The Institute for Illinois' Fiscal Sustainability at the Civic Federation (IIFS) is an initiative of the non-partisan Civic Federation. The Institute's mission is to improve the State's decision making process by providing timely fiscal policy analysis and recommendations to State officials, the media, and the public through education and digital outreach.
In 1894 a group led by several of Chicago’s most prominent citizens, including Jane Addams, Bertha Palmer and Lyman J. Gage, coalesced around a serious issue: the need to address deep concerns about the city’s economic, political and moral climate at the end of the 19th century. The resulting organization, called the Civic Federation, evolved during the 20th century to become a leading advocate for governmental fiscal responsibility and an effective champion of rational tax policy.
The Civic Federation researches and provides commentary on a wide range of issues affecting local governments in Northeast Illinois. Click on one of the categories below to read about our latest research, information, and action on topics ranging from pensions to property taxes.
Welcome to the Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability at the Civic Federation, made possible by a generous grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
The Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability is an initiative of the non-partisan Civic Federation. The Institute’s mission is to improve the state’s decision making process by providing timely fiscal policy analysis and recommendations to state officials, the media, and the public through education and digital outreach.
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Financial and Policy Challenges
Facing State and Local Governments
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July 25-27, 2011 at the
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
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The Civic Federation was pleased to honor Tyrone C. Fahner with the Lyman J. Gage Award for Outstanding Civic Contribution by a Chicagoan and The Boeing Company with the Addams-Palmer Award for Exemplary Civic Involvement by a Chicago Institution on Monday, September 21 at the Palmer House Hilton. Event co-chairs Lester Crown, Andrew J. McKenna, Michael J. Sacks and Maurice Smith joined Illinois’ business, civic and government leaders to celebrate the civic achievements of both honorees. Chicago City Clerk Susana A. Mendoza gave the afternoon's salutation address.
Watch the brief videos below to learn more about the contributions Mr. Fahner and The Boeing Company have made to the City of Chicago.
Founded in 1894, the Civic Federation is an independent, non-partisan government research organization that provides analysis and recommendations on government finance issues for the Chicago region and State of Illinois. The Federation's membership includes business and professional leaders from a wide range of Chicago area corporations, professional service firms and institutions.
Download our online press kit with information about the Civic Federation; our research institute, the Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability; and our work to reduce costs and improve the quality of government services in Illinois.
To learn more about the subjects we study, please read our primers, which provide basic information on everything from public pensions to Medicaid.
This growing glossary contains common terms used in Civic Federation research, reports and blog posts.
Actuarial Liability: A retirement system’s projected benefit obligation due to past service by employees and retirees.
Appropriation: Spending authority from a specific fund for a specific amount, purpose and time period. [2]
Assessment Level: The percentage of full value at which property is being assessed.
Links to each presentation can be found within the agenda below:
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8:05 a.m. — Welcome
William Testa,Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
8:10 a.m. — Opening Presentation
Adam Hoffer, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
Sin Taxes: An Economist's Perspective
8:50 a.m. — Break
9:00 a.m. Session I — Competition and Cooperation: Cross-Jurisdictional Issues and Tobacco Taxes
