How to File a FOIA Request in Illinois
Governments must allow access to its public records. Your tool to these records is a Freedom of Information Act request. Learn how to file one.
Your Transparency Watchdog
BGA OpenGov is the Illinois affiliate of the National Freedom of Information Coalition.
Without access to information about the workings of government, it would be impossible for citizens to determine whether taxpayer dollars were being spent responsibly and equitably, or to hold public servants accountable for their actions.
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Department of Finance – BGA Policy 2027 Budget Snapshot
The Department of Finance in its modern form was established in the 2012 budget year. Historical comparisons and averages below therefore use 2012 as the starting point, rather than 2011 as for most other departments. Departmental Highlights Historical Context From 2012-2026, DoF’s budget grew at an average rate of 4.9% annually, or 2.6% adjusted for…
Office of the Mayor – BGA Policy 2027 Budget Snapshot
The office of the mayor contains the mayor’s administrative staff and several small offices focused on specific policy areas, such as the Office of Equity…
Finance General – BGA Policy 2027 Budget Snapshot
The finance general category is a budgetary catch-all for non-departmental spending. There is no dedicated budget hearing devoted specifically to finance general appropriations, although in…
BGA Policy Agenda: City of Chicago 2023-2027
Learn about the BGA Policy’s agenda for the City of Chicago in 2023-2027
Latest News
Provided by the Illinois Answers Project
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Policy Statements
BGA pushes Illinois judicial system to release SAFE-T Act-mandated data analyses in new lawsuit
Represented by the MacArthur Justice Center, BGA and DuPage County service provider Radical Hospitality Ministries, has filed suit against elements of the judicial branch to force compliance with transparency requirements under the SAFE-T Act. For years, BGA has been working to bring transparency and accountability to Illinois’ judicial system. But not only have the courts…
Session Ends, but the Work Continues
This year’s schedule was unlike any in recent memory. While legislative sessions are always demanding, the greatest challenge was not the number of days lawmakers worked, but rather how those days were structured. Over a five-month period, the Illinois House and Senate were in session together for just 31 days. Eighteen of those days occurred…
Years of Advocacy Lead to New Judicial Transparency Policy
For nearly five years, the Better Government Association, through its leadership of the Court Transparency Coalition, has worked alongside lawmakers, civic organizations, and advocates to push for greater transparency and public accountability within Illinois’ judicial branch. That sustained effort has now resulted in a significant step forward. The Illinois Supreme Court has approved a new…
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See What the Illinois State Legislature Is Doing
Better Government Association believes in transparency and accountability, which is why we have partnered with FastDemocracy to bring you some of the most powerful tools to keep tabs on your lawmakers in Springfield and their legislative actions.
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Perspectives
Bryan Zarou Appointed to Chicago Inspector General Search Committee
Bryan Zarou, the Better Government Association’s vice president of policy, has been appointed to serve on the City of Chicago’s Inspector General Search Committee. The Inspector General is…
Bryan Zarou: The state of ethics reform in a post-Michael Madigan Illinois
Michael Madigan is going to prison, but Illinois still has work to do to make state government more accountable.
The Public Should Have Open Access to Judicial Records. A Recent Investigation Shows Why.
BGA Policy has long documented the perils that come with the judiciary being exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. This lack of public oversight puts those in…
Research & Analysis
Office of Budget and Management – BGA Policy 2027 Budget Snapshot
The Office of Budget and Management (OBM) is responsible for the administration of the city’s budget. Because OBM oversees the preparation of each department’s budget, as well as the non-departmental “finance general” spending category, the OBM hearing is the best opportunity for City Council to ask questions regarding any parts of the budget that do…
City Council – BGA Policy 2027 Budget Snapshot
City Council does not hold a dedicated hearing for their own budget. The first day’s hearing with the Office of Budget and Management and the Department of Finance is therefore the best opportunity for any questions relating to the council’s budget. [budget-graphic id=”summary”] Departmental Highlights Historical Context From 2011-2026, the council’s budget grew at an…