This article discusses the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid’s loss in the first round of voting by the International Olympic Committee. It mentions the Civic Federation’s analysis of the Bid, which found that taxpayers were adequately protected against risk stemming from the operating budget, but more insurance was needed to protect against the real estate risks of developing the Olympic Village.
This editorial opposes the village of Hinsdale’s proposed plans to lease a parcel of Cook County Forest Preserve District land on which it would build soccer fields and other park facilities. It includes a Civic Federation quote saying that although there are many good alternative uses for District land, they are contrary to the Forest Preserve’s mission to preserve natural land.
This article about DuPage County’s newly-implemented public budget forums quotes the Civic Federation saying that such forums are important as they help keep people informed about budgetary issues in a convenient and accessible format.
On Monday September 28, 2009 the Civic Federation attended the second of three public hearings held by DuPage County regarding its recently-released FY2010 financial plan. This was the first year that the County has held formal, separate public hearings throughout DuPage on its proposed budget. The hearings are part of a larger effort by the County to improve transparency and public participation in its annual budgeting process. The phrase “public budget hearing” does not typically stir…
The Civic Federation sent a letter today to the Board of Forest Preserve Commissioners, which is also the Cook County Board of Commissioners, urging them to reject a request by the Village of Hinsdale for 30 acres of Forest Preserve District land to create a village park. The Board is scheduled to act on the request at a Forest Preserve District Board Meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, October 7th at 10:00 a.m. in the Cook County Board Room. October 6, 2009 To the Board of Forest Preserve…
This article about the financials risks of bringing the Olympics to Chicago cites the Civic Federation’s review of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid.
This article about the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid’s use of insurance to protect against using taxpayer dollars mentions the Civic Federation’s review of the Bid, which noted that event insurance will not cover problems such as unsold tickets or donation shortfalls.
This article about proposed legislation to reduce the number of votes needed to override a veto by the Cook County Board President, notes the Civic Federation’s support for the initiative.
The recent review of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid’s finances by the Civic Federation and L.E.K. Consulting is the focus of this article. The review found that despite optimistic revenue estimates, the Bid is largely financially sound and provides adequate protections for taxpayers.
The Civic Federation supports Illinois State Senator Dan Kotowski's legislation to reduce the number of votes necessary to override a veto by the Cook County Board President from four-fifths to three-fifths of commissioners in order to create a more level playing field between the executive and legislative branches of Cook County government.
