Harvey is facing a severe financial emergency caused by years of inherited structural deficits, compounded by the State’s seizure of city revenues to cover pension obligations. The City does not currently have sufficient unrestricted funds to meet payroll or daily operating expenses. Until state and legislative relief arrives, Harvey must operate with reduced hours to prevent insolvency and ensure that essential services continue.

The Financially Distressed City Law (65 ILCS 5/8-12-1) is a state statute that allows cities facing a financial crisis to stabilize and restructure their finances under state supervision. If approved by the State, this designation would allow Harvey to create an oversight authority, issue bonds backed by the State of Illinois, and secure new funding to maintain operations. This is not a loss of local control or a “takeover.” It is a responsible, transparent tool to protect services and rebuild Harvey’s financial foundation.

In part. An ordinance was passed on Thursday Oct 16th requesting a certification from the Department of Revenue classifying Harvey as a distressed City. This classification is the first step in certifying the City of Harvey as a financially distressed City.

No. Harvey is reducing operations but not closing. Offices are operating on limited hours due to staffing and budget constraints.

City of Harvey Service Hour Updates

• City Hall & Mayor’s Office: 9 AM – 12 PM
• Water Department: Online, in person (9–12), or via drop box
• Public Works: 7 AM – 3 PM
• Building Department: 9 AM – 12 PM
• Fire Department: Station #1 remains open; Stations #2 and #3 temporarily closed
• Police Department: Records 9 AM – 12 PM; tickets can be paid online; calls answered 9 AM – 5 PM — Emergency Services remain 24/7
• FOIA requests may be completed online

For questions, please use www.cityofharveyil.gov or call 708-210-5300.

This crisis is the result of years of chronic mismanagement, corruption, and neglect by past administrations that failed to pay required pension obligations, misuse of funds, lawsuits, fraud, overextended city resources, and allowed debts to mount unchecked. The current administration has spent the last six years raising alarms, pushing for reform, and warning state officials about this inevitable fiscal collapse if no action was taken. Despite these efforts, the structural deficit, pension judgments, and seizure of city revenues by the State Comptroller have now left Harvey without operating cash. The Clark administration has taken consistent, transparent, and responsible steps to confront these problems, not hide them, and has fought to correct years of wrongdoing that predated this leadership.

No. The financial distress Harvey faces today is the cumulative result of past administrations’ failures to make payments, manage debt responsibly, and protect city assets. Mayor Clark and the current administration inherited a city in crisis; decades of financial mismanagement, unpaid pension obligations, corruption, and lawsuits left Harvey deeply burdened before this administration ever took office.

Since taking office, this administration has focused on stabilizing Harvey’s finances, restoring credibility, and bringing real investment back into the community. Unlike those before him, Mayor Clark has taken on difficult issues head-on and produced tangible results that are moving Harvey forward.

Key financial accomplishments under Mayor Christopher J. Clark’s leadership:

• Restoring Financial Credibility: Harvey successfully settled long-standing litigation over its bond default, a case that had been hanging over the City for five years. The settlement, approved by the courts, restructured Harvey’s debt with a friendlier repayment schedule and new investor protections, ending years of uncertainty and restoring stability to the City’s financial outlook.
• Economic Development and Investment: The Mayor’s administration has attracted new development and private investment despite limited city resources. Projects include:
  • Harvey Lofts: A 51-unit affordable housing development providing quality, modern homes for local residents; a privately funded investment demonstrating renewed confidence in Harvey’s growth potential.
  • POAH Properties: Complete renovation of the Jesse Jackson East and West buildings, as well as the old YMCA.
  • $70 Million Metra/Pace renovation: Renovations expected to start in Fall 2026.
  • $10 Million Detention Basin: Flood reduction efforts expected to start in Spring 2025.
  • Demolition of over 25 blighted properties
  • $1 Million Fire Engine
• Fiscal Accountability and Reform: Tightened oversight, eliminated unnecessary spending, and increased compliance with state and federal reporting requirements, creating a stronger foundation for future growth and transparency.

