In response to today’s guilty verdict in the federal corruption of former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, lobbyist Mike McClain, former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker, and former lobbyist and City Club […]
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City Council 101
Chicago’s new City Council will take office on May 15th. But how does it all really work, inside the council chambers? Join the Better Government Association’s policy team for an […]
2023 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Journalism
Join the Better Government Association for a night of celebration at the 2023 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting! The awards highlight the impact of Illinois investigative and […]
Posted inUpdates
Better Government Association Announces 2023 Driehaus Investigative Journalism Award Finalists
The Better Government Association has named eight investigative projects as finalists for the 2023 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting. The annual awards highlight the impact of Illinois […]
Posted inOpenGov
How to Introduce Legislation to Chicago City Council: A Step-by-Step Guide
We typically think of new laws as being written and introduced by elected officials, but thanks to a quirk of Illinois law and Chicago City Council rules, any individual can […]
Posted inResearch & Analysis
How a FOIA Loophole in Illinois Puts Kids at Risk
A BGA Policy analysis of the 16 county detention centers across Illinois has found that only three successfully have completed audits mandated by federal law to enforce protections against sexual […]
Posted inPolicy
Brandon Johnson is Chicago’s Next Mayor. Here’s Where He Stands on Government Transparency and Ethics
During his campaign for mayor, Johnson completed a questionnaire from the BGA Policy that asked for his positions on various issues such as policing, public safety, education, and economic development.
Posted inPerspectives
Cubbage: City Council Has New Committees. Now It’s Time to Reform Committee Staffing.
The City Council has an opportunity to eliminate the practice of letting individual committee chairs control the hiring of their staff.
Posted inPolicy Statements
Chicago’s City Council is Ready for a Reorg – and New Members Should Have Their Say
The Better Government Association and the League of Women Voters of Chicago support a more independent Chicago City Council, but caution against letting the current body set the rules for the incoming membership.