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Council approves $400,000 in cannabis tax revenue for housing-rehab program after divided debate
Summary
The council voted to appropriate $400,000 of projected cannabis tax revenue to the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing rehabilitation effort, drawing debate over the use of cannabis funds and the city’s exposure to potential settlements. The motion passed by roll call after several aldermen voiced fiscal caution.
The Waukegan City Council on Aug. 18 approved an ordinance to assign $400,000 of projected cannabis tax revenue for fiscal 2025–26 to the Department of Community Development’s housing rehabilitation program, with the amount to be replaced in the budget by an equal increase in the city’s projected state income-tax distribution.
The measure, introduced during the Finance committee portion of the meeting, passed by roll-call vote after repeated questioning from several aldermen concerned about the timing and source of funds. Alderman Florian said during committee, “I don’t see the connection between the cannabis money and and this particular plan,” adding concern that the city could face large settlements and should “watch every penny” now.
Why it matters Staff described the transfer as a way to fund local housing-rehab work immediately while the city awaits expected…
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