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: New Laws Are Baby Steps Toward Streamlining Too Many Governments

Illinois has 1,800 more government units than even Texas. But a few new laws and a growing movement behind streamlining is good news for beleaguered taxpayers.
Aug 22, 2017 5:00 AM
Perspective

Shaw: Navy Pier Shell Game Cries Out For TIF Reform

The Navy Pier TIF shell game reported by BGA/Crain's is just the latest transgression in a city TIF program that’s been steeped in secrecy and mired in controversy since its inception three decades ago. It's time for Chicago to get its TIF act together.
Aug 12, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: End The School Funding Divide-And-Conquer

For at least 25 years, we’ve been playing divide-and-conquer games over Illinois school funding, with our children as the dispensable collateral damage.
Aug 7, 2017 5:00 PM
Perspective

Learning From Those Leaving Springfield

Several longtime lawmakers are leaving Springfield. Can we learn from these departures? Can we turn exits into insight?
Jul 24, 2017 5:00 PM
Perspective

Wanted: Straight Talk About Chicago Police Training

The Emanuel administration released plans this month for a state-of-the-art facility for fire and police training. Chicago residents need straight answers about the scope and funding of this project.
Jul 22, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

How To Move From Impasse Illinois To Improving Illinois

Illinois has a budget after two years without one. How do we make sure it doesn't happen again?
Jul 10, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

City, County Residents To Get Louder Voice On Issues

Both Chicago and Cook County, reputably closed off from the public eye, are taking steps toward more public accessibility.
Jul 8, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

It's Time To Talk About Sharing More At City Hall

Chicago City Council members ought to step back and look around at some other ways they can proactively open up their processes and encourage more public access and participation in city government.
Jun 26, 2017 6:30 PM
Perspective

CPS Over The Years: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

BGA President & CEO Andy Shaw reflects on his rocky, half-century relationship with CPS.
Jun 24, 2017 6:00 PM
Perspective

Has The Time Come For Lisa Madigan To Take Action On Police Reform In Chicago?

When it comes to the nitty-gritty details of police reform, the city and the U.S. Justice Department won't do enough. The time has come for Attorney General Lisa Madigan to step in.
Jun 16, 2017 7:00 AM

Perspectives

Doubek: New Laws Are Baby Steps Toward Streamlining Too Many Governments

Shaw: Navy Pier Shell Game Cries Out For TIF Reform

Doubek: End The School Funding Divide-And-Conquer

Learning From Those Leaving Springfield

Wanted: Straight Talk About Chicago Police Training

How To Move From Impasse Illinois To Improving Illinois

City, County Residents To Get Louder Voice On Issues

It's Time To Talk About Sharing More At City Hall

CPS Over The Years: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Has The Time Come For Lisa Madigan To Take Action On Police Reform In Chicago?