Policy

Perspectives

Insights and views from our policy team on the challenges we face in government and politics along with potential solutions in persuasive perspective pieces, which are often published in partnership with major media.

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Perspective

Doubek: Let's Grab Our New Chance to Fight for Fair Political Maps

Five states have voted for independent mapping commissions this year to end political rigging. Why not fight for Illinois to join them?
Nov 12, 2018 5:43 PM
Perspective

Leven: Zombie Hearings at City Hall

Since January of 2017, the mayor and aldermen have made as many as 70 calls for public hearings and expert testimony. But, not all of them actually happen.
Oct 30, 2018 2:00 PM
Perspective

Leven: The City Needs to Get to Work on Cleaning Up its Recycling Program

The BGA Policy Team highlights a way forward for the City of Chicago’s recycling program.
Oct 30, 2018 10:56 AM
Perspective

Doubek: Evaluating the State Supreme Court Candidate and Other Judges Remains a Tough Task

The retention of an Illinois Supreme Court justice is one of the lowest-profile for a high-powered position.
Oct 22, 2018 7:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: How Consolidation is the Answer to Fewer Taxpayers, Flat Revenues

As population drops with tax revenue, counties and other local governments increasingly need to consider consolidation options like they're doing in DuPage County.
Oct 8, 2018 5:43 PM
Perspective

Doubek: Fixing Our Fixed Politics Will Take Pressure From You

Illinois politicians have created election and governing systems designed to preserve their power, not serve voters. We will need to act up to change that and demand improvements.
Sep 24, 2018 6:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: We're in the Election Sprint. Here's How You Can Ensure You Cast an Informed Ballot

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's departure ought to emphasize you have critical civic homework to do before you vote.
Sep 10, 2018 6:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: Candidates, Where's the Discussion About Our Big Debt Problems?

We need to see some leadership about addressing our serious pension and other debt problems in Chicago and Illinois.
Aug 28, 2018 2:50 PM
Perspective

Doubek: Here's How Political Powers Control Who Gets to Run for Office

Illinois' political powers have plenty of ways in which they control who gets to run or hold office in Illinois. Here are some and a few suggestions for ending the election games.
Aug 20, 2018 6:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: How One Citizen Changed His Local Township Government — and Maybe State Law

Think you can't fight city hall, or township hall? Here's how one Illinoisan did just that.
Aug 6, 2018 6:00 PM

Perspectives

Doubek: Let's Grab Our New Chance to Fight for Fair Political Maps

Leven: Zombie Hearings at City Hall

Leven: The City Needs to Get to Work on Cleaning Up its Recycling Program

Doubek: Evaluating the State Supreme Court Candidate and Other Judges Remains a Tough Task

Doubek: How Consolidation is the Answer to Fewer Taxpayers, Flat Revenues

Doubek: Fixing Our Fixed Politics Will Take Pressure From You

Doubek: We're in the Election Sprint. Here's How You Can Ensure You Cast an Informed Ballot

Doubek: Candidates, Where's the Discussion About Our Big Debt Problems?

Doubek: Here's How Political Powers Control Who Gets to Run for Office

Doubek: How One Citizen Changed His Local Township Government — and Maybe State Law