Chicagoans deserve the most effective, accountable and trustworthy big-city government in the United States. We work make that vision a reality – bringing responsible government principles and healthy civic engagement to Chicago’s political structure and culture.
Chicago is only big city where mayor gets to fill city council vacancies
Chicago is only big city where mayor gets to fill city council vacancies
Of the 15 largest cities, only Chicago lets its mayor fill vacancies on the city council. Mayor Brandon Johnson is about to exercise that long Chicago tradition by filling a vacancy he created.
REPORTS
A city charter could bring order to Chicago’s dysfunction. How can it get one?
A city charter could bring order to Chicago’s dysfunction. How can it get one?
A city charter would put much-needed guardrails on the Chicago government. Here’s what needs to happen to get one.
How Chicago’s election timing suppresses voting
How Chicago’s election timing suppresses voting
Disproportionate and low voter turnout presents challenges for municipal democracy nationwide. However, a straightforward reform acknowledged by scholars and policymakers – aligning the timing of municipal elections to coincide with general elections – offers a clear solution to enhance voter participation significantly. Research shows the timing of local elections influences voter turnout, which subsequently impacts...
Chicago Teachers Union can strike after March 7
Chicago Teachers Union can strike after March 7
The Chicago Teachers Union entered a 30-day “cooling off” period following its rejection of a neutral fact-finder’s contract recommendations. The 30 days are up. The union can go on strike after March 7.
Chicago mayor adds 50 speed cameras to put $11.4M in his budget
Chicago mayor adds 50 speed cameras to put $11.4M in his budget
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to add 50 new speed cameras to city streets during the coming year to add $11.4 million from fines and fees to his deficit budget.
Testimony: Chicago leaders agree to boost housing supply, affordability
Testimony: Chicago leaders agree to boost housing supply, affordability
Chicago City Council members heard from Illinois Policy Institute researchers as they considered allowing more commercial space to be converted to housing. The council then unanimously voted for the change that will boost supply and affordability.
Testimony: Chicago pension systems’ dire finances cannot afford benefit boost
Testimony: Chicago pension systems’ dire finances cannot afford benefit boost
Members of the Illinois Senate Pensions Committee heard from pension administrators and government unions about the need for more benefits from retirement systems that are already broken. The Illinois Policy Institute was there, too, to represent taxpayers’ interests.
Chicago borrows $830M, but mayor can’t use it for Chicago Teachers Union
Chicago borrows $830M, but mayor can’t use it for Chicago Teachers Union
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson secured approval for his $830 million borrowing plan but can no longer use the money to benefit his cronies at the Chicago Teachers Union. The city just grew its nearly $41 billion in debt.
Chicago mayor wants to borrow $830M, which could benefit his Chicago Teachers Union cronies
Chicago mayor wants to borrow $830M, which could benefit his Chicago Teachers Union cronies
Mayor Brandon Johnson asked to borrow $830 million one day after the city’s credit rating dipping to near-junk status. He would have broad discretion over how to spend the money – including on his friends at the Chicago Teachers Union.
No Illinois teacher strikes in 2024, but will Chicago Teachers Union strike in 2025?
No Illinois teacher strikes in 2024, but will Chicago Teachers Union strike in 2025?
After going on strike 63 times in the previous 13 years, Illinois teachers unions gave families a break and didn’t walk out on students in 2024. But the Chicago Teachers Union may change that soon.
Greater Chicago hit hard as Illinois sees 2,342 mass layoffs in January
Greater Chicago hit hard as Illinois sees 2,342 mass layoffs in January
Illinois companies announced 2,342 mass layoffs in January 2025, according to state reports. More than 9-in-10 job cuts impacted Cook and the collar counties.
Chicago Teachers Union moves one step closer to going on strike
Chicago Teachers Union moves one step closer to going on strike
The Chicago Teachers Union rejected recommendations from a neutral factfinder. The union will be free to strike after the report is public for 30 days and the union gives 10 days’ notice of striking.