For entrepreneurs, the grass is greener … almost anywhere but Illinois

By Hilary Gowins

11/29/2012

How do American entrepreneurs decide where to set up shop? Business creators look at indicators like corporate tax rates and the health of a state’s finances when determining the best location in which to take root. According to a survey published recently by Thumbtack.com and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Illinois isn’t quite cutting the mustard. On...

Chicago bike-sharing program takes taxpayers for a ride

By Brian Costin

11/26/2012

I have fond memories of riding my mountain bike in the hills of Busse Woods as a child. My godfather, Sean Costin, is an experimental bike designer and has set world records in racing recumbent bicycles. I even continue to watch the Tour de France in the post-Lance Armstrong era. I love bikes. But my love for bikes...

The backdoor CPS bailout

11/16/2012

Chicago Public Schools cannot erase its $1 billion budget deficit alone – it’s going to need some help. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the school board know the situation is dire. This is why they have proposed closing 120 schools next year, a move that could save $500,000 to $800,000 per school closed. But, to...

O’Hare renovations: 30 times more expensive than Illinois’ high-speed rail plans

By Brian Costin

10/29/2012

With a track length of nearly 3.1 miles, taxpayers are looking at footing a cost of almost $110 million per mile.

Red light camera revenues seduce public officials

10/24/2012

Since the city of Chicago began Illinois

Open letter to Mayor Rahm Emanuel

09/25/2012

After nearly a year of collective bargaining and a seven day strike, you have reached a tentative agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union.

A crisis wasted: Rahm ignores his own advice

09/21/2012

Rahm Emanuel famously argued that

A meditation on the Chicago Way

By Paul Kersey

09/20/2012

A few parting observations, lessons to be learned, and things to watch in the future: Any positives in the contract? Yes, but… It is hard to find positives in the contract, but for what it’s worth: Chicago had one of the shortest school days and years in the US. The school day is a bit longer and...

Study Guide: Chicago Teachers Union strike

By Chris Andriesen

09/18/2012

Institute Experts on the Chicago Teachers Union Strike A meditation on the Chicago Way The CTU strike has ended and a lot of people are asking: “what happened?” Five things you need to know about Chicago Public Schools Five critical facts to keep in mind during the CTU strike. Cheat Sheet: Chicago Public Schools A...

Reuters: Tough tactics leave Emanuel bruised in fight with Chicago teachers

09/18/2012

There is room to debate who won the battle between Chicago and its striking teachers union but there is little disagreement the strike and the deal approved by union members on Tuesday mark a personal loss for Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Rahm Emanuel

For entrepreneurs, the grass is greener … almost anywhere but Illinois

Chicago bike-sharing program takes taxpayers for a ride

The backdoor CPS bailout

O’Hare renovations: 30 times more expensive than Illinois’ high-speed rail plans

Red light camera revenues seduce public officials

Open letter to Mayor Rahm Emanuel

A crisis wasted: Rahm ignores his own advice

A meditation on the Chicago Way

Study Guide: Chicago Teachers Union strike

Reuters: Tough tactics leave Emanuel bruised in fight with Chicago teachers

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