Title
Special recognition honoring Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim.
Body
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, Holly Kim has dedicated eight years to serving as the Lake County Treasurer, overseeing the collection, investment, and distribution of property tax revenue that supports local governments, schools, libraries, fire protection districts, and other taxing bodies; and
WHEREAS, Treasurer Kim made history as the first woman elected to serve as Lake County Treasurer and the first Korean American woman elected to public office in the state of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, through responsible management of public funds, Treasurer Kim helped generate millions of dollars in additional interest revenue through investments, including more than $12 million over the course of her two terms, which was distributed among 278 local taxing bodies to support communities and the services residents rely on; and
WHEREAS, Treasurer Kim has made community outreach and financial education a priority, hosting workshops and community events for Lake County residents and establishing the Fiscally Fit program to help people build financial skills, navigate the complexities of money management, and make informed decisions about their financial futures; and
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked with the Lake County Board on an ordinance allowing property owners to defer portions of their property tax payments without penalty, helping residents manage an unprecedented economic crisis while maintaining the flow of revenue to local taxing bodies; and
WHEREAS, Treasurer Kim modernized property tax payment options by building partnerships with banks and credit unions throughout Lake County, creating a countywide network of convenient payment locations that allows residents to pay closer to home and avoid an unnecessary trip to the Treasurer’s Office in Waukegan; and
WHEREAS, by embracing creative and approachable communication, including emerging social media trends and explanatory videos, Treasurer Kim and her office found new ways to engage residents by making the complicated property tax process easier to understand and helping residents better navigate a system that affects their homes and finances; and
WHEREAS, alongside these accomplishments, Treasurer Kim has recognized that strong public service begins with the people who deliver it, emphasizing employee training, continuing education, and team development in an office where employees can grow, build careers, and take pride in their work.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that Holly Kim is hereby honored for her dedicated public service, responsible stewardship of public funds, and contributions to improving property tax services and financial education throughout Lake County; and
BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED, that this County Board extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Holly Kim for her commitment to residents, innovative approach to public service, and dedication to making government more accessible, understandable, and responsive to the needs of the communities, and wishes her all the best in the years ahead.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on November 10, 2026.