Chairman & Commissioner George A. Cardenas

Commissioner George A. Cardenas

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Townships 

Barrington, Berwyn, Cicero, 

Elk Grove, Hanover, Jefferson, 

Lake, Leyden, Lyons, Palatine, 

Palos, Proviso, Riverside, 

Schaumburg, South Chicago, 

Stickney, West Chicago, Wheeling, 

Worth

Commissioner's Corner

Questions, comments, or requests? Contact Commissioner Cardenas at (312) 603-2676 or BORDistrict1info@cookcountyil.gov 

 

George Cardenas is in his first term as Chairman of the Cook County Board of Review & Commissioner of the Board of Review's First District, which mainly consists of the southwest side of Chicago, southwest suburbs, western suburbs, and the northwest suburbs. Previously, Commissioner Cardenas served 20 years as a Chicago alderman where he was the Deputy Floor Leader of City Council, Chair of the Environmental Protection and Energy Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Commissioner Cardenas is also an appointed member of the Cook County Environmental Commission.

As a child, Cardenas and his family came to Chicago in search of the American Dream after emigrating from Durango, Mexico. Upon graduating from Lane Technical High School in 1984 he joined the United States Navy to help pay for his education. After earning an honorable discharge Cardenas successfully earned an undergraduate degree in accounting and a master’s degree in Political Science from Northeastern Illinois University. Before joining government Cardenas accumulated over a decade of experience working for Fortune 500 companies. Using this unique background, Commissioner Cardenas strives to be a voice for positive change in Cook County.

George Cardenas was raised in Chicago and currently resides in the McKinley Park neighborhood with his family.

Upcoming Events

Riverside Township Property Tax Appeal Workshop - with Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas

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District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas & Riverside Township Assessor Mary Jo Miller are hosting a FREE property tax appeal workshop. Riverside Township homeowners are invited to ask questions and receive free, on-the-spot assistance filing a property tax appeal - winning an appeal can result in a reduced assessed value and reduced future property tax bills. 

Please bring your most recent property tax bill, if you have it. 

Monday 08/17/2026 from 6-8pm

Riverside Townhall (2nd FL auditorium) at 27 Riverside Rd., Riverside, IL 60545

Riverside Townhall Auditorium, 2nd FL

Part I: Outreach for Chicago Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 2 (union members only) - hosted by Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas

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District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

IAFF Local 2 members are invited to file a property tax appeal (at no cost) with the Board of Review. Come to the Local 2 HQ at 440 W. 43rd St., Chicago, IL 60609 on either Tuesday 08/18 (7pm-9pm) or Wednesday 08/19 (10am-12pm). These services will be provided alongside the IAFF Local 2 meeting occurring on these dates.

This event is strictly for IAFF Local 2 Union members. 

Part II: Outreach for Chicago Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 2 (union members only) - hosted by Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas

-
District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

IAFF Local 2 members are invited to file a property tax appeal (at no cost) with the Board of Review. Come to the Local 2 HQ at 440 W. 43rd St., Chicago, IL 60609 on either Tuesday 08/18 (7pm-9pm) or Wednesday 08/19 (10am-12pm). These services will be provided alongside the IAFF Local 2 meeting occurring on these dates.

This event is strictly for IAFF Local 2 Union members. 

Jefferson Township Property Tax Appeal Workshop - with 31st Ward Alderman Felix Cardona Jr. & Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas

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District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas & 31st Ward Alderman Felix Cardona Jr. are hosting a FREE property tax appeal workshop. Jefferson Township homeowners are invited to ask questions and receive free, on-the-spot assistance filing a property tax appeal - winning an appeal can result in a reduced assessed value and reduced future property tax bills. 

Please bring your most recent property tax bill, if you have it. 

Wednesday 08/19/2026 from 5pm - 7pm

Northwest Community Church @ 5318 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago, IL 60639

 

Pilsen Housing Affordability Expo - with FREE property tax appeal services from Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas

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District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

Join members of the Pilsen community at the Housing Affordability Expo at Benito Juarez High School on Saturday 08/22. The Board of Review's Chairman George Cardenas will be offering FREE, hands-on assistance filing property tax appeals for the 2026 tax year - winning an appeal can result in a reduced assessed value, which can help reduce future property tax bills. Scan QR code in attached flier to register.

  • Receive FREE, on-the-spot assistance filing a Board of Review property tax appeal
  • Learn about programs, policies, and resources that provide avenues for families to stay in Pilsen
  • Affordable Housing Development & Availability
  • Homeowner programs
  • Co-Ops and Community Land Trusts
  • Tenant's Protection

Organized by: 25th Ward Alderman Sigcho-Lopez, The Resurrection Project, Pilsen Neighbors Community Council, Law Center for Better Housing, Chicago Department of Housing, Metropolitan Tenant's Organization, Chicago Community Loan Fund

Saturday 08/22/2026 from 9am-12pm

Benito Juarez High School (patio) at 1450 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL 

Free parking lot at 21 St. & Loomis St.

Riverside Township, Property Tax Appeal Workshop - with Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas

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District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas & Riverside Township Assessor Mary Jo Miller are hosting a FREE property tax appeal workshop. Riverside Township homeowners are invited to ask questions and receive free, on-the-spot assistance filing a property tax appeal. Winning an appeal can result in a reduced assessed value and reduced future property tax bills. 

To schedule an appointment, please call the Riverside Township office at 708-447-7700. If they are unable to answer the phone please leave your name, phone number, and property address with a brief message so they can return your call.

Please bring your most recent property tax bill, if you have it. 

