The purpose of the Cook County Modernization Report is to provide leaders of the County with ideas for reshaping and refining County government that will improve service delivery to residents while reducing wasteful spending and decreasing reliance on taxpayer funds. The Modernization Project provides a roadmap for creating a government that is more efficient, less costly and more accountable. The report contains actionable recommendations that can be implemented in the first 100 days after the…
Over the past two weeks the Civic Federation blogged here and here about the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s reaction to its estimated $24 million budget deficit. Specifically, we outlined Executive Director Richard Lanyon’s proposals to reduce this deficit, in part, by making changes to employee and retiree health benefits. Mr. Lanyon presented his cost-cutting plan to the Board and public at an August 12, 2010 study session. His suggestions were drafted after staff…
This article scrutinizes the Chicago Department of Aviation’s multi-tiered management system. The Civic Federation questions the Department’s need for multiple layers of management and 17 assistant commissioners, noting that in the current economic climate the Department could be made much leaner.
This article discusses the exceedingly large severance packages paid out to several suburban school superintendents. The Civic Federation is quoted saying that given tough economic times in Illinois, school boards should be required to justify expenditures such as overly generous severance packages.
This article is about how a few Chicagoland school districts have started evaluating the need for car allowance perks for officials in a time of shrinking budgets and tax revenue. The Civic Federation says that in the current economic climate all school district administrative expenses should be scrutinized.
The Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120, was originally enacted in 1957 and sets forth the rules and regulations for public meetings of governmental bodies across the state of Illinois. The policy behind this act is that “…the people have a right to be informed as to the conduct of...” local and state government. Open deliberation and action are cornerstones of the Open Meetings Act requirements, along with good faith efforts to ensure convenient access to meetings for all…
Last week the Illinois General Assembly adjourned for the summer. The House and the Senate sent numerous bills to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to either sign or veto. One such bill is Senate Bill 580, which would restructure the existing DuPage Water Commission. The DuPage Water Commission operates and finances the systems required to bring Lake Michigan water service to communities located in DuPage County. Beginning in 1955 with the Tree Towns Commission and expanding into its current form,…
This article is about a vote by Cook County commissioners to make the Cook County Health and Hospitals System independent board permanent. The article mentions the Civic Federation’s support for the move, which has streamlined staff levels and reduced the System’s reliance on taxes.
In a victory for good government, the Cook County Board of Commissioners on June 1, 2010 voted 13-3 to make permanent the independent Board of Directors overseeing the Cook County Health and Hospitals System (Health System). Without action by Commissioners, the independent Board would have expired in February of 2011. The Civic Federation, a long-time supporter of the independent Board, was the only group testifying in favor of making it a permanent part of Cook County government. The Civic…
Each year the Civic Federation publishes an analysis of Cook County’s proposed Executive Budget (see e.g. Cook County FY2010 Proposed Budget: Analysis and Recommendations). As part of each report, we make recommendations on how to improve Cook County government. Some of our previous recommendations have included the implementation of a long-term financial planning process, limiting annual personnel compensation increases to 3% per year or the Consumer Price Index rate and outsourcing…
