The Democratic National Convention is coming to Chicago to highlight the party’s platform. Delegates are likely to see moving vans that highlight what those policies have done to the Windy City and the rest of Illinois.
At the 1920 Census, Chicago’s population was 2.7 million, up over 516,000 in a decade. More than 100 years later, Chicago’s population is 2.66 million, a loss of 128,034 from nine straight years of decline.
Illinoisans released from a variety of correctional facilities have one less barrier to being a productive member of society. A new law grants them a state identification card when they are released from jails and federal facilities, an important part of getting work and housing.
Illinoisans faced 1,026 mass layoffs in June 2024, with manufacturing and transportation sectors hit hardest. John Deere in East Moline accounted for about 1-in-4 of the layoffs announced statewide.
It’s tougher to pay for shelter in Illinois than anywhere else in the Midwest, especially if you’re living in poverty. Illinois needs another 113,000 units and nearly 290,000 affordable rental homes to help its low-income families.
Illinois’ rate of new housing is the third lowest of any state, driving up prices for residents. Fixing that would make housing more affordable and help Illinoisans stay.
Despite some growth, high unemployment remains a persistent issue in Illinois with 13 of 15 metropolitan areas showing higher rates of unemployment than the national average.
Illinois unemployment rose to 5% during June, ranking third worst in the U.S. About 328,000 Illinoisans need a job.
Here are data snapshots of Illinois communities, schools and government. See how well your tax dollars are performing in your city, county or school compared to others.
New business applications in Illinois are up 47% compared to pre-pandemic numbers in 2019, but what does growth in your county look like?
Lawmaker to lobbyist is a well-worn path at the Illinois Statehouse. But the new job of some former state lawmakers is to get their former colleagues to make it harder for their former constituents to work.
College degrees are just one potential path to prosperity. Apprenticeships are a viable alternative Illinois’ education system should embrace.
Despite some growth, high unemployment remains an issue in Illinois. All 15 metropolitan areas showed higher rates of unemployment than the national average.
This edition of The Policy Shop is by Bryce Hill, director of fiscal and economic research. When you treat people like piggy banks, some of them will get fed up and move. It is most likely the folks with the most money will be the ones to go. Illinois politicians seem to be ignoring those...