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Referendum 2024 Information

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County improves the quality of life for all DuPage County residents. However, the District is at a crossroads. 

Pressure from sustained record-high visitation and increased operating costs make the maintenance and protection of our open spaces more challenging than ever, but the portion of property taxes the Forest Preserve District receives has decreased in recent years.

 

Voter Information
FAQs

 

Watch our informational referendum video.

Much has changed since 2006, when DuPage County voters last approved a Forest Preserve District referendum.

Increase in Annual Visitation

In 2006, 3 million people visited the forest preserves. Last year, 5.5 million did.

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Increase in Stewardship

In 2006, the District had less land and fewer trails. It also had thousands of acres in need of restoration.

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Decrease in Property Tax Share

In 2006 the Forest Preserve District received $2.30 for every $100 paid in property taxes.

Today, it receives $1.50.

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If the referendum passes, revenue per $100 paid in taxes would be $1.90.

Increase in Nature Restoration Costs

In 2006, it cost $4,000 to restore one acre. Today, it costs $12,600.

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What's on the Ballot in 2024

The current property tax levy does not provide enough annual revenue to support current operations and allow the Forest Preserve District to acquire additional land.

Therefore, on Nov. 5, the Forest Preserve District will ask voters to consider a referendum to increase the limiting rate of its tax levy.

This increase will provide additional funding to the District for various purposes, including:

  • Preserving, restoring, and maintaining forests, open spaces, and water quality.
  • Acquiring lands to protect rivers, watersheds, and wildlife habitats.
  • Planting trees and enhancing flood control and drainage systems.
  • Maintaining and improving woodlands, wetlands, and prairies.
  • Providing nature education and outdoor opportunities for all ages.
  • Increasing access and safety in forest preserves.
  • Improving recreational amenities like multi-use trails and campgrounds.

What It Means

If you own property in DuPage County, you would pay $11.67 more per year for every $100,000 of its market value. This would generate an additional $17 million in annual revenue to support the mission of the Forest Preserve District.

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Who We Are

5.5 Million Annual Visitors

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26,000 Acres

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60 Forest Preserves

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175 Miles of Trails

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47 Miles of Waterways

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7 Education Centers

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Official Ballot Question

Proposition to Increase the Limiting Rate to Maintain and Improve Woodlands, Wetlands and Prairies in DuPage County

 

Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.0350% above the limiting rate for levy year 2023 for the purpose of preserving, restoring, and maintaining forests, open spaces, and water quality; acquiring lands to protect rivers, watersheds, and wildlife habitat; planting trees; enhancing flood control and drainage; maintaining and improving forest preserve woodlands, wetlands and prairies; providing nature education and outdoor opportunities for all ages; increasing forest preserve access and safety; improving recreational amenities such as multi-use trails and campgrounds; and for other purposes of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, and be equal to 0.1033% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2024?  ​ 

(1) The approximate amount of taxes extendable at the most recently extended limiting rate is $33,315,240 and the approximate amount of taxes extendable if the proposition is approved is $50,387,471.  

(2) For the 2024 levy year the approximate amount of the additional tax extendable against property containing a single family residence and having a fair market value at the time of the referendum of $100,000 is estimated to be $11.67.  

(3) If the proposition is approved, the aggregate extension for 2024 will be determined by the limiting rate set forth in the proposition, rather than the otherwise applicable limiting rate calculated under the provisions of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (commonly known as the Property Tax Cap Law). 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Voter Information

The general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polling places are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.  In-person early voting begins Thursday, Sept. 26.

Visit the DuPage County Election Division to learn more about the general election and how to vote. 
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Contact Us

We value your input. If you have any additional questions or comments about the referendum, email us at forest@dupageforest.org or fill out our referendum feedback form.

For media inquiries, contact media@dupageforest.org.