Chicagoans deserve the most effective, accountable and trustworthy big-city government in the United States. We work make that vision a reality – bringing responsible government principles and healthy civic engagement to Chicago’s political structure and culture.
Other major cities provide a roadmap for Chicago’s Inaugural City Charter Commission
Other major cities provide a roadmap for Chicago’s Inaugural City Charter Commission
The City of Chicago needs a city charter that will bring some certainty to city government. It should learn from the experiences of other cities when choosing the people who will draft that charter.
REPORTS
Pritzker further undermines Chicago police, fire pensions
Pritzker further undermines Chicago police, fire pensions
Gov. J.B. Pritzker had a chance to stop a bill putting taxpayers on the hook for $11.1 billion in inflated pension benefits for Chicago police and firefighters. He blew it. Taxpayers will be paying the price for decades.
Chicago aldermanic control issue again stalls granny flats
Chicago aldermanic control issue again stalls granny flats
Residential permits across Chicago remained low in 2024, and efforts to increase housing on existing lots have been put off. Some of Chicago’s aldermen want to maintain power over their wards, including thwarting a popular housing solution.
Chicago Teachers Union spends $2.1M on losing school board candidates
Chicago Teachers Union spends $2.1M on losing school board candidates
The 2024 Chicago school board elections may have marked a turning point in public perception of the Chicago Teachers Union’s political muscle. Of the $2.8 million CTU and its affiliates spent, 75% went to losing candidates. It could impact union elections.
Chicago is only big city where mayor gets to fill city council vacancies
Chicago is only big city where mayor gets to fill city council vacancies
Of the 15 largest cities, only Chicago lets its mayor fill vacancies on the city council. Mayor Brandon Johnson is about to exercise that long Chicago tradition by filling a vacancy he created.
A city charter could bring order to Chicago’s dysfunction. How can it get one?
A city charter could bring order to Chicago’s dysfunction. How can it get one?
A city charter would put much-needed guardrails on the Chicago government. Here’s what needs to happen to get one.
How Chicago’s election timing suppresses voting
How Chicago’s election timing suppresses voting
Disproportionate and low voter turnout presents challenges for municipal democracy nationwide. However, a straightforward reform acknowledged by scholars and policymakers – aligning the timing of municipal elections to coincide with general elections – offers a clear solution to enhance voter participation significantly. Research shows the timing of local elections influences voter turnout, which subsequently impacts...
Chicago Teachers Union can strike after March 7
Chicago Teachers Union can strike after March 7
The Chicago Teachers Union entered a 30-day “cooling off” period following its rejection of a neutral fact-finder’s contract recommendations. The 30 days are up. The union can go on strike after March 7.
Chicago mayor adds 50 speed cameras to put $11.4M in his budget
Chicago mayor adds 50 speed cameras to put $11.4M in his budget
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to add 50 new speed cameras to city streets during the coming year to add $11.4 million from fines and fees to his deficit budget.
Testimony: Chicago leaders agree to boost housing supply, affordability
Testimony: Chicago leaders agree to boost housing supply, affordability
Chicago City Council members heard from Illinois Policy Institute researchers as they considered allowing more commercial space to be converted to housing. The council then unanimously voted for the change that will boost supply and affordability.
Testimony: Chicago pension systems’ dire finances cannot afford benefit boost
Testimony: Chicago pension systems’ dire finances cannot afford benefit boost
Members of the Illinois Senate Pensions Committee heard from pension administrators and government unions about the need for more benefits from retirement systems that are already broken. The Illinois Policy Institute was there, too, to represent taxpayers’ interests.
Chicago borrows $830M, but mayor can’t use it for Chicago Teachers Union
Chicago borrows $830M, but mayor can’t use it for Chicago Teachers Union
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson secured approval for his $830 million borrowing plan but can no longer use the money to benefit his cronies at the Chicago Teachers Union. The city just grew its nearly $41 billion in debt.