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...

Our perspective: Chicago should use all federal COVID funds before hiking taxes for housing problems

By Hilary Gowins

02/13/2024

Before asking voters to approve a “mansion tax,” why not tap unspent federal pandemic aid dollars to reduce homelessness?

Chicago pension funds still among nation’s worst funded

08/16/2022

Over-promised benefits continue to sink Chicago’s finances as the recent bear market eats into 2021 stock market gains. Investments gaining 25% last year plus federal aid didn’t offer much help to city pension systems, which have more debt than 45 states.

TAGS: Chicago, pensions

Illinois joins 8 states asking to escape interest on unemployment loan

By Dylan Sharkey

12/18/2021

Illinois borrowed $4.2 billion from the federal government to replenish its unemployment trust fund, missed the deadline to repay it and now wants to avoid the interest that is due.

TAGS: COVID-19, Susana Mendoza, unemployment

3 problems with Lightfoot’s Chicago budget, starting with an unnecessary property tax hike

By Adam Schuster

10/01/2021

The mayor’s Chicago budget plan includes a $76.5 million property tax hike despite $3.5 billion in federal aid and funds permanent programs with temporary revenues but includes no push to fix pensions.

Illinois misses deadline to repay $4.2 billion federal unemployment insurance loan

By Adam Schuster, Patrick Andriesen, Perry Zhao

09/17/2021

Illinois missed the September deadline to repay a $4.2 billion federal unemployment loan. Employers warn inaction by state lawmakers could ‘cripple’ businesses and the COVID-19 economic recovery.

TAGS: COVID-19, federal government, Illinois, loan, unemployment

Federal COVID-19 relief going to Illinois debt rather than business relief

By Adam Schuster

05/27/2021

Pritzker borrowed during the pandemic rather than making responsible budget decisions. So Illinois’ federal relief must repay debt rather than helping businesses recover like other states.

TAGS: COVID-19, debt, JB Pritzker

Chicago’s plan to pay off COVID-19 debt with federal aid hits a snag

By Justin Carlson

05/21/2021

Chicago had planned to use half of its federal relief funds to pay down pandemic debts, but new federal guidance may prevent that. Regardless, without pension reform the city will continue drowning in debt.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, debt, pensions

Illinois’ struggling unemployment program to run out of money in May

By Adam Schuster

05/19/2020

As new claims overwhelm an unprepared and inefficient system, the state has been pre-approved for a $5 billion loan from the federal government to ensure benefits continue to be paid.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, unemployment

United States Department of the Treasury

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

Our perspective: Chicago should use all federal COVID funds before hiking taxes for housing problems

Chicago pension funds still among nation’s worst funded

Illinois joins 8 states asking to escape interest on unemployment loan

3 problems with Lightfoot’s Chicago budget, starting with an unnecessary property tax hike

Illinois misses deadline to repay $4.2 billion federal unemployment insurance loan

Federal COVID-19 relief going to Illinois debt rather than business relief

Chicago’s plan to pay off COVID-19 debt with federal aid hits a snag

Illinois’ struggling unemployment program to run out of money in May

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