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 […]
Policy
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 […]
Posted inResearch & Analysis
2025 FOIA Legislation Analysis
The foundational principle of Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act is that the public is entitled to “full and complete information regarding the affairs of government.” Many stakeholders — journalists, researchers, government agencies, members of the public, etc. — have a vested interest in how FOIA works.
Posted inOpenGov
How to FOIA for Body Camera Footage
Under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, there is a presumption that government records are open to the public. Body cam footage is an anomaly. Its availability is dictated by the […]
Posted inResearch & Analysis
City Clerk’s Office – BGA Policy 2026 Budget Snapshot
The city clerk is one of three elected city-wide officials, along with the mayor and the treasurer. The clerk’s office maintains city records, including legislation and other city council documents, […]
Posted inResearch & Analysis
City Treasurer’s Office – BGA Policy 2026 Budget Snapshot
The city treasurer is one of three elected city-wide officials, along with the mayor and the clerk. The treasurer manages the city’s bank accounts and pension and investment funds. Departmental […]
Posted inResearch & Analysis
Department of Law – BGA Policy 2026 Budget Snapshot
Departmental Highlights Snapshot: Appropriation & Staffing Changes from 2025 Budget 2025 Budgeted 2026 Proposed Net Change Percent Change Average Annual Rate of Change (2011-2025) Inflation-adjusted Rate of Change (2011-2024) Appropriations […]
Posted inResearch & Analysis
Department of Administrative Hearings – BGA Policy 2026 Budget Snapshot
The Department of Administrative Hearings is a quasi-judicial body authorized to administer hearings on ordinance violations that do not include a penalty of imprisonment. Administrative hearings offer an alternative to […]
Posted inResearch & Analysis
Board of Election Commissioners – BGA Policy 2026 Budget Snapshot
The Board of Election Commissioners is established under state elections law and technically is part of the judicial branch, but receives operational funding from the City of Chicago. BoEC oversees […]