Chicagoans deserve the most effective, accountable and trustworthy big-city government in the United States. We work to make that vision a reality – bringing responsible government principles and healthy civic engagement to Chicago’s political structure and culture.
Why Chicago Needs an Elected City Attorney
Why Chicago Needs an Elected City Attorney
The “gift room” scandal, a botched police raid and a smokestack implosion underscore how the head of Chicago’s Law Department, also known as the corporation counsel, too often lacks independence from the mayor’s office. Chicago’s corporation counsel is appointed by the mayor and can be removed at the mayor’s discretion. Experience in other major cities...
REPORTS
Chicago one of only two big cities without mayoral, city council term limits
Chicago one of only two big cities without mayoral, city council term limits
A city charter could impose them. All other big cities have one
Chicago’s sustainable community high schools: Lower outcomes, higher costs
Chicago’s sustainable community high schools: Lower outcomes, higher costs
The Chicago Teachers Union’s preferred model fails in academic proficiency, absenteeism and cost.
Chicago only big city where mayor presides over City Council and has veto power
Chicago only big city where mayor presides over City Council and has veto power
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is a national outlier in the power he has compared to mayors in other big cities.
5 ways state law empowers the Chicago Teachers Union and how it can change
5 ways state law empowers the Chicago Teachers Union and how it can change
The union's extraordinary power in Chicago is propped up by actions in Springfield.
Chicago gets $16.6B budget after mayor refuses to veto
Chicago gets $16.6B budget after mayor refuses to veto
Chicago avoided a city shutdown when Mayor Brandon Johnson accepted the alternative budget aldermen passed despite his wishes.
Chicago adopts $16.6B budget, adds $535M in taxes
Chicago adopts $16.6B budget, adds $535M in taxes
Chicago aldermen for the first time pushed through their own budget, rejecting the mayor’s effort to impose a job-killing head tax. There are other taxes.
Chicago business activity skid hits two years
Chicago business activity skid hits two years
A barometer of business health shows Chicago’s decline worsened in November 2025.
5 ways to end Chicago’s stagnant growth
5 ways to end Chicago’s stagnant growth
High taxes, red tape and fiscal mismanagement have stalled Chicago’s economy, but smart reform could get it growing again.
Vallas: Legislation buys CTA time to fix itself, but will it?
Vallas: Legislation buys CTA time to fix itself, but will it?
New taxes buy the Chicago Transit Authority some time, but state lawmakers failed fix anything that led to the crisis. Here are three ways city leaders can fix the CTA.
Chicago-area Transit crisis: 7 principles to guide Illinois transportation reform
Chicago-area Transit crisis: 7 principles to guide Illinois transportation reform
Transit reform can support Illinois riders and taxpayers. These seven principles outline a path to affordability, accountability and efficiency.
Chicago loosens granny flat rules, still lags California
Chicago loosens granny flat rules, still lags California
Chicago just expanded where accessory dwelling units can be built, but California’s sweeping reforms show how far the city still has to go.