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.
Policy
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 inResearch & Analysis
Chicago’s City Council Spends One-Third of Its Meetings on Honorary Speeches
Chicago’s City Council is off to a slow start in 2023: Only about 40% of its time in session so far this year – or about two of every five […]
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 inResearch & Analysis
Illinois Legislative Oversight is Weak Compared to Other States
Legislative watchdog is ill-equipped compared to other Illinois watchdogs
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 inResearch & Analysis
How Illinois Courts Are Hidden From FOIA
Transparency allows the people of Illinois to see into the inner workings of their government and hold their elected officials accountable. But there is still one area shrouded in darkness: the judicial branch of Illinois government.
Posted inPerspectives
Greising: Pritzker’s Presidential Daydreams Might Help the People of Illinois
How Gov. J.B. Pritzker addresses his gubernatorial to-do list matters to Illinoisans — as well as to his prospects for the presidency.
Posted inResearch & Analysis
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.