The CTPF Board of Trustees sent a letter on July 17, 2026, and adopted a resolution on July 27, 2026, calling on Cook County to include Chicago Public Schools in the county's Property Tax Bridge Fund and to ensure the timely collection and distribution of property tax revenues owed to CPS and CTPF. The communications highlight the importance of timely property tax revenues in supporting public education, retirement security, and the long-term financial health of the Fund.
Back row (L-R): Financial Secretary Pedro Beiza, Trustee Paula S. Barajas, Vice President Quentin S. Washington, Executive Director Carlton W. Lenoir Sr., Trustee Jack Silver, Trustee Erika Meza
The resolution recognizes the critical role property tax revenues play in supporting public education, employee compensation, and retirement security. CTPF relies on property tax levy revenues for stable annual funding, and delays in receiving those funds can affect the Fund’s ability to invest assets in a timely manner on behalf of members and beneficiaries.
“This resolution reflects our Board’s commitment to protecting the long-term financial security of our members and retirees,” said Carlton W. Lenoir, Sr., Executive Director of CTPF. “Timely property tax revenues help CTPF invest responsibly and support the health of the Fund. Ensuring fair access to bridge financing and reducing delays benefits educators, retirees, students, and taxpayers.”
In the resolution, the Board urges Cook County and all responsible governmental entities to take reasonable actions necessary to ensure the timely collection, processing, and distribution of property tax revenues owed to taxing bodies, including CTPF and the Chicago Board of Education.
Click here to read the full Property Tax Bridge Fund Resolution
County Board Response
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle responded to CTPF's requests with a letter noting that Cook County plans to distribute approximately $72 million in first-installment property tax revenues to CPS this week. The County stated that this action is intended to provide immediate access to available revenues while maintaining support for other taxing districts that rely on the Bridge Fund. Click here to read the full letter.
CTPF remains committed to responsible stewardship of pension assets and to protecting the retirement security of Chicago’s educators and their families.