THE CIVIC FEDERATION IS A NON-PARTISAN GOVERNMENT RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
Working to maximize the quality and cost-effectiveness of government services in the Chicago region and State of Illinois
LATEST RESEARCH
Financial Challenges Facing the Chicago Mayor and City Council: Options and Recommendations
Click here to read the full report.Click here to read the press release for this report.INTRODUCTIONIn 2023 Chicago voters elected Brandon Johnson as the City’s new Mayor as well as a City Council with 13 new members. The City’s new political leadership will immediately f...
How Chicago’s Effective Property Tax Rates Compare to Those of Other US Cities
Chicago Police Department Budget Q&A
Illinois International Port District Improves Transparency of Operations
The State of Illinois FY2024 Enacted Budget
OUR MISSION
Non-partisan government research is more important than ever.
Founded in the aftermath of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair by the same local leaders who made the legendary event a reality, the Civic Federation provides objective research, analysis and recommendations that:
- Champion efficient delivery of high-quality government services
- Promote sustainable tax policies and responsible long-term financial planning
- Improve government transparency and accountability
- Educate and serve as a resource for policymakers, opinion leaders and the broader public
OUR WORK IN THE NEWS
Cash bail ends in Illinois but further reform is still a possibility
The State Journal-Register
September 20, 2023
David Greising: How Illinois can finally gain traction in solving its pension crisis
Chicago Tribune
September 18, 2023
Pensions remain a big driver of Chicago's predicted budget shortfall
Crain's Chicago Business
September 14, 2023
David Greising: Examining the plans to tackle Illinois’ pension debt
Chicago Tribune
September 14, 2023
