Chairwoman Gong Gershowitz, Spokesperson Ugaste, My name is Bryan Zarou, and I am the Vice President of Policy at the Better Government Association. The Better Government Association strongly supports HB1077. […]
Archives
Posted inPolicy Statements
Mayor and Allies Obstruct Inspector General Reforms –“Outright Hostility to Ethics and Oversight”
Close mayoral ally Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez on Wednesday delayed a reform measure championed by ethics committee chair Ald. Matt Martin and Inspector General Deborah Witzburg, using a parliamentary process to divert the ordinance to the rules committee.
Posted inResearch & Analysis
Alleging Obstruction, Chicago’s Inspector General Turns to City Council for Stronger Laws
In a memo sent Friday to the Chicago City Council’s ethics committee, city Inspector General Deborah Witzburg laid out a series of what her office characterizes as obstructions by the […]
Posted inPolicy Statements
Better Government Association Statement: Madigan Trial Verdict
Former longtime Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan today was found guilty by a jury on 10 out of 23 charges, including conspiracy, bribery and other charges in relation to a jobs-for-votes scheme and additional abuses of public office.
Posted inPolicy Agenda
BGA State Policy Agenda 2025-2026
Learn about the BGA Policy’s agenda for the State of Illinois in 2025-2026.
City Council 101: The Budget Process
Join BGA Policy for a deep dive on Chicago’s budget process and what to expect in the upcoming fiscal year. Speakers:Matthew O’Shea, 19th Ward AlderpersonAndre Vasquez, Jr., 40th Ward AlderpersonWilliam […]
Posted inUpdates
The 21st Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting are Now Open for Submissions
Judged by a panel of journalists and media educators, the awards were launched two decades ago by the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, thanks in large part to the late Richard Driehaus’ vested belief in the power of journalism as a cornerstone of democracy, in addition to his long-standing collaboration with awards partner, the Better Government Association.
Posted inPolicy Statements
BGA, Civic Federation, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability Statement on Budget Transparency Ordinance
Chicago’s city council is set to vote on a package of ordinances setting the municipal budget for 2025. A late start, the mayor’s failure to provide detailed information requested by […]
Posted inResearch & Analysis
Department of Procurement Services – BGA Policy 2025 Budget Snapshot
Departmental Highlights Snapshot: Appropriation & Staffing Changes from 2024 Budget 2024 Budgeted 2025 Proposed Net Change Percent Change Appropriations $14,605,398 $13,978,092 -$627,306 -4.3% Positions & FTEs 136 131 -5 -3.7% […]
Posted inResearch & Analysis
Department of Law – BGA Policy 2025 Budget Snapshot
Departmental Highlights Snapshot: Appropriation & Staffing Changes from 2024 Budget 2024 Budgeted 2025 Proposed Net Change Percent Change Appropriations $46,229,759 $45,920,152 -$309,607 -0.7% Positions & FTEs 427 406 -21 -4.9% […]