Tuesday 08/25/2026 from 10am-1pm

North Riverside Village Commons (Room B) at 2401 S. Des Plaines Ave., North Riverside, IL 60546

36th Ward/Jefferson Township Property Tax Appeal Workshop - with Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas

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District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas & 36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas are hosting a FREE property tax appeal workshop. Jefferson Township homeowners are invited to ask questions and receive free, on-the-spot assistance filing a property tax appeal - winning an appeal can result in a reduced assessed value and reduced future property tax bills. 

Please bring your most recent property tax bill, if you have it. 

Tuesday 08/25/2026 from 5-7pm

36th Ward Office, 6560 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60707

Unit #C118

Jefferson Township Outreach at Offices of 8th District Commissioner Jessica Vasquez & 35th Ward Alderman Anthony Quezada

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District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas, 8th District County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez, 35th Ward Alderman Anthony Quezada, and 39th District State Representative Will Guzzardi are hosting a FREE property tax appeal workshop. Jefferson Township homeowners are invited to ask questions and receive free, on-the-spot assistance filing a property tax appeal. Winning an appeal can result in a reduced assessed value and reduced future property tax bills. 

Please bring your most recent property tax bill, if you have it. 

Wednesday 08/26/2026 from 10am-4pm

2934 N. Milwaukee Ave., Unit C Chicago, IL 60618

 

Jefferson Township property tax appeal workshop with Polish American Association & Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas

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District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

The Polish American Association & Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas are hosting their annual FREE property tax appeal workshop at St. Hyacinth Basilica. Homeowners are invited to ask questions and receive free, on-the-spot assistance filing a property tax appeal - winning an appeal can result in a reduced assessed value and reduced future property tax bills. 

Please bring your most recent property tax bill, if you have it. 

Saturday 08/29/2026 from 11am-1pm

St. Hyacinth, Resurrection Hall (2nd FL gymnasium) @ 3635 W. George St., Chicago, IL 60618

 

In partnership with:

Jessica Vasquez, County Commissioner, 8th District

Anthony Quezada, Alderman, 35th Ward

Graciela Guzman, State Senator, 20th District

 

Worth Township Property Tax Appeal Workshop - with Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas

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District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas & Worth Township Assessor Shaun Murphy are hosting a FREE property tax appeal workshop. Worth Township homeowners are invited to ask questions and receive free, on-the-spot assistance filing a property tax appeal. Winning an appeal can result in a reduced assessed value and reduced future property tax bills. 

Please bring your most recent property tax bill, if you have it. 

 

Wednesday 09/09/2026 from 5pm-7pm

Worth Township Hall at 11601 S. Pulaski Rd., Alsip, IL 60803

 

Hosted by: 

Shaun Murphy, Worth Township Assessor

Patricia Joan Murphy, Worth Township Supervisor

Sean Morrison, County Commissioner, 17th District

Bill Cunningham, State Senator, IL-18th

Mary Gill, State Representative, IL-35th

Rick Ryan, State Representative, IL-35th 

George Cardenas, Chairman, Board of Review

Lake Township property tax appeal workshop - with Alderman Matt O'Shea (19th Ward), Rep. Mary Gill (IL-35th), Sen. Cunningham (IL-18th)

-
District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas is hosting a FREE property tax appeal workshop. Lake Township homeowners are invited to ask questions and receive free, on-the-spot assistance filing a property tax appeal - winning an appeal can result in a reduced assessed value and reduced future property tax bills. 

Please bring your most recent property tax bill, if you have it. 

Tuesday 09/22/2026 from 6pm-8pm

Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences at 3857 W. 111st St., Chicago, IL 60655

 

Hosted by:

George Cardenas, Chairman, Board of Review 

Alderman Matt O'Shea (19th Ward)

Representative Mary Gill (IL-35th)

Senator Cunningham (IL-18th)

Part I: Outreach for Chicago Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 2 (union members only) - hosted by Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas

-
District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

IAFF Local 2 members are invited to file a property tax appeal (at no cost) with the Board of Review. Come to the Local 2 HQ at 440 W. 43rd St., Chicago, IL 60609 on either Tuesday 09/22 (7pm-9pm) or Wednesday 09/23 (10am-12pm). These services will be provided alongside the IAFF Local 2 meeting occurring on these dates.

This event is strictly for IAFF Local 2 Union members. 

Part II: Outreach for Chicago Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 2 (union members only) - hosted by Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas

-
District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

IAFF Local 2 members are invited to file a property tax appeal (at no cost) with the Board of Review. Come to the Local 2 HQ at 440 W. 43rd St., Chicago, IL 60609 on either Tuesday 09/22 (7pm-9pm) or Wednesday 09/23 (10am-12pm). These services will be provided alongside the IAFF Local 2 meeting occurring on these dates.

This event is strictly for IAFF Local 2 Union members.

Lake Township property tax appeal workshop - with Alderman Matt O'Shea (19th Ward), Rep. Mary Gill (IL-35th), Sen. Cunningham (IL-18th)

-
District:
District 1 - George Cardenas

Board of Review Chairman George Cardenas is hosting a FREE property tax appeal workshop. Lake Township homeowners are invited to ask questions and receive free, on-the-spot assistance filing a property tax appeal - winning an appeal can result in a reduced assessed value and reduced future property tax bills. 

Please bring your most recent property tax bill, if you have it. 

Wednesday 10/14/2026 from 6pm-8pm

Morgan Park High School (Blackwelder Auditorium) at 1744 W. Pryor Ave., Chicago, IL 60643

 

Hosted by:

George Cardenas, Chairman, Board of Review 

Alderman Matt O'Shea (19th Ward)

Representative Mary Gill (IL-35th)

Senator Cunningham (IL-18th)