Chicago shorts pensions by over $440M a year despite $2.3B hike in spending

By Bryce Hill

12/23/2024

Chicago’s public pension contributions remain lower than what actuaries say is needed to pay benefits despite a nearly six-fold increase in spending since 2014. Pension problems are driving high property taxes ever higher.

Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions

By Bryce Hill

12/17/2024

Chicago’s government pension obligations have increased nearly sixfold since 2014, driving up Chicago’s sky-high property taxes. Another increase for 2025 was likely avoided, but city leaders need state lawmakers to make a permanent fix.

Chicago leaders can still fix runaway budget, tax hikes

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

12/13/2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson failed to rally the votes for a record $17.3 billion budget imposing $68.5 million in property tax hikes. City leaders have another chance to fix the budget. Here’s how they can do it.

Chicago drivers face lower speed limit, more cameras after $28M fine drop

By Patrick Andriesen

12/10/2024

Chicago speed cameras sent drivers $28 million less in tickets through September than during the first nine months of 2023. Annual revenues could spike again under proposals to drop the citywide speed limit or boost the number of cameras.

TAGS: Chicago

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s eventual pension payout could exceed $5M

By Bryce Hill

12/03/2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pensions are worth an estimated $3.8 million after only four years as a teacher and one term as mayor. It could go even higher, depending on his next job moves.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, pensions

‘Inclusionary zoning’ excludes Chicago’s poor from housing

By LyLena Estabine

11/28/2024

They call it “inclusionary zoning,” but in reality the government mandate for a portion of developments to be “affordable” limits supply and drives up costs. Chicago should pull back from this form of rent control.

TAGS: affordable housing, zoning

Suburban Chicago mayor calls for pension reform

By Dylan Sharkey

11/27/2024

Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said state lawmakers need to step in and help fix public pensions. Pension debt is the biggest driver of Illinois’ property taxes, which are the second-highest in the nation.

TAGS: pension reform

Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union’s school closing tall tale

By Paul Vallas

11/22/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union wails about schools closing, but it is the union’s actions that have been solely responsible for past school closings and for the conditions that will lead to more closures in the future.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Report: Chicago Teachers Union is new Chicago political machine

By Mailee Smith

09/25/2024

Years of exorbitant political spending in Illinois – more than $24.3 million since 2010 – has secured an enormous amount of political influence for the Chicago Teachers Union. It is now the main political player not just in Chicago, but across the state.

27% of Chicagoans approve of Mayor Brandon Johnson

By Patrick Andriesen

08/16/2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is about to host the Democratic National Convention. He’ll be a party cheerleader that nearly 2 in 3 Chicagoans would rather not follow.

Lori Lightfoot

Chicago shorts pensions by over $440M a year despite $2.3B hike in spending

Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions

Chicago leaders can still fix runaway budget, tax hikes

Chicago drivers face lower speed limit, more cameras after $28M fine drop

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s eventual pension payout could exceed $5M

‘Inclusionary zoning’ excludes Chicago’s poor from housing

Suburban Chicago mayor calls for pension reform

Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union’s school closing tall tale

Report: Chicago Teachers Union is new Chicago political machine

27% of Chicagoans approve of Mayor Brandon Johnson

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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