$710 million DuPage County budget proposal includes money for first-time homebuyers, rental assistance
Pointing to rising housing costs, DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy is proposing a county budget for the next fiscal year that would set aside $10 million to help first-time homebuyers and provide rental assistance to lower-income residents.
On Tuesday, Conroy presented a proposed $710.7 million spending plan for fiscal 2027 that calls for DuPage’s property tax levy to be $71.9 million. The levy would capture new construction without raising the property tax rate. The owner of a home valued at $350,000 would pay roughly $131 in property taxes to the county government.
Conroy said the proposed budget maintains county services while providing funding for programs to help DuPage residents.
“Each year I try to strike just the right balance between our fiscal responsibilities and our social responsibilities to maintain safe, welcoming communities where DuPage residents can put down roots, grow and thrive,” Conroy said.
One highlight of the proposed budget is a plan to use $5 million for a first-time homebuyer program administered in partnership with the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The program, which Conroy hopes to begin in early 2027, would provide up to $30,000 in down payment assistance to qualifying residents.
In addition, the county could use $5 million from its 2026 surplus funds to pay for a new rental assistance program for lower-income residents. Under the program, qualifying households could receive up to $15,000 for rental assistance. Officials hope to launch the program during the first half of 2027.
Conroy’s proposed spending plan also sets aside $150,000 for a two-year pilot program with the county’s WorkNet division. It would help pay for childcare services for people receiving job training and beginning a new job. She plans to present more details about the program at the county board’s Oct. 13 meeting.
“I believe this program will provide an important lifeline that may bring some lower-income people back to the workforce,” Conroy said.
The proposed budget includes $3.14 million to support local food insecurity programs, with $1.14 million going to programs that provide fresh produce to area food pantries. Another $2 million would fund a grant program to help emergency food providers.
Citing federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits, Conroy also proposed setting aside $1 million to help residents who may no longer receive those benefits.
The budget also anticipates the county paying a larger portion of employee health insurance costs and includes funding to fully staff courtrooms. It also provides a 6.74% increase in the sheriff’s budget to cover salary increases, medical supplies for the jail and other expenses.
Conroy said DuPage continues to maintain its AAA bond rating, something that only 1.6% of counties nationwide can claim.
County board members are expected to vote on the proposed budget at their Nov. 24 meeting. The county’s fiscal year begins Dec. 1.
Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for the Daily Herald.