Gary H. SmithPrincipal

Gary H. Smith, is a principal at KSN who is a long-time champion for the accuracy, transparency and fairness in the property tax assessment process. With over 30 years of experience, Gary has represented thousands of property owners on matters related to property tax assessments and tax appeals for all types of commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Gary has saved his clients tens of millions of dollars in tax savings through successful appeals.

A zealous advocate on behalf of property owners, Gary served on the City of Chicago’s Property Tax Advisory Council in 2008. In 2006, he was a consultant on a study for the University of Illinois, Institute of Government and Public Affairs on the economic effects of the 7 percent assessment cap in Cook County. He has helped draft numerous pieces of legislation that would benefit property tax payers. As a tireless advocate for property tax payers, Gary’s valuable input helped shape property tax policy and procedures in Cook County. He has testified before the State Legislature in real estate taxation matters and is frequently invited as a speaker to numerous professional, community and business groups on matters related to property tax appeals in Chicago and Cook County. He takes a particular interest in helping these groups revitalize their business districts and neighborhoods.

Gary is a vice president of the Illinois Property Tax Lawyers Association (IPTLA). He was the Chair of the Illinois State Bar Association’s State & Local Taxation Section Council for the 2015-16 fiscal year; previously he was vice chair, secretary and legislative liaison. He is currently its continuing Legal Education Coordinator.

Gary is a board member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International, Chicago Alumni Chapter. A past chairperson of the Real Estate Taxation Committee of the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), he also served as the CBA’s legislative liaison.

Gary is the former Chairman of the Board of Directors and is the current Treasurer of the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) and he is a member of the board of the Jane Addams Delta Development Corporation (JADDC).