A city charter could bring order to Chicago’s dysfunction. How can it get one?

By Joe Tabor, Ed Bachrach

03/26/2025

A city charter would put much-needed guardrails on the Chicago government. Here’s what needs to happen to get one.

Testimony: Chicago leaders agree to boost housing supply, affordability

By Josh Bandoch, LyLena Estabine

03/03/2025

Chicago City Council members heard from Illinois Policy Institute researchers as they considered allowing more commercial space to be converted to housing. The council then unanimously voted for the change that will boost supply and affordability.

Chicago mayor wants to borrow $830M, which could benefit his Chicago Teachers Union cronies

By Dylan Sharkey

02/21/2025

Mayor Brandon Johnson asked to borrow $830 million one day after the city’s credit rating dipping to near-junk status. He would have broad discretion over how to spend the money – including on his friends at the Chicago Teachers Union.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

By Joe Tabor

02/10/2025

Published Feb. 10, 2025 Even though federal COVID relief funds provided an unexpected windfall, that one-time jolt of cash could leave many Illinois localities even worse off than they were before. That boost in revenue allowed local governments to put off difficult budgeting decisions, and as that revenue dries up, municipalities will have to contend...

Chicago’s hidden housing solution: How additional dwelling unit expansion can make city more affordable

By LyLena Estabine

01/23/2025

Published Jan. 23, 2025 Chicago’s 2020 Additional Dwelling Unit Ordinance, while well-intentioned, has stifled development. Despite 71% of Chicagoans being in favor of putting additional dwelling units on existing residential lots – higher than the national average – restrictive and inequitable regulations have ensured very few are built.1 Only 44% of pre-approved applications have received...

Enough? Chicago aldermen to vote on mayor’s property tax hike

By Matheus Cosso

11/12/2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson broke a campaign promise by proposing a $300 million property tax increase to fund his $17.3 billion budget. On Thursday the city council will vote, and the signs are not good for Johnson.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes

Election’s over. What’s next for the Chicago School Board?

By Mailee Smith

11/06/2024

Voters have chosen the first 10 members of their elected Chicago Public Schools board. Amid a chaotic fall, here are answers to some common questions about what’s next for public education in Chicago.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

ShotSpotter support highest in Black, Hispanic Chicago wards mayor claims it hurts

By Patrick Andriesen

09/20/2024

Where is support strongest for the gunshot detection system Chicago’s mayor wants to dump? In the Black and Hispanic wards where it is most needed and has saved lives.

TAGS: ShotSpotter

Democratic delegates might have tough time finding Chicago’s migrant crisis

By Kurtis Karg, Dylan Sharkey

08/08/2024

Chicago’s migrant crisis has been national news and a $430-million headache. But those in the city for the Democratic National Convention will have a hard time seeing the problem because the city has moved shelters out of downtown and to the South Side.

TAGS: immigration

Chicago committee looks at free-market solution to affordable housing

By Josh Bandoch

07/15/2024

Josh Bandoch, head of policy for the Illinois Policy Institute, testimony about how accessory dwelling units can help fix Chicago’s affordable housing shortage. City regulations and mandates can derail this free-market solution, though.

Chicago City Council

A city charter could bring order to Chicago’s dysfunction. How can it get one?

Testimony: Chicago leaders agree to boost housing supply, affordability

Chicago mayor wants to borrow $830M, which could benefit his Chicago Teachers Union cronies

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

Chicago’s hidden housing solution: How additional dwelling unit expansion can make city more affordable

Enough? Chicago aldermen to vote on mayor’s property tax hike

Election’s over. What’s next for the Chicago School Board?

ShotSpotter support highest in Black, Hispanic Chicago wards mayor claims it hurts

Democratic delegates might have tough time finding Chicago’s migrant crisis

Chicago committee looks at free-market solution to affordable housing

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students