Nick DeGregorio Talks Leadership, Reform, and Transparency with Fritz Kaegi

The Chicagoan

When Fritz Kaegi reflects on his journey, it’s clear that his path was shaped by a unique combination of global experience, deep community ties, and a passion for solving complex problems. As the Cook County Assessor, Fritz oversees one of the most intricate property tax systems in the nation, affecting 5.3 million residents and nearly two million properties. Yet, his story is more than one of bureaucracy—it’s a testament to how personal experiences and professional expertise can converge to create meaningful change.

Fritz’s roots in Hyde Park instilled a love for community early on. “I grew up in an area with a mix of people from different backgrounds. That environment shaped how I approach challenges today,” he shared. It wasn’t just his upbringing but also watching friends struggle during the 2008 housing crisis that pushed him toward public service. He saw firsthand how property tax inequities compounded financial hardships for homeowners and decided he had to act.

Before stepping into the public eye, Fritz spent over two decades as a global investor. This role honed his ability to assess value, manage risk, and think critically under pressure. Yet, it left him yearning to make a more localized impact. “I’d traveled the world and worked with incredible companies, but I couldn’t ignore the problems in my own backyard,” he explained. His decision to enter public service wasn’t just a career shift; it was a commitment to his community.

Under Fritz’s leadership, the Assessor’s Office has undergone a dramatic transformation. Historically, the office was notorious for favoritism, inefficiency, and mistrust. Fritz set out to change that by introducing transparency and equity. “When I came in, no one knew where the numbers were coming from,” he said. Today, his team publishes detailed data on how properties are assessed, making information accessible and clear to everyone.

Fritz’s approach to leadership is rooted in the idea of being “useful.” He believes this principle applies across industries, whether in private finance or public service. “You want to be doing something that needs to be done, that others aren’t already doing,” he said. His office has implemented data-driven models to eliminate disparities that disproportionately affected low-income homeowners, leading to reduced tax bills for many.

One of Fritz’s proudest accomplishments is reducing inequities in property assessments. His team’s efforts have saved residents in areas like West Garfield Park thousands of dollars annually. “Imagine what it means for a family’s wealth when their tax burden decreases, and their home value rises,” he said. These changes reflect his commitment to addressing systemic issues with long-term solutions.

Balancing such a massive operation requires a talented and diverse team. From real estate experts to data scientists, Fritz has built a workforce capable of tackling the county’s varied challenges. He credits their expertise and collaboration for much of the office’s progress. “We bring people together from different backgrounds to make the system work for everyone,” he noted.

Beyond the office, Fritz finds joy in connecting with residents. Whether at town halls or community events, he sees these interactions as vital to understanding the public’s needs. “People want to know that you’re working for them, not just behind a desk,” he said. It’s this human connection that fuels his passion for the role.

Despite the demands of his position, Fritz values downtime with his family. Whether reading biographies or traveling, he prioritizes moments that recharge him. “My family keeps me grounded, and reading helps me gain perspective,” he said. His recent trip to Indonesia, where he snorkeled over coral reefs, was a vivid reminder of the world’s beauty and the importance of taking time to reflect.

Fritz’s story is a blend of ambition, empathy, and vision. From his beginnings in Hyde Park to his transformative leadership as Cook County Assessor, he demonstrates that meaningful change starts with a commitment to serve others. For anyone looking to make an impact, his advice is simple yet profound: “Be curious. Be useful. And always seek to do what needs to be done.”