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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: Should Employers Notify Staff If an Employee Has COVID-19?

The pandemic has caused employers to change how they do business to protect the health of customers and employees alike. What information should they share with staff if an employee tests positive for the coronavirus?
Apr 28, 2020 12:00 PM
What the Gov

What the Gov: Which Governments Are Looking Into Property Tax Help?

Amid pandemic, two suburban county boards have OK’d financial relief from late fees or interest payments for some homeowners while other county officials — including in Cook County — remain mum. A few lawmakers say they’d like to explore if the issue can be addressed statewide.
Apr 24, 2020 6:00 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: How Are Governments Navigating Open Meetings in the Coronavirus Era?

To keep social distancing rules in place, Pritzker waived requirements that public bodies meet in person. What are they still required to do to make sure the public has access and can have their voices heard?
Apr 7, 2020 4:18 PM
What the Gov

What the Gov: Will the Coronavirus Pandemic Affect Your Property Tax Bills?

Officials in suburban counties are considering waiving late fees on property tax payments to help give homeowners some financial relief.
Apr 2, 2020 4:20 PM
What the Gov

What the Gov: Can People Still Transport Dogs and Cats for Fostering or Adoption in Illinois?

Despite the coronavirus, animal rescues are still happening across the U.S. What restrictions are there, especially in states like Illinois where a “stay at home” order remains in place?
Apr 1, 2020 6:00 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: How Is Coronavirus Affecting Public Transportation?

COVID-19 is touching nearly every aspect of our daily lives — including where we go and how we get there. What are the public transit agencies doing to respond?
Mar 27, 2020 12:00 PM
What the Gov

What the Gov: What Is Behind Governments’ Ability to Keep Restaurants and Bars Closed?

Pritzker this week ordered restaurants closed for dine-in customers. How can he do that and what does the public need to know about how the closures are enforced?
Mar 20, 2020 6:24 PM
What the Gov

What The Gov: What Questions Do You Have About How Government in Illinois Is Responding to Coronavirus?

What unanswered questions do you have about how public officials in Chicago, Cook County and Illinois are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak? Ask them and our BGA reporters may answer them.
Mar 16, 2020 4:39 PM
What the Gov

What The Gov: What Can Candidates and Elected Officials Buy With Campaign Funds?

The line between legitimate campaign expenses and illegal personal spending is blurry, especially at the state level. So, what's allowed and what's off-limits?
Dec 19, 2019 6:00 AM
What the Gov

What The Gov: Your O’Hare Questions, Answered

Reporter Alejandra Cancino follows up on readers questions received about the BGA’s investigation into O’Hare International Airport.
Aug 8, 2019 10:00 AM