The Chicago Chapter of The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) hosted its Speaker Series Luncheon at The Glen Club in Glenview, Illinois.

Joshua Hearne, SIOR, Principal of Cawley Chicago Commercial Real Estate and SIOR Chicago Chapter Treasurer, moderated a discussion about the complicated property tax landscape for commercial properties in Cook County and beyond. The panel consisted of Jay Rock, partner, Rock, Fusco & Connelly and George Cardenas, commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review.

The discussion covered the complexities of real estate tax assessments and the appeal process, emphasizing the roles of assessors, boards of review, and the importance of providing evidence when contesting property valuations. The panel also explored tax incentives such as the 6b program, including eligibility, renewal, and the political considerations involved in securing and maintaining these incentives. The conversation also compared tax trends and infrastructure challenges across Cook County and neighboring counties, highlighting how new developments and population shifts impact tax rates.