Projects&Events

Tax Relief for Affordable Housing Owners

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Senator Mike Simmons and Voice of the People in Uptown is inviting representatives of affordable housing owners to “Meet the Commissioner” — Samantha Steele of the Cook County Board of Review at a short presentation and reception Wednesday, July 19th, 4 pm at Truman College.

You’ll want to meet Ms. Steele, District 2 Commissioner, who has been elected by citizens of northern Chicagoland and charged with helping to make our property tax system more fair and equitable through property tax appeals.

She’ll be joined by other recently elected public officials, including 13th District State Representative Hoan Huynh and Alderwoman Angela Clay of the 46th Ward, who are committed to advancing support to affordable housing owners who are key to maintaining the economic, racial and needs diversity we have in Chicago communities. SEE OUR ANNOUNCEMENT FLYER.

Sen. Mike Simmons, session host, along with Voice of the People, a non-profit and tenant-led housing organization, are bringing affordable housing owners together on issues of common concern, beginning with property taxes.

Property taxes that are too high can threaten cash flows and long term viability of affordable housing developments — even as owners absorb hidden “social costs” not always reflected in the property financial statements, nor submitted as background for assessment and appeals. This will be the subject of a short presentation by our resource person, Craig Donnewald, Esq. of Finkel Martwick & Colson.

The information is not legal advice, but guidance to non-profit and affordable housing owners or partner representatives, asset managers and property management professionals who work closely with legal counsel or consultants seeking relief with property tax appeals.

If you’d like to attend, please rsvp to events@vophousing.com or call 773.769.2442 for more information.

ANNOUNCING SPECIAL EVENT

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A FUNDRAISER, CELEBRATION OF HISTORY, AND BLUES EVENT

Voice has been around for more than fifty years and is gearing up for the next fifty, but not without first celebrating our history, honoring our heroes and having fun at a virtual blues music event October 8th 2020 6:00 pm.

Learn more about “Sweet Home Uptown” where Voice tenants and supporters, past and present, will come together around the importance of affordable housing, social justice and economic diversity in Uptown.

RSVP for FREE or donate today at any level

Affordable housing residents and Voice alumni can contribute to our congratulatory or historical videos highlighting the work of our distinguished honorees and Voice of the People throughout the years. If interested, e-mail us at VoiceOfThePeople@UptownVoice.org.

Read more about our Sweet Home Uptown host committee members and sponsors who are supporting this worthy effort and about our Honorees contributions to Uptown.  And, enjoy the blues music that inspires us.

Celebrate Juneteenth!

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While many people in the United States celebrate Independence Day on July 4, there is another date that’s viewed as Independence Day. That’s the holiday known as Juneteenth. Almost two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, news arrived in Galveston, Texas that all slaves were to be set free. The official date, June 19, 1865, became known as Freedom/Independence Day and later, Juneteenth. Although Juneteenth is not an official federal holiday, it’s celebrated throughout the country with parades, family reunions, rodeos, picnics and rich African American traditions.  

Virtual Celebrations


  • Juneteenth Virtual Meditation, Friday, June 19, 1:00pm 
  • Juneteenth Virtual Trivia Game Night, Friday, June 19, 5:30pm
  • Juneteenth Official Online Festival, Friday, June 19, 9:00pm



    • Check out this List of Celebrations Across the City.

    Resources for More Information

    …For Kids
    …For Adults