Analysis: Cost of Chicago Legal Judgments and Settlements
Despite improvements in budgeting for lawsuit costs under the Lightfoot administration, police settlements continue to exceed budgets, while other departments are not required to budget for payments.
Analysis: Chicago Outspends and Outstaffs NYC, LA on Communications and Public Relations
Emanuel-era surge in CPD public relations staff, maintained in Lightfoot’s budgets, puts Chicago ahead of peer cities in comms spending per capita and as a proportion of overall budget
BGA Policy Statement: BGA Supports Resolution Requiring 48-Hour Notice for Direct Introductions to City Council Committees
The BGA policy team supports R2022-687, a resolution modifying Chicago City Council’s internal rules to require 48-hour notice and public posting of any measures introduced into the City Council’s committees.
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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.
Updated: Illinois Public Salaries Database
Review, explore and compare compensation for state employees.
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Provided by the Illinois Answers Project
Policy Statements
BGA Policy Statement: City Council’s Leadership Should be Chosen by City Council
A resolution introduced into Chicago’s City Council for the Council–and not the mayor–to replace retired Ald. Michele Smith (43rd Ward) as chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight is a welcome and overdue assertion of City Council’s authority to appoint its own leadership.
BGA Policy Statement: BGA Supports Resolution Requiring 48-Hour Notice for Direct Introductions to City Council Committees
The BGA policy team supports R2022-687, a resolution modifying Chicago City Council’s internal rules to require 48-hour notice and public posting of any measures introduced into the City Council’s committees.
BGA Opposes City Council Bill to Allow Redacted COPA Reports
New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.
New: Get Involved
Get Involved
Tools to help you locate your elected lawmakers based on where you live and follow legislation we’re tracking.
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.
Perspectives
Cubbage: It’s Past Time for the City Council To Name Its Own Committee Leadership
There’s no reason for the City Council to maintain its unspoken power-sharing agreement with the mayor when it comes to committees.
Zarou: Aldermanic Ethics Reform Package Could Be a Second Chance for Lightfoot To Fulfill Her Vow
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s track record on reform is a mixed bag. A wide-ranging ethics reform proposal could help her follow through on her promises.
Zarou: Zoom Meetings Make State Government Accessible. But It’s Critical To Preserve In-Person Meetings
From this point forward, online systems — on Zoom or similar platforms — should always be available for the benefit of those who can’t attend public meetings. But that’s as far as it should go.
Research & Analysis
BGA Budget Hearings Snapshot
Mayor Lori Lightfoot introduced her proposed city budget for 2023 on Monday, Oct. 3. City Council begins meeting on Thurs., Oct. 6 for a twelve-day series of departmental budget hearings, at which budget staff and department heads are available to answer questions from the alderpersons.
Analysis: Chicago Outspends and Outstaffs NYC, LA on Communications and Public Relations
Emanuel-era surge in CPD public relations staff, maintained in Lightfoot’s budgets, puts Chicago ahead of peer cities in comms spending per capita and as a proportion of overall budget
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UPDATED: ILLINOIS PUBLIC SALARY DATABASE
Review, explore and compare compensation for public employees throughout Illinois.
ILLINOIS PUBLIC PENSIONS DATABASE
Follow the money paid to retired public-sector employees throughout Illinois.
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