Chicago's Utility Billing Relief Program forgives debt for low-income residents

In a recent special meeting held on June 16, 2025, DeKalb County officials explored the potential implementation of a Utility Billing Relief Program (UBR), inspired by a successful initiative in Chicago. The UBR aims to provide financial assistance to low-income residents struggling with water and sewer bills, offering a lifeline to those facing economic hardships.

The proposed program would mirror Chicago's model, which utilizes federal poverty guidelines to determine eligibility. Key features of the UBR include reduced water and sewer rates for qualifying participants, a suspension of late payment penalties, and a unique debt forgiveness component. After completing one year of timely payments, participants can have their past due balances forgiven, a significant incentive for those burdened by debt.

Data from Chicago's UBR program reveals its effectiveness, with over 59,000 enrollments since its inception. Remarkably, 90% of participants successfully completed the program, achieving an average debt forgiveness of $815 per household. This success story highlights the program's potential to not only alleviate financial stress for residents but also to enhance revenue for the water department, as many participants were previously unable to pay their bills due to high costs or disputes.

Demographic insights from the Chicago program indicate that it predominantly benefits minority populations, with 47% of enrollees identifying as African American and 34% as Hispanic. Additionally, households led by women and seniors represent a significant portion of participants, underscoring the program's role in supporting vulnerable community members.

As DeKalb County considers adopting a similar initiative, the discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for proactive measures to address water affordability. The meeting underscored the importance of creating programs that not only assist residents in managing their utility bills but also foster a sense of financial stability and community support. With the potential for debt forgiveness and reduced rates, the UBR could serve as a beacon of hope for many families in DeKalb County, paving the way for a more equitable future.