The DuPage County Board meets in the Jack T. Knuepfer Administration Building located at 421 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton. On Tues., Sept. 23, DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy unveiled plan for $18.1 million social services initiative. (PN File Photo)
DuPage County Board Report
Wheaton – DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy presented a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2026 today, outlining a spending plan that supports vital County services in a fiscally responsible manner, while preparing for uncertainty in federal funding levels. Conroy’s budget proposal brings department and Elected Officials’ proposed budgets in line with previous actual spending levels.
“I am pleased to present a balanced budget that provides crucial investments at a pivotal time for our County,” Conroy said. “My proposal provides support for the residents who need it most while remaining financially responsible and keeping the property tax rate flat.”
Chair Conroy’s proposal utilizes multiple funding sources, including any potential FY2025 surplus, to create an $18.1 million DuPage Sustainability Initiative. The program strengthens the County’s social service infrastructure in the areas of food insecurity, housing innovation, and community sustainability.
DuPage Sustainability Initiative includes
- $5 million to launch a Downpayment Assistance Program for first-time homebuyers to be launched in 2026
- $3.1 million providing fresh food for food pantries
- $2.5 million supporting Loaves and Fishes’ building project, improving food delivery and storage capabilities
- $5 million to support the creation of a Land Bank and Community Housing Trust to support affordable housing efforts
- $2.5 million, if needed, to assist any County government programs impacted by federal or state budget cuts
“As I evaluated the devastating social service cuts proposed at the federal level, I knew we needed a bold proposal directing our resources to meet immediate needs and create a stronger social service infrastructure ensuring programs are delivered in an efficient manner,” said Conroy. “We can be fiscally responsible and take care of people.”
Additional highlights of the Chair’s proposal include
- $9 million for stormwater upgrades, including improvements at the Elmhurst Quarry
- $1 million for transportation initiatives in the Hinsdale Lake Terrace neighborhood, including the continuation of a rideshare program and supporting installation of sidewalks and street lights
- $300,000 for the DuPage Council on Strengthening the System for Mental Health and Substance Use Care to support grassroots mental health initiatives
- Additional funding for public safety, including the Sheriff’s Office, State’s Attorney’s Office, and Public Defender
The proposed FY2026 budget totals $644.7 million and the General Fund budget is $263.1 million, which is an increase of 2.31% from the FY2025 budget – the lowest General Fund increase since 2021.
The budget includes a $71.5 million property tax levy, capturing new construction without raising the property tax rate, which remains flat at 2 percent of the average homeowner’s tax bill. A homeowner with a market value of home $350,000 will pay about $129 in property taxes to DuPage County in 2026.
DuPage County maintains a AAA bond rating from all three rating agencies, a feat only accomplished by 1.6 percent of counties nationwide.
Public feedback welcome
The public can provide feedback on the proposed budget plan at https://dupagecounty-ktgfp.formstack.com/forms/proposed_budget_feedback.
The DuPage County Board will now consider the Chair’s proposed budget and will approve the final County budget at its Nov. 25 meeting. The 2026 Fiscal Year begins on Dec. 1.
Submitted by Evan Shields, Communications Manager, for DuPage County Board
