Report: TIFs fall short of economic development promises

09/19/2018

A new report analyzes the effects of “tax increment financing” on communities across the nation – and calls into question the merits of the widely used development tool.

TAGS: Chicago, John F. Curran, property taxes, Rahm Emanuel, taxes, TIF: Tax Increment Financing, William Davis

Ford Heights ex-mayor charged with stealing $150K from village

By Austin Berg

08/23/2018

One of the state’s poorest communities is already facing enormous financial pressures.

TAGS: Charles Griffin, corruption, Ford Heights

Illinois universities’ problems are largely self-inflicted

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

09/15/2017

Illinois universities are blaming the recent budget impasse for their declining enrollment and financial problems. But the problems in higher education started long before the budget fight, and are largely self-inflicted.

TAGS: budget, higher education, Illinois Board of Higher Education, pensions, SURS: State Universities Retirement System

80% of Cook County municipalities have opted out of minimum wage, sick leave ordinances

By Amy Korte, Marianna Schmiesing

07/31/2017

The number of Cook County municipalities that have opted out of both ordinances has climbed to 107.

TAGS: Cook County, jobs, minimum wage

The battle over Airbnb in Lake Bluff, Illinois

By John Kristof

07/25/2017

Lake Bluff homeowners home sharing with Airbnb were forced to cease and desist by the village zoning board.

TAGS: Airbnb, collaborative economy, homesharing, regulations, sharing economy

More than 50 municipalities have opted out of Cook County’s minimum wage hike, sick days mandate

By Amy Korte

06/26/2017

Municipal leaders have expressed concerns about the anti-competitive, job-killing effects of Cook County’s minimum wage increases and new sick leave law and are using home rule authority to exempt their communities from the requirements.

TAGS: Cook County, jobs, minimum wage, unemployment

How Joe Ocol makes kings and queens in Englewood

By Austin Berg

05/08/2017

Joe Ocol is taking his South Side chess team to one of the nation’s premier tournaments. But he needs help paying their way.

TAGS: budget, education, Joe Ocol

What Illinois college students should know before meeting with Rauner, lawmakers

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

02/13/2017

What’s making college unaffordable for Illinois students isn’t budget gridlock, it’s soaring administrative costs in higher education.

TAGS: higher education

Budget Solutions 2018: Balancing the state budget without tax hikes

By Ted Dabrowski, Craig Lesner, John Klingner, Michael Lucci

01/31/2017

A set of structural reforms that protect taxpayers and put Illinois on the path to prosperity.

Madigan’s army: Power through patronage

By Austin Berg

09/29/2016

Illinoisans have the lowest trust in state government of any state in the nation.

TAGS: corruption, good government, Mike Madigan, patronage

University of Illinois Chicago

Report: TIFs fall short of economic development promises

Ford Heights ex-mayor charged with stealing $150K from village

Illinois universities’ problems are largely self-inflicted

80% of Cook County municipalities have opted out of minimum wage, sick leave ordinances

The battle over Airbnb in Lake Bluff, Illinois

More than 50 municipalities have opted out of Cook County’s minimum wage hike, sick days mandate

How Joe Ocol makes kings and queens in Englewood

What Illinois college students should know before meeting with Rauner, lawmakers

Budget Solutions 2018: Balancing the state budget without tax hikes

Madigan’s army: Power through patronage

Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs

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