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.
BGA Executive Summary: First Time Weapon Offense Program
A joint study by BGA Policy and Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts provides the fullest picture of the successes and limitations of Illinois’ First Time Weapon Offense Program (FTWOP). This program allows for Illinoisans charged with eligible, non-violent offenses to limit their involvement with the criminal legal system. While eligibility has expanded, the study found issues like significant data gaps, underutilization and the ability of the state’s attorney to prevent people from participating.
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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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.
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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
Chicago Department of Transportation – BGA Policy 2027 Budget Snapshot
One of the city’s largest departmental budgets, but also a heavily grant-funded one, much of CDOT’s operations are self-funding or funded independently of the rest of the city budget. The department is responsible for the city’s roads, bridges, lighting, and underground infrastructure coordination. [budget-graphic id=”summary”] Departmental Highlights Historical Context CDOT’s total appropriations have been growing…
Department of Water Management – BGA Policy 2027 Budget Snapshot
The Department of Water Management is among the city’s largest, both by budget and headcount. In the 2027 proposal DWM has the fifth-largest budgeted appropriations total and the third-largest budgeted headcount, after the fire and police departments. [budget-graphic id=”summary”] Departmental Highlights Historical Context DWM’s budgeted appropriations increased dramatically in the 2026 budget, leaping from $417.2…