A BGA Policy comparison of major U.S. cities found Chicago’s Office of Inspector General among the strongest watchdog agencies in the nation — but it lacks independent authority to release its findings to the public, keeping Chicago out of the top-tier cities for governmental oversight.
Policy
Posted inPerspectives
Zarou: Aldermanic Ethics Reform Package Could Be a Second Chance for Lightfoot To Fulfill Her Vow
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s track record on reform is a mixed bag. A wide-ranging ethics reform proposal could help her follow through on her promises.
Posted inPolicy, Research & Analysis
A City Council Staffing Shuffle? Could Happen Under New Bills from Beale, Reilly
New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.
Posted inPolicy
Side by Side Comparison of City Council Parliamentarian Bills
Two separate ordinances, O2021-2901 (Beale, 9th Ward) and O2022-656 (Reilly, 42nd Ward) both propose a renamed and expanded legislative support office for City Council, taking on the duties of the […]
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 inPolicy Statements
BGA Policy Statement: Narrow Supreme Court Ruling on Campaign Cash for Legal Fees Leaves Door Open for Future Challenges
The Costly Toll of Dead-end Drug Arrests, published in December, examined how thousands of Chicagoans — mostly Black men — are arrested on drug possession charges judges, police and prosecutors all know will never stick.
Posted inPolicy
Zarou: Zoom Meetings Make State Government Accessible. But It’s Critical To Preserve In-Person Meetings
From this point forward, online systems — on Zoom or similar platforms — should always be available for the benefit of those who can’t attend public meetings. But that’s as far as it should go.
Posted inPolicy Statements
BGA Policy Statement on the Indictment of Former House Speaker Michael Madigan
The Costly Toll of Dead-end Drug Arrests, published in December, examined how thousands of Chicagoans — mostly Black men — are arrested on drug possession charges judges, police and prosecutors all know will never stick.
Posted inPolicy
Chicago’s Inspector General Replacement Statutes Need an Update
The inspector general’s position has been vacant for over four months. BGA took a look at the laws that allow for delay and highlighted areas for improvement.
Posted inPolicy Statements
BGA Policy Statement on Proposed Redaction Authority for COPA Chief Admin
The Costly Toll of Dead-end Drug Arrests, published in December, examined how thousands of Chicagoans — mostly Black men — are arrested on drug possession charges judges, police and prosecutors all know will never stick.