For nearly five years, the Better Government Association, through its leadership of the Court Transparency Coalition, has worked alongside lawmakers, civic organizations, and advocates to push for greater transparency and […]
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Posted inPolicy Statements
David Glockner Confirmed as Chicago’s Next Inspector General
The BGA Policy team applauds the Chicago City Council’s approval of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appointment of David Glockner as the next Inspector General for the City of Chicago. The Office […]
Posted inWork With Us
Senior Manager, Institutional & Individual Giving
Organization: For over 100 years, the Better Government Association has been the only non-profit holding power to account through investigative and solutions-focused journalism and advocating for action that creates a […]
BGA Annual Luncheon & Celebration
This year’s Annual Luncheon celebrates the Better Government Association’s 100+ year record of advancing a more transparent, equitable and accountable government for all the people of Illinois through investigative journalism, […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
City Council Approves Proactive Rental Inspection Working Group
Chicago’s city council today passed an ordinance establishing a working group to research, evaluate, and issue recommendations regarding health and safety inspections of rental units. The ordinance was produced and championed […]
Posted inResearch & Analysis
Small Steps for Independent Budgeting: City Council’s Plan, Passed Over Mayor’s Objections, Changes Revenues but Keeps Roughly the Same Spending Plan
Chicago’s budget for the 2026 fiscal year, enacted just before its Dec. 31st deadline, made history when it passed without the mayor’s support or approval. Mayor Brandon Johnson lacked the […]
Posted inUpdates
The 2026 Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting are Now Open for Submissions
Submissions are now open for the 22nd Anniversary Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Aards for Investigative Reporting. News organizations across Chicago and Illinois are encouraged to apply. The deadline to submit […]
Posted inPolicy
Speaker Welch; President Harmon commit to transparent online archives
Illinoisans should not need insider access or paid subscriptions to see their government at work. Across most of the country, residents can easily watch, search, and review legislative proceedings online […]
Posted inResearch & Analysis
Six bills sought to reduce public access to body cam footage
Just a few months after the last remaining law enforcement agencies were required to equip officers with body cameras, several legislative efforts in 2025 tried to limit access to body […]
Posted inPerspectives
Bryan Zarou Appointed to Chicago Inspector General Search Committee
Bryan Zarou, the Better Government Association’s vice president of policy, has been appointed to serve on the City of Chicago’s Inspector General Search Committee. The Inspector General is one of […]