The city is giving its residents a second chance in repaying city stickers — by canceling the debt and starting over.
The mayor and the City Clerk’s office released a new debt relief program Sept. 27 that they call historic. The two-part debt program will give residents a fresh start on city stickers and related fees by giving them the opportunity to purchase a city sticker with no fees during October. After that, there will be an opportunity for those in compliance to have their city sticker tickets forgiven, the mayor’s office announced.
“[The program] marks a fresh start and a historic first step for Chicago residents who have struggled to get from underneath the grip of crushing ticket debt,” said Mayor Lightfoot in a statement. “These reforms we are announcing in partnership with the Clerk Valencia offer more pathways to compliance, provide much-needed ticket debt relief and builds on our investment in the overall economic health of our residents.”
Lightfoot said the city will start this offer in October, which is the City’s Sticker Amnesty Month. After October’s amnesty month ends, phase two of the reforms will begin Nov. 15 through Dec. 15. Residents who have a valid sticker can apply for the opportunity to have at least three city sticker tickets forgiven online.
The program, which has received support from several City Council members, is meant to help residents who have been hurt by the system and have debt stacked against them, especially low-income residents, said Logan Square Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward).
“By creating a pathway to come into compliance and clearing out some of the old debt that may have been holding people back, we are giving our residents a second chance. We encourage all residents to seize this opportunity in October to purchase a City Sticker penalty-free, and to take advantage of a fresh start.”
Featured photo: Tom Vlodek
Join The Discussion