Better Government Association
@bettergov.bsky.social
📤 171
📥 1
📝 58
Advocating for transparent, accountable and efficient government through public policy.
MEET THE FINALISTS:
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
Manny Ramos talks about his work, "Some Call It 'Death Hospital'," which is one of the large newsroom finalists of the 22nd Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting. Tickets:
https://bit.ly/4triTgPhttps://bit.ly/4triTgP
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1 day ago
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@blockclubchi.bsky.social's
Francia Garcia Hernandez and Madison Savedra are finalists for the 22nd Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting. Winners will be announced on May 7. Tickets: https://bit.ly/4triTgPhttps://bit.ly/4triTgP
#Chicago
#Illinois
#ICE
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1 day ago
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BEYOND THE BYLINE: Our featured speaker is award-winning journalist Errin Haines, editor-at-large for The 19th, president of
#NABJ
and contributor at MS NOW. Get your tickets here:
https://bit.ly/4triTgP
10 days ago
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What's going on with prediction market platforms like
#Polymarket
and
#Kalshi
in
#Illinois
? Read our reporting here:
https://bit.ly/4tmJc7w
Our reporter, Casey Toner, joins NPR Illinois 91.9 UIS at 11 a.m. CT to talk about his findings. Tune in here
https://bit.ly/489mWWC
10 days ago
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Congratulations to the finalists for the 2026 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting! Their work is shaping the future of accountability journalism in Chicago and Illinois.
https://bit.ly/4pVG4ND
13 days ago
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE: This week, Chicago City Council passed an ordinance to create a working group, as the first step towards improving health and safety inspections of rental units. BGA Policy played a key role, as a steering member of the Chicago Healthy Homes Ordinance coalition.
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City Council Approves Proactive Rental Inspection Working Group
Chicago’s city council today passed an ordinance establishing a working group to research, evaluate, and issue recommendations regarding health and safety inspections of rental units. The ordinance w...
https://www.bettergov.org/2026/03/18/city-council-approves-proactive-rental-inspection-working-group/
about 1 month ago
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Passed in committee today: a BGA-backed ordinance to establish a Healthy Homes Working Group focused on proactive building and safety inspections in Chicago. Next step: passage by city council on Wed. 3/18!
about 1 month ago
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NEW! A Close Look at City Council's 2026 Budget Changes by Sr. Policy Analyst Geoffrey Cubbage
https://www.bettergov.org/2026/03/04/small-steps-for-independent-budgeting-city-councils-plan-passed-over-mayors-objections-changes-revenues-but-keeps-roughly-the-same-spending-plan/
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Small Steps for Independent Budgeting: City Council’s Plan, Passed Over Mayor’s Objections, Changes Revenues but Keeps Roughly the Same Spending Plan
Chicago’s budget for the 2026 fiscal year, enacted just before its Dec. 31st deadline, made history when it passed without the mayor’s support or approval. Mayor Brandon Johnson lacked the […]
https://www.bettergov.org/2026/03/04/small-steps-for-independent-budgeting-city-councils-plan-passed-over-mayors-objections-changes-revenues-but-keeps-roughly-the-same-spending-plan/?utm_source=Better%20Government%20Association&utm_campaign=7dea5cd2d7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_12_12_2022_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_eded421217-7dea5cd2d7-
about 2 months ago
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📣 We’re thrilled to welcome award-winning journalist
@errinhaines.bsky.social
as our featured speaker at Beyond the Byline! A founding editor and editor-at-large at
@19thnews.org
, Errin brings powerful insight on race, gender and politics to the conversation. RSVP now:
https://bit.ly/4kP1tY0
2 months ago
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Get your tickets for Women Who Hold Power to Account: an inspiring evening honoring Women’s History Month and spotlighting remarkable women leading with accountability and integrity across Chicago’s civic landscape.
https://bit.ly/3MxCQ5g
2 months ago
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From Watergate prosecutor to
@ms.now
Legal Analyst, Jill brings sharp legal insight and principled analysis to today’s national conversations on democracy. We’re honored to feature her at Women Who Hold Power to Account. Secure your tickets today:
https://bit.ly/3MxCQ5g
2 months ago
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Our President & CEO David Greising will be on
@abc7chicago.bsky.social
this morning to discuss his recent column on the Bears stadium. Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here:
https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
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ABC7 Chicago Live Stream: Newscasts, Breaking News from WLS-TV
Watch live streaming video and newscasts from Chicago and stay updated with the latest local WLS broadcasts, plus live breaking news and weather as it happens.
