to be an effective leader for the community I call home, and I am honored that Rep. Croke has faith in me and my campaign.”
Walz is an active volunteer in the community, including at the House of Good Shepherd to support mothers and children living at the shelter. She serves on the board of Kids Above All, a non-profit helping children and families who have survived trauma, and on the leadership council of the Haymarket Center, which helps those suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues and their families. Walz has deep, personal connections to these issues, experiencing firsthand the challenges families face when loved ones struggle with Schizophrenia and homelessness.
For more information on Walz’s campaign, visit kimwalz.com.
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About Kim Walz
Kim Walz is a candidate for Alderwoman of the 46th Ward, which encompasses the Lakeview and Uptown neighborhoods. A longtime 46th Ward resident, Walz has served in numerous roles across the public, private, and non-profit sectors and is an active community volunteer who leads service efforts for organizations across the ward. As Alderwoman, she will fight for safe and affordable communities, quality education for children, and efficient and responsible governance to help move the community forward. To learn more, visit www.kimwalz.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2022
CONTACT
press@kimwalz.com
MORE THAN 100 COMMUNITY MEMBERS JOIN KIM WALZ FOR KICK-OFF EVENT IN CAMPAIGN FOR 46TH WARD ALDERWOMAN
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, and community leaders highlighted why Walz is the best leader for the 46th Ward
CHICAGO – Last night, Kim Walz officially kicked off her campaign for 46th Ward Alderwoman with more than 100 supporters and community members at Smylie Brothers Brewing Company. A longtime resident of the 46th Ward, Walz launched her campaign to bring her decades of experience in community advocacy, coalition building, and public policy to fight for the residents of the 46th Ward in Chicago’s City Council.
At the event, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, and community leaders including Ambassador Anne Farodye-Cole spoke about why they are supporting Walz. They highlighted her experience bringing together diverse stakeholders and advocating for the issues important to the 46th Ward, including expanding access to affordable housing and healthcare, supporting those suffering with substance abuse, mental health issues, and homelessness, and building safer neighborhoods.
“I’m so grateful to all of those who joined me last night for the official launch of my campaign for 46th Ward Alderwoman and am humbled that so many inspiring community leaders and dedicated public servants believe that I am the best person to represent this ward on Chicago’s City Council,” said Kim Walz. “I am excited to continue speaking with residents in every corner of the 46th Ward over the coming months to share my message of how we can move our community forward and make it a safer, more equitable place for everyone who calls it home.”
Walz has an impressive record of work in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. For ten years, she worked for Congressman Mike Quigley, first while he was serving as Cook County Commissioner and then in Congress where she worked to advance government reforms and expand access to services. As Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for a non-profit health insurance co-op, she developed outreach programs to help low-income working families and others who were uninsured learn about the Affordable Care Act and get coverage. She currently works for Walgreens, where she serves as a liaison between states, local communities, and the company, and has fought to successfully pass legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs and combat organized retail crime.
Walz is an active volunteer in the community, including at the House of Good Shepherd to support mothers and children living at the shelter. She serves on the board of Kids Above All, a non-profit helping children and families who have survived trauma, and on the leadership council of the Haymarket Center, which helps those suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues and their families. Walz has deep, personal connections to these issues, experiencing firsthand the challenges families face when loved ones struggle with Schizophrenia and homelessness.
To learn more, visit www.kimwalz.com.
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About Kim Walz
Kim Walz is a candidate for Alderwoman of the 46th Ward, which encompasses the Lakeview and Uptown neighborhoods. A longtime 46th Ward resident, Walz has served in numerous roles across the public, private, and non-profit sectors and is an active community volunteer who leads service efforts for organizations across the ward. As Alderwoman, she will fight for safe and affordable communities, quality education for children, and efficient and responsible governance to help move the community forward. To learn more, visit www.kimwalz.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2022
CONTACT
press@kimwalz.com
KIM WALZ LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR 46TH WARD ALDERWOMAN
Walz brings decades of experience building policies to create safer neighborhoods, expand access to affordable healthcare and housing, and support those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse
CHICAGO – Today, Kim Walz launched her campaign for 46th Ward Alderwoman on the Chicago City Council. Over more than two decades, Kim Walz has built an impressive record of community advocacy, coalition building, and experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. A longtime 46th Ward resident, she has spent her career fighting for affordable and accessible healthcare, support for those suffering with substance abuse, mental health issues, and homelessness, and making government more efficient and transparent for the people it serves. The 46th Ward includes the Lakeview and Uptown neighborhoods.
“I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for 46th Ward Alderwoman. From a young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of service, and today I’m proud to begin my campaign to serve the community I call home,” said Kim Walz. “No one will outwork me or fight harder than me when it comes to the residents of this ward. I’ve spent years building coalitions among diverse stakeholders, advancing fairness and equity, and serving others in need, all of which has prepared me to help make the 46th Ward a safe, welcoming community where every person has an opportunity to thrive.”
Through her longtime work in public service, Walz has experience and understanding of meeting constituent needs of the diverse community. For ten years, Walz worked for Congressman Mike Quigley, first while he was serving as Cook County Commissioner and then in Congress. As Chief of Staff to then-Commissioner Quigley, Walz helped develop a blueprint for reforming county government and services and authored numerous reports on how to restructure and reinvent Cook County government so it would be more responsive to constituents. In Quigley’s congressional office, she worked to expand access to government services for constituents and brought together a range of stakeholders to address the issues impacting the district.
Walz is an active volunteer in the community, including at the House of Good Shepherd to support mothers and children living at the shelter. She serves on the board of Kids Above All, a non-profit helping children and families who have survived trauma, and on the leadership council of the Haymarket Center, which helps those suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues and their families. Walz has deep, personal connections to these issues, experiencing firsthand the challenges families face when loved ones struggle with Schizophrenia and homelessness.
Walz has also advised a number of advocacy and non-profit clients, developing and implementing policy, communications, and strategy. She served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for a non-profit health insurance co-op founded by local doctors to provide health insurance for low-income working families and others who were uninsured. In that role, Walz developed outreach programs to help residents learn about the Affordable Care Act and get coverage, many for the first time. She currently works for Walgreens, where she serves as a liaison between states, local communities, and the company, and has fought to successfully pass legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs and combat organized retail crime. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Walz helped open some of the first testing locations in the country, and was instrumental in vaccination efforts, including in long-term care facilities and to improve vaccine equity for people of color, non-English speakers, and the undocumented population.
Walz lives in Lakeview with her fiancé Michael and is due with their first child in August.
A formal campaign kick-off event will be held later this month. For more details, visit kimwalz.com.
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About Kim Walz
Kim Walz is a candidate for Alderwoman of the 46th Ward, which encompasses the Lakeview and Uptown neighborhoods. A longtime 46th Ward resident, Walz has served in numerous roles across the public, private, and non-profit sectors and is an active community volunteer who leads service efforts for organizations across the ward. As Alderwoman, she will fight for safe and affordable communities, quality education for children, and efficient and responsible governance to help move the community forward.