Chicago homeowners on the South and West Sides are bracing for huge property tax hikes, driven by surging assessments and government spending tied to pensions.
The Illinois Policy Institute’s Center for Poverty Solutions received national backing for a job co-op that will target Chicago’s most beleaguered neighborhoods. The effort will help communities liberate themselves from government dependence.
Disproportionate and low voter turnout presents challenges for municipal democracy nationwide. However, a straightforward reform acknowledged by scholars and policymakers – aligning the timing of municipal elections to coincide with general elections – offers a clear solution to enhance voter participation significantly. Research shows the timing of local elections influences voter turnout, which subsequently impacts...
Chicago drivers reported more car thefts in 2023 than in any year since the city started tracking them. Arrest rates hit their lowest level of the period.
Illinois’ tax code stands in the way of the state’s economic competitiveness. The combination of high tax burdens and a poor tax structure contributes to the loss of jobs and investment to other states. From a place of former economic dominance, Illinois now ranks 45th in gross state product (GSP) growth over the past decade...