https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
2 months ago
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Join us for Beyond the Byline and the presentation of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting — celebrating the watchdog journalism that strengthens communities and holds power to account. Secure your tickets here:
https://bit.ly/4pVG4ND
2 months ago
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Deborah Witzburg, Inspector General for Chicago, joins Women Who Hold Power to Account. Appointed in 2022, she leads oversight of city government and previously headed OIG’s public safety and police reform work. Hear from one of Chicago’s top accountability leaders:
https://bit.ly/3MxCQ5g
2 months ago
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We're excited to have Sophia Van Pelt (She/her) moderating Women Who Hold Power to Account. A BGA Policy analyst, she focuses on government oversight, FOIA protections and criminal justice accountability with deep policy expertise to guide the discussion.
https://bit.ly/3YVXv5U
2 months ago
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Vice President of Policy Bryan Zarou will be on
@abc7chicago.bsky.social
this morning to discuss Chicago's Board of Ethics Chair vacancy. Tune in live at 8:45 a.m. here:
https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
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ABC7 Chicago Live Stream: Newscasts, Breaking News from WLS-TV
Watch live streaming video and newscasts from Chicago and stay updated with the latest local WLS broadcasts, plus live breaking news and weather as it happens.
https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
3 months ago
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Meet Ruby Bailey, the Editor in Chief of the Illinois Answers project. She brings 30 years of award winning reporting to our Women Who Hold Power to Account panel. Hear her insights on accountability in journalism. Learn more and register here:
https://bit.ly/3YVXv5U
3 months ago
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Jane Ruby is president of the League of Women Voters of Chicago. Jane’s work has focused on protecting and expanding voting rights, civic education and women’s empowerment issues. Don’t miss her speak on holding power to account at this Women’s History Month panel in Chicago:
https://bit.ly/3YVXv5U
3 months ago
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Meet Ruby Bailey, the Editor in Chief of the Illinois Answers project. She brings 30 years of award winning reporting to our Women Who Hold Power to Account panel. Hear her insights on accountability in journalism. Learn more and register here:
https://bit.ly/3YVXv5U
3 months ago
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Submissions are now open for the 22nd Anniversary Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting. News organizations across Chicago and Illinois are encouraged to apply. The deadline to submit your entry is Monday, February 23rd at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
https://bit.ly/4k2DAvC
3 months ago
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Save the date! Join us for Beyond the Byline: Featuring the 22nd Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting on Thursday, May 7, from 3:30–8:30 p.m. at Venue SIX10 in downtown Chicago. Learn more and register here:
https://bit.ly/4pVG4ND
3 months ago
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Save the date! Join us March 10 for Women Who Hold Power to Account, an evening conversation honoring Women’s History Month and spotlighting women who exemplify accountability and integrity across Chicago’s civic landscape. Learn more and register here:
https://bit.ly/3YVXv5U
3 months ago
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Policy Analyst
@sophiavp.bsky.social
was quoted in this article discussing the increase of body cam requests in Naperville. “The more barriers that go up, the more roadblocks there are in the requesting process, the harder it is for the public to get the records."
https://bit.ly/4pB0gEp
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Naperville police trying to deal with big increase in body cam footage requests
Naperville police want legislation to curb the growing number of Freedom of Information Act requests for body camera footage.
https://bit.ly/4pB0gEp
3 months ago
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Vice President of Policy Bryan Zarou was on ABC7 Chicago's "Weekend Watch" to discuss leadership from both the Illinois House and Senate committing to transparent archives. Watch the segment here:
https://abc7.ws/4px4CfL
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Better Government Association pushes for increased Illinois legislative transparency
The Better Government Association is calling for more transparency in Illinois government, and two powerful lawmakers are answering the call.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/better-government-association-pushes-increased-illinois-legislative-transparency/18373349/
3 months ago
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Vice President of Policy Bryan Zarou will be on
@abc7chicago.bsky.social
this morning to discuss Speaker Welch and President Harmon committing to transparent online archives for Illinois. Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here:
https://abc7.ws/3wRZlr1
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ABC7 Chicago Live Stream: Newscasts, Breaking News from WLS-TV
Watch live streaming video and newscasts from Chicago and stay updated with the latest local WLS broadcasts, plus live breaking news and weather as it happens.
