Under new program, low-income households would receive Wilmette vehicle stickers for free

Wilmette trustees signaled their support for a new program that, if approved, will allow low-income residents to receive their vehicle stickers at no cost.

The proposed vehicle sticker assistance program was shared with the Wilmette Village Board during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Sara Phyfer, Wilmette’s assistant to the village manager, said the idea for the program came about in 2025 during discussions about whether the village should adopt a local grocery tax to replace the statewide one that was repealed as of Jan. 1.

Phyfer said, during those discussions, the Village Board requested more information about ways in which the village could lessen the financial burden for low-income residents.

That led to the proposal to waive fees for eligible residents on vehicle stickers, an idea was discussed and unanimously recommended by the Village Board’s Finance Committee toward the end of last year.

Currently, the village charges $80 for a passenger sticker, which Phyfer said is the most common vehicle sticker in Wilmette, with more than 18,000 being sold in 2025. According to data presented by Phyfer, 177 of those stickers were issued to income-eligible seniors, who receive a $10 discount. Funds from the vehicle stickers go toward the village’s road and infrastructure work.

Under the new program, eligible residents and members of their household would not be charged a sticker fee. To qualify, residents would have to show their benefits reward letter, or proof of address if they qualify for subsidized housing. They would also have to submit an attestation, or formal certification, in place of the village holding on to copies of benefits information.

Phyfer said the village will use New Trier Township’s guidelines for eligibility, which include enrollment in programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, and anyone receiving free or reduced school lunches. She noted, though, that list is not comprehensive.

Regarding potential impact on the vehicle sticker program, Phyfer said that’s difficult to determine, since it’s possible there are residents that are enrolled in multiple programs, and there’s no guarantee that everyone who is eligible will request a vehicle sticker.

While trustees did not vote on adopting the program, none of them raised any objections to the changes. Village President Senta Plunkett said the program’s adoption will be on the board’s agenda at the Jan. 27 regular meeting.

Trustee Justin Sheperd, chair of the Finance Committee, said members had a “robust discussion” at its two meetings.

“It really was a good process, and I think got us to an impactful program that’s well thought out,” he said.

Plunkett also praised the work of the Finance Committee.

“I think it’s a good program, and I’m happy that we’re doing this,” she said.

If approved at the Jan. 27 meeting, Phyfer said the village will start publicizing the program so that residents are aware of it before vehicle stickers become available in March. This will reportedly include an insert in renewal notices.

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