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Better Government Association

Better Government Association

Illinois' Non-Partisan Full-Service Watchdog

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WE READ BUDGETS SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO

BGA Policy is providing snapshot analyses for each day of City of Chicago departmental hearings. Sign up to get each snapshot delivered to your inbox each day of budget hearings, starting October 11.

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Bryan Zarou

Bryan is a Public Policy & Government Affairs Professional with many years experience advocating for change by way of regulation and the legislative process. Born and raised on Long Island, Bryan spent many years in the private sector. He taught a wide range of political science courses as an Adjunct Professor in New York City, and has volunteered and advocated for nonprofits to both local and federal officials. In 2020, Bryan helped secure funding for the largest census appropriation in Illinois history; he has also authored and passed legislation signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker to help relieve nonprofits with a large tax burden effecting thousands of employees. During the pandemic, Bryan vehemently advocated to the federal government to ensure funding opportunities for the states larger nonprofits who help the most vulnerable in society. Currently, Bryan is an Adjunct Professor at Aurora University, lecturing courses in the Dunham School of Business and Public Policy. He is also the Director of Policy for the Better Government Association, the states oldest watchdog and civic advocate. Bryan holds both a bachelor’s and master’s in political science, from Wesley College and Long Island University, respectively.

Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg.
Posted inPerspectives

Zarou: The New Term Limit for Chicago’s Inspector General Hopefully Will Start a Trend

by Bryan Zarou September 26, 2023September 26, 2023

Advocating for term limits for an office you hold is not the norm. Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg deserves praise.

Chicago City Hall lobby and elevator banks at City Hall.
Posted inPolicy

BGA Policy Statement: BGA Supports Resolution Requiring 48-Hour Notice for Direct Introductions to City Council Committees

by Bryan Zarou October 24, 2022November 10, 2022

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.

Posted inResearch & Analysis

City of Chicago Budget Snapshots: Fiscal Year 2023

by Bryan Zarou October 7, 2022September 19, 2023

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.

Chicago City Hall
Posted inPolicy

BGA Policy Statement: City Council’s Leadership Should be Chosen by City Council

by Bryan Zarou September 23, 2022November 10, 2022

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.

Posted inPolicy, Policy Statements

Better Government Association Commends Passage of Chicago Ethics Ordinance–Sees More to Do

by Bryan Zarou July 20, 2022November 10, 2022

New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.

Redacted document
Posted inPolicy

BGA Opposes City Council Bill to Allow Redacted COPA Reports

by Bryan Zarou July 15, 2022November 10, 2022

New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.

Posted inPolicy, Policy Statements

Better Government Association Policy Statement: Amended Ethics Ordinance is Weaker but Still Valuable

by Bryan Zarou July 15, 2022November 10, 2022

New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.

Posted inPerspectives

Zarou: Aldermanic Ethics Reform Package Could Be a Second Chance for Lightfoot To Fulfill Her Vow

by Bryan Zarou May 13, 2022August 23, 2023

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.

Posted inPolicy, Policy Statements

New Ethics Ordinance Updates Include Recommendations from Chicago Board of Ethics and Better Government Association

by Bryan Zarou April 22, 2022November 10, 2022

New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.

Posted inPolicy

Zarou: Zoom Meetings Make State Government Accessible. But It’s Critical To Preserve In-Person Meetings

by Bryan Zarou March 8, 2022November 10, 2022

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.

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