https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
4 months ago
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Speaker of the Illinois House Chris Welch and
@harmonil.bsky.social
committed to modernizing the General Assembly’s website and creating free, searchable archives of floor & committee proceedings. Read their letters to BGA Policy here:
https://bit.ly/44XfFrc
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Speaker Welch; President Harmon commit to transparent online archives
Illinoisans should not need insider access or paid subscriptions to see their government at work. Across most of the country, residents can easily watch, search, and review legislative proceedings onl...
https://bit.ly/44XfFrc
4 months ago
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Under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, there is a presumption that government records are open to the public. Body cam footage, however, is different. Want to get the footage? This guide from BGA Policy explains how.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
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How to FOIA for Body Camera Footage
Under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, there is a presumption that government records are open to the public. Body cam footage is an anomaly. Its availability is dictated by the […]
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
4 months ago
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As we start our new year, catch up on BGA Policy's City of Chicago Policy Agenda for 2023-2027.
https://www.bettergov.org/bga-policy-agenda-city-of-chicago-2023/
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BGA Policy Agenda: City of Chicago 2023-2027
Learn about the BGA Policy's agenda for the City of Chicago in 2023. Our recommendations aim to improve governance transparency.
https://www.bettergov.org/bga-policy-agenda-city-of-chicago-2023/
4 months ago
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BGA Policy conducted an analysis to help those who rely on FOIA understand how the legislature has considered changing access to public documents. Check it out here:
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
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2025 FOIA Legislation Analysis
The foundational principle of Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act is that the public is entitled to “full and complete information regarding the affairs of government.” Many stakeholders — journalist...
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
4 months ago
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Just a few months after the last remaining law enforcement agencies were required to equip officers with body cameras, several legislative efforts in 2025 tried to limit access to body cam footage.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/17/six-bills-sought-to-reduce-public-access-to-body-cam-footage/
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Six bills sought to reduce public access to body cam footage
Just a few months after the last remaining law enforcement agencies were required to equip officers with body cameras, several legislative efforts in 2025 tried to limit access to body […]
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/17/six-bills-sought-to-reduce-public-access-to-body-cam-footage/
4 months ago
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Just a few months after the last remaining law enforcement agencies were required to equip officers with body cameras, several legislative efforts in 2025 tried to limit access to body cam footage, according to an analysis by BGA Policy.
https://bit.ly/4jo33Q5
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Six bills sought to reduce public access to body cam footage
Just a few months after the last remaining law enforcement agencies were required to equip officers with body cameras, several legislative efforts in 2025 tried to limit access to body […]
https://bit.ly/4jo33Q5
4 months ago
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Bryan Zarou, the Better Government Association’s vice president of policy, has been appointed to serve on the City of Chicago’s Inspector General Search Committee. Read more here:
https://bit.ly/4pgp9Fv
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Bryan Zarou Appointed to Chicago Inspector General Search Committee
Bryan Zarou, the Better Government Association’s vice president of policy, has been appointed to serve on the City of Chicago’s Inspector General Search Committee. The Inspector General is one of […]
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/15/bryan-zarou-appointed-to-chicago-inspector-general-search-committee/
4 months ago
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Illinois lawmakers considered 80 FOIA-related bills in 2025, many of which would narrow public access. BGA Policy breaks down what passed and what it means:
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
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2025 FOIA Legislation Analysis
The foundational principle of Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act is that the public is entitled to “full and complete information regarding the affairs of government.” Many stakeholders — journalist...
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
5 months ago
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BGA Policy conducted an analysis to help those who rely on FOIA understand how the legislature has considered changing access to public documents. You can view it here:
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
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2025 FOIA Legislation Analysis
The foundational principle of Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act is that the public is entitled to “full and complete information regarding the affairs of government.” Many stakeholders — journalist...
