City of Harvey Announces Workforce Reductions Amid Ongoing Financial Crisis


City of Harvey Announces Workforce Reductions Amid Ongoing Financial Crisis


Harvey, IL —  The City of Harvey announced recently, that approximately 10% of its municipal workforce will be laid off effective August 23, 2025, due to ongoing financial hardship including a lack of sufficient tax revenue—particularly from commercial property owners with decades of unpaid taxes.


These layoffs, while deeply regrettable, are a necessary attempt to stabilize the City’s financial condition and preserve essential services for Harvey’s residents. The affected employees have been notified in accordance with the City’s collective bargaining agreement, and the administration has opened the door to discussions with union leadership to explore financial alternatives.


“This is not a decision we wanted to make,” said Mayor Christopher J. Clark. “But after every effort to avoid cuts—including eliminating discretionary spending, enforcing tax compliance, and making painful operational adjustments—we have no choice.”


This announcement follows Mayor Clark’s July 1, 2024 press conference, where he warned the public of Harvey’s dire financial status—highlighting the city's $149 million debt, the $12.2 million in unpaid commercial property taxes in just one year, and the burden that tax-dodging businesses have placed on working-class residents. “Harvey residents have borne the brunt of rising costs and unfair tax practices for too long,” Clark said. “It is unconscionable that 465 commercial property owners have failed to pay their taxes while benefiting from police, garbage removal, water, and other critical services. These layoffs are a direct consequence of their failure to contribute their fair share.”


The City previously launched the “12 Million Reasons to Act” campaign to compel commercial property owners to enter into settlement agreements and pay delinquent taxes, but compliance has remained low. Without these funds, Harvey cannot sustain city operations at current levels.


The layoffs will affect departments across city services, and some disruption is expected. However, core safety functions such as fire and police protection will continue. “This is a turning point,” Mayor Clark added. “We must now decide as a city whether we let a small group of tax-delinquent businesses cripple our future—or if we stand together and rebuild from a place of fairness and fiscal honesty.”


Residents will be updated regularly on any service changes. The City will continue to pursue overdue commercial taxes and calls on elected officials and the broader Southland region to join in efforts to protect public resources.


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