A unanimous Illinois Supreme Court ruling yesterday in a case called Chapman v. Chicago reverses a lower court’s ruling and blocks plaintiff Matt Chapman’s open records request for information from the City of Chicago’s Department of Finance. The court’s ruling undermines the public’s right to know about the workings of government and is a threat to research, journalism and the public interest.
BGA Policy
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 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.
Posted inPolicy Agenda
BGA Policy Agenda – City of Chicago – 2023
Learn about the BGA Policy’s agenda for the City of Chicago in 2023
Posted inPolicy
FOIA, Council Independence, IG Reports: Mayoral Candidates Address the Big Good-Government Questions
Mayor Lightfoot is only contender who declined to respond.
Posted inPolicy
BGA State Policy Agenda 2023
Our Policy Agenda: The Better Government Association policy team researches, drafts, supports and advocates for legislation that improves transparency, efficiency, equity and accountability in government in Illinois. We actively seek to […]
Posted inPolicy
Court Transparency Coalition
To help shine light on Illinois’ judicial branch, BGA Policy is proud to lead the Court Transparency Coalition, which recommends that the judicial branch be added to the state’s Freedom of Information Act.
Posted inOpenGov
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.
Posted inUncategorized
Open Meetings Act
The Illinois Open Meetings Act is the state law that requires governments to conduct their business in public — including providing advance notice so citizens can attend, allowing for public […]