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Civic Engagement

BGA’s Civic Engagement team works to bridge the gap between people and their government.

We foster knowledge, opportunity and agency with independent projects, such as databases and digital tools, educational events and community building. We also coordinate with and amplify the work of BGA’s Policy team and Newsroom.

What the Gov

What the Gov? Reimagined: What Do You Want To Know or Share About Government and Politics in Illinois and Chicago?

Participate in our efforts to serve you with information needs that matter most and empower you to hold accountable government agencies and public officials.
Sep 15, 2021 11:30 AM
What the Gov

Community Ask: ‘I filed a complaint to the AG’s office. When will I hear back?’

With the ongoing investigation and majority of the Attorney General’s computer system offline, is there any way to know when the office will meet your requests?
Aug 24, 2021 12:00 PM
What the Gov

Community Ask: ‘I want to look into pay inequities. How do I do that?’

Curious about the salaries of a government agency? Here’s a breakdown of how you can find them using public records and our salaries database.
Jul 1, 2021 1:10 PM
What the Gov

Surviving the Pandemic: Black-Owned Businesses and the Paycheck Protection Program

Four Black-owned small businesses in Chicago’s West Side and west suburbs share their experiences with applying for federal funding during the COVID-19 crisis.
Apr 19, 2021 11:05 AM
What the Gov

What Are Your Wishes for Better Government in 2021?
Dec 23, 2020 11:11 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: As Illinois Reopens, What Restrictions Remain for Weddings?

With state moving to phase four and easing restrictions, ballrooms and other large event spaces are still limited to 50 guests.
Jun 22, 2020 2:37 PM
What the Gov

What the Gov: Cook County Property Taxpayers Have Two Extra Months to Pay Their Bills

Property owners may still get their August bills in the mail soon but the county won’t penalize late payments until after Oct. 1.
Jun 8, 2020 6:00 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: Will Illinois Implement Program Aimed at Avoiding Layoffs Amid COVID-19?

The federal government is offering funds to states with programs that encourage employers to temporarily cut staff hours instead of resorting to layoffs. But the agency charged with launching the program in Illinois says the state likely won’t be able to take advantage of a major piece of that support.
Jun 1, 2020 6:00 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: Should Apartment Dwellers Notify Management If They Have COVID-19?

People who live in multi-unit residential buildings share more spaces with their neighbors than those who live in single-family homes. Do they need to inform management if they test positive for the novel coronavirus?
May 13, 2020 6:00 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: What is the Future of Weddings in 2020?

Restrictions have limited the size of gatherings and even getting a marriage license isn’t easy anymore. So how can people plan for the biggest day of their lives during a pandemic?
May 11, 2020 6:00 AM