Cook County Homeowners Relief Fund

Cook County's $15 million Homeowner Relief Fund provides one-time $1,000 payments to households facing significant property tax increases.

Eligibility has recently expanded: households with a 30% tax increase in 2021, 2022, or 2023 may now apply. Applications already submitted will be reviewed under the new criteria. The portal is open through October 31, 2025 at 11:59pm.

The process has two phases: and initial screening/lottery, followed by document verification and a final lottery. Funding is limited so apply early!

KEEP THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY CLEAR THIS WINTER

The Village reminds residents that temporary structures, like basketball hoops, "Little Free Libraries", boulders, and similar items, should not be placed in the public right-of-way (ROW).

The public right-of-way is the land that the Village maintains for public use. It includes streets, alleys, sidewalks, parkways (the grassy strip between the street and sidewalk), and other areas dedicated for pedestrian or vehicle traffic, as well as underground or overhead utility easements. Even though the ROW often extends beyond the edge of the street and sidewalk, it is still considered public property and must remain clear. 

Keeping the ROW free of obstructions is important year-round, but it is especially critical during the winter season. Items placed in the ROW can be damaged or cause damage to Village equipment, slow down snow and ice removal operations, and create safety hazards for crews and equipment. Obstructions buried in snow may be difficult to see and can increase the risk of accidents.

To help ensure streets and sidewalks are safe and accessible this winter, residents are asked to remove or relocate any items from the ROW onto their private property before the winter season begins. Please make sure that objects on your property do not extend into the ROW. The Village is not responsible for damage to items left in the ROW during snow and ice operations.

Thank you for keeping Northbrook safe and our streets and sidewalks clear. For questions, contact the Public Works Department at 847-272-4711.

Upcoming Events

Last Sensitive Document Shredding of the Year!
📅Saturday, October 18 from 9am-1pm
📍237 Melvin Drive, Northfield Township Road District Garage
Do you have any sensitive documents you want to shred? Northfield Township is offering its last event to dispose of regularly accepted recyclables and sensitive documents to be shredded in 2025. Please note that this is only for sensitive documents, no junk mail, previously shredded paper, ads, books, newspapers & magazines etc. This event will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 9am-1pm at Northfield Twp. Road District Garage, 237 Melvin Dr. 

Balance - The Art of Mixology
📅Saturday, October 18 from 3-4:30pm
📍1143 1/2 Church St, House 406 Restaurant 
This culinary arts event sponsored by the Northbrook Arts Commission is an evening of flavor exploration with three seasonal cocktails, each paired with curated bites to highlight sweet, sour, and bitter notes. Learn the craft of balancing taste, enjoy small-batch spirits made with local ingredients, and take home a signature House 406 recipe. Attendees must be 21 or older; reservations and pre-payment of $38 per person are required, with no walk-ins. To reserve your spot, call: 847-714-0200.

Trunk or Treat
📅Sunday, October 19 from 1-3pm
📍North Suburban YMCA
Families, neighbors, and community partners come together to decorate their car trunks, hand out candy, and create a safe, fun space for kids to trick-or-treat. With costumes, contests, music, and activities, it’s a festive way to celebrate Halloween and connect with the community! Click here to learn more.

National Rx Take Back Day 
📅Saturday, October 25 at 10am
📍1401 Landwehr Road, Police Department Lobby
Safely dispose of unused or expired medications at the Northbrook Police Department lobby on Saturday, October 25, at 10am. This free, anonymous event helps prevent misuse of prescription drugs. Please note: inhalers and needles will not be accepted.

Sips. Bites. Bids. - 30th Annual Auction & Taste of the North Shore
📅Monday, October 27 from 5-7:30pm
📍933 Skokie Blvd, Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel
Enjoy a unique Taste of the North Shore with this special food-lovers event from the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce! Explore delicious signature dishes from 18 popular local eateries, sample beer tastings from Yuengling and Sketchbook breweries, bid on exciting auction items, and enter a raffle for a $500 grand prize. Open to everyone ages 21+. Bring your friends, and your appetite! For complete details and tickets click here or call (847) 498-5555.

Halloween in Northbrook
📅Friday, October 31 from 4-8pm
Trick-or-treating hours in Northbrook are from 4pm to 8pm on Halloween. If you would like to alert trick-or-treaters of your household's participation, click here to download and print one of the Village's signs to display on your front door. If you don't have access to a printer, signs will be available for free pickup at Village Hall in October.

Illuminate Northbrook
📅Friday, November 21 at 5:30pm
📍Downtown Northbrook
Gather in the heart of Northbrook to kick off the holiday shopping season with complimentary hot chocolate as we turn on the holiday lights and illuminate downtown Northbrook. Afterwards, stay downtown, enjoy the ambiance, and support local businesses by shopping and dining!

Upcoming Public Meetings

Sustainability Commission - Regular Meeting
Thursday, October 16 at 5:30pm
Terrace Room, Village Hall

Plan Commission Meeting
Tuesday, October 21 at 7:30pm
Sandra "Sandy" Frum Board Room, Village Hall

Economic Strategy Commission - Canceled 
Wednesday, October 22 at 5:30pm
Terrace Room, Village Hall

Community Commission - Regular Meeting
Thursday, October 23 at 7:00pm
Terrace Room, Village Hall

News You Can Use