The Civic Federation commended Cook County for proposing a FY2002 budget of $2.7 billion that held the line on spending and avoided tax or fee increases. However, we were disappointed that the County once again failed to improve its financial condition or management in the long-term, improve the efficiency of County operations, or contain costs.
The Civic Federation supported the proposed FY2002 City of Chicago budget of $4.6 billion because: the budget did not include any broad-based tax increases; it eliminated 538 vacant positions for a net savings of $22 million; it cut 5% from all non-safety related agencies; and it froze overtime and hiring except for key health, safety and security programs.
A joint undertaking of the Civic Federation and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, this report provides a descriptive framework for identifying systemic problems and designing implementation strategies to reduce the cost of Cook County operations. The report outlines problems and offers recommendations for improvements in four areas: Personnel, Organization, Purchasing, and Structure and Governance.
The Civic Federation supported the Chicago Park District’s FY2001 budget despite a $3.6 million increase in the property tax levy because the District demonstrated a commitment to improving services and putting its financial house in order.
In its analysis of the Forest Preserve District's $148 million FY2002 budget, the Civic Federation pointed out that expenditures continued to exceed revenues, leading to a long-term trend of Corporate Fund deficits.
The Civic Federation did not oppose the City of Chicago's FY2001 because the City used conservative revenue projections and limited reductions in personnel. The statement also out-lined the Federation's concern with the City's future ability to meet long-term financial obligations, such as pension liabilities and debt issuances.
The Civic Federation gave conditional support to the City Colleges of Chicago's FY2001 budget based primarily upon a concern that the balanced budget was predicated upon overly optimistic revenue projections.
A research report from the Openlands Project and Friends of the Chicago River that analyzes the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD)'s wastewater treatment practices and its landholding and disposal policies.
A research report from the Openlands Project and Friends of the Chicago River that analyzes the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD)'s wastewater treatment practices and its landholding and disposal policies.
This portion of Waterways for the Future study analyzes the finance, governance and administration of the MWRD and makes recommendations for improvement.