These achievements show that Mayor Clark is not the cause of Harvey’s problems; he’s the first leader in years to confront them openly and take real action. Every measure being taken now, including invoking the Financially Distressed City Law, is about protecting residents, preserving services, and securing a sustainable path forward for Harvey.

Since the layoffs in 2018 the city has never operated at full staff. This Administration has attempted to keep the city afloat over the past 6 years.

• The Governor/General Assembly provides emergency financial relief such as the passage of House Bill 4024, which allocates $30 million to Harvey.
• The State Comptroller halts the seizure of restricted funds.
• The Cook County Assessor issues delayed tax bills, allowing property tax revenue to flow to municipalities.
• The fire pension fund agrees to renegotiate repayment terms and reduce excessive attorney fees draining city resources.

These measures would restore the City’s ability to pay workers, reopen facilities, and resume full operations safely and responsibly.

The second installment of Cook County property taxes was originally due on August 1, but Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office has not yet issued the tax bills due to ongoing technology problems. As a result, the City has not received the property tax revenue it expected in September.

This delay has a significant impact because the City relies on property tax revenue to fund essential operations and services.

Yes. Police, Fire (Station #1), and Public Works continue to respond to emergencies. Residents should continue calling 911 for emergencies. The safety and well-being of residents remain the City’s top priority.

The City understands how difficult this situation is for our employees and their families. These are not decisions we take lightly. Some employees have been placed on temporary furlough as a last resort, and only to ensure the City can continue delivering essential services to residents. Every step is being taken to minimize the impact, preserve as many positions as possible, and bring staff back as soon as our financial situation allows.

All actions are being taken in public view, under the law, and with full documentation. City Council meetings are open to the public. Updates are published at www.cityofharveyil.gov.

Residents play a vital role in helping Harvey recover. Here’s how you can make an immediate impact:

• Be patient with City staff and other employees of the City.
• Pay city water bills and property taxes on time, if you are able, to keep essential revenue flowing.
• Support local businesses and encourage economic activity that keeps money circulating within our community.
• Stay informed through official city channels and share accurate information with your neighbors.

The State Comptroller has been withholding and redirecting a large portion of the funds that rightfully belong to the City of Harvey. In addition to taking 35% of the City’s general state revenues to cover pension-related judgments, the Comptroller is also seizing restricted funds: money that is legally intended for specific purposes such as road repairs, infrastructure improvements, or environmental grants.

These restricted funds include programs like the Motor Fuel Tax Fund, which the City relies on to repair and maintain streets, and grants from agencies such as the EPA, meant to fund cleanup, safety, and environmental protection projects. When those restricted dollars are seized and redirected to the fire pension fund instead of their intended purposes, the City loses the ability to complete those projects and, in some cases, is forced to repay the diverted funds out of its already limited general budget.

In practical terms, this means money that should be fixing Harvey’s roads, improving neighborhoods, and supporting public health projects never reaches the City. The result is fewer street repairs, delayed maintenance, and the loss of crucial grant opportunities that could help our residents. Mayor Clark’s administration has repeatedly raised this issue with state officials, urging them to stop the seizure of restricted funds and to work with the City on a fair, lawful solution. Harvey is also pursuing legislative and legal options to protect these funds and ensure that money dedicated to community improvements stays where it belongs, serving the people of Harvey.

No. The City is following a lawful, state-supervised process under the Financially Distressed City Law to restructure its finances responsibly.

Mayor Clark will continue advocating for the passage of House Bill 4024 and other forms of state-level relief to secure the funding Harvey urgently needs. Essential services will continue operating, and the City will provide regular updates as progress is made.

These decisions were not made lightly. Being forced to reduce operations, invoke emergency powers, and pursue state designation as a financially distressed city was one of the hardest this administration has ever faced. But it was also the most responsible option—the only path that protects residents, preserves essential services, and positions Harvey for long-term recovery.

We understand how frustrating and uncertain this moment feels. But Harvey has weathered challenges before and each time, we’ve come back stronger. With your support, your patience, and your voice, we will rebuild a city that works better and serves better for every resident who calls Harvey home.