A BGA investigation of Chicago’s vast system of neighborhood parks reveals a tiny camera program with little money, inequity and neglect.
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Posted inPolicy, Policy Statements
New Ethics Ordinance Updates Include Recommendations from Chicago Board of Ethics and Better Government Association
New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Security Cameras Scarce in Parks with Most Reported Crimes
Only 16 of the 600 parks in city neighborhoods have security cameras, but many of them are in white, wealthy neighborhoods without much of a crime problem. Many parks in higher-crime areas, including more neighborhoods of color, have no cameras at all despite requests from residents.
Posted inInvestigation
Chicago Park District Has History of Racism Allegations
From federal lawsuits to scathing reports, the administration of the city’s greenspaces has for decades come under fire on grounds that underserved communities are treated unfairly
Posted inABC 7 Videos
Chicago Ald. Walter Burnett Softened Affordable Housing Stance After Cash Influx: BGA Investigation
Several former tenants at Atrium Village in Old Town said they feel abandoned by 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett. An investigation by the Better Government Association revealed several accommodations made by Burnett to the apartment’s developer, Onni Group.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Illinois Rep. Mary Miller Claims Biden Administration Is Encouraging Kids to Take “Castration” Drugs, Undergo Surgeries
Miller, a Republican from east central Illinois, took to Twitter after White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki called out Alabama lawmakers for approving a bill to block transgender youth from receiving gender-affirming care. Miller falsely claimed the White House is lying to kids by telling them puberty blockers are reversible.
Posted inABC 7 Videos
Illinois Lawmakers Approve $46.5B Budget With Tax Relief
BGA gives break down on what it means for taxpayers.
Posted inEvents
The BGA’s Driehaus Foundation Investigative Awards Submission Period Extended
The Better Government Association still is accepting submissions for its 2022 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting, and news organizations from across Illinois are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submissions has been extended to Monday, May 2, 2022.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Ald. Walter Burnett Softened Stance on Affordable Housing After Cash Flowed
Developer Onni Group wanted out of its obligation to include affordable units in its luxury Old Town highrises. Onni paid a Burnett friend more than $417,000 to lobby City Hall, helped sponsor a Burnett fundraiser and pledged $25,000 to a charity run by Burnett’s wife. Some tenants said the alderman abandoned them.
Posted inUpdates
BGA Named Lisagor Award Finalists 21 Times
The nominations from the Chicago Headline Club recognize the Better Government Association and its journalism partners for several stories exposing corruption, government mismanagement and neglect of Chicago’s underserved residents.