Elected officials love to launch programs with pretentious titles that imply a gravitas that’s often dashed on the rocks of political reality. City Colleges’ “Reinvention” is one of those.
Policy
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Collaborations Between Chicago And Cook County Saved Millions. There’s Still Room For More
In 2011, newly elected Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a joint committee to explore ways the two jurisdictions might work together. Then it went dark.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: Stop The Easy-Money Endings For Executives On Public Payroll
When you’re asked to leave, something’s wrong. The taxpayers shouldn’t pay the tab for lucrative severance packages that rival those handed out in the private sector.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Shaw: When Power Doesn’t Listen
“Speaking truth to power” is more than a cliché—it’s what watchdogs do every day when they shine a light on government and hold public officials accountable—but too often power doesn’t listen.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Rodents Today, Dollars Tomorrow: Chicago’s Annual Rodent Budget Talk
Getting a handle on the ratty truth.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Golden Parachutes In Illinois: How To Curb Six-Figure Severances For Public Execs
While Illinoisans face years of budget deficits, cuts to social services and tax increases, we also foot the bill for expensive severance packages for public executives.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: Officials Should Embrace, Not Block, Freedom Of Information
Officials suing citizens to block transparency is an alarming trend in and out of Illinois, says BGA policy & civic engagement director Madeleine Doubek.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Shaw: What Does Wisconsin Gerrymandering Case Mean For Illinois?
A Supreme Court ruling on partisan gerrymandering, expected next spring, could dramatically alter redistricting rules in Wisconsin, and hopefully Illinois.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
What’s Really New About Chicago’s Newest Police Oversight Office?
The Independent Police Review Authority recently morphed into the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. BGA Policy Manager Rachel Leven explains what that means as the city searches for a new leader to head the new police watchdog agency.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Feeling Railroaded? Our Calculator Helps You Add Up Metra’s Fourth Consecutive Fare Hike
For the fourth year in a row, Metra is planning to raise fares. Use our calculator to see how much the hikes have cost riders so far.