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
5 months ago
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Our VP of Policy Bryan Zarou will be on
@abc7chicago.bsky.social
this morning to discuss redistricting. Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here:
https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
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ABC7 Chicago Live Stream: Newscasts, Breaking News from WLS-TV
Watch live streaming video and newscasts from Chicago and stay updated with the latest local WLS broadcasts, plus live breaking news and weather as it happens.
https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
5 months ago
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Curious about how to access police body-cam video through public records? This new guide explains when recordings are eligible, how long they're kept and how to write a proper FOIA request.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
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How to FOIA for Body Camera Footage
Under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, there is a presumption that government records are open to the public. Body cam footage is an anomaly. Its availability is dictated by the […]
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
5 months ago
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In the state of Illinois, obtaining body cam footage is different than a regular FOIA. Want to get footage? This guide from BGA Policy explains how.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
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How to FOIA for Body Camera Footage
Under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, there is a presumption that government records are open to the public. Body cam footage is an anomaly. Its availability is dictated by the […]
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
5 months ago
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Our President & CEO David Greising will be on
@abc7.bsky.social
this morning to discuss his latest opinion column covering Chicago budget negotiations. Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here:
https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
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ABC7 Chicago Live Stream: Newscasts, Breaking News from WLS-TV
Watch live streaming video and newscasts from Chicago and stay updated with the latest local WLS broadcasts, plus live breaking news and weather as it happens.
https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
5 months ago
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3 days until we connect systems, power and people. Don’t miss Power of Journalism Dec 2 at The Experimental Station! RSVP here:
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=453d13e6-2155-45b2-b7c9-2222cb47ad43&envId=p-fEp6e6mKFk2iQ5k7ZFAgFg&zone=usa
5 months ago
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From our newsroom: Budgets tell a story — Alex Nitkin follows the money to uncover who benefits and who’s left behind. Join him at
#PowerOfJournalism
→ 🎟 RSVP:
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=453d13e6-2155-45b2-b7c9-2222cb47ad43&envId=p-fEp6e6mKFk2iQ5k7ZFAgFg&zone=usa
5 months ago
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Moderator
@gracehauck.bsky.social
will guide Illinois Answers' conversation on how investigative journalism builds more accountable systems. Join her on Dec. 2! Learn more here:
https://www.bettergov.org/event/16768/
5 months ago
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Be a part of this crucial dialogue with change makers redefining local journalism and its impact on Chicago’s future. Light bites and drinks will be served.
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=453d13e6-2155-45b2-b7c9-2222cb47ad43&envId=p-fEp6e6mKFk2iQ5k7ZFAgFg&zone=usa
5 months ago
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The City of Chicago budget hearings are almost over! You can catch up on all of our budget snapshots, full analyses including charts and tables, here:
www.bettergov.org/tag/budget-h...
5 months ago
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From our VP of Policy Bryan Zarou: Has the clerk of Cook County Circuit Court improved transparency as she promised?
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/o...
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Bryan Zarou: Has the clerk of Cook County Circuit Court improved transparency as she promised?
Mariyana Spyropoulos took office in December and began to do what she promised to do: improving trust and transparency.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/opinion-cook-county-circuit-court-clerk-transparency/
6 months ago
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BGA Policy is in City Council chambers as the start of the first budget departmental hearings are underway. Keep track of all our budget snapshots here:
www.bettergov.org/tag/budget-h...
6 months ago
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It’s budget season in Chicago, and that means it’s time for BGA Policy’s popular Budget Snapshots: your go-to, day-by-day guide to each department’s proposed budget. Learn more and sign up here:
www.bettergov.org/city-of-chic...
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City of Chicago 2026 Budget Snapshots
Get the details of each department's proposed budget with BGA Budget Snapshot: day-by-day analyses of departmental budgets, released ahead of each department's City Council hearing, with a focus on ma...
https://www.bettergov.org/city-of-chicago-2026-budget-snapshots/
6 months ago
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NEW: Chicago Police Only City Department to Overspend Local Funds Three Years Running
www.bettergov.org/2025/10/15/c...
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Budget vs. Actual Spend: Chicago Police Only City Department to Overspend Local Funds Three Years Running
Explore the Chicago police budget and learn how the department consistently overspends its budget from 2022 to 2024.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/10/15/cpd-budget-actual-spend-2022-2024/
6 months ago
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reposted by
Better Government Association
Geoffrey Cubbage
7 months ago
đź§µ A deep dive into guaranteed funding floors for three Chicago oversight agencies -- Office of Inspector General, Civilian Office of Police Accountability, and Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability -- found actual departmental budgets well short of the minimums.
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Analysis: Departmental Budgets Fall Short of Mandatory Minimums for City Oversight Agencies
Non-departmental calculated costs and accounting adjustments make up difference, BGA Policy analysis finds
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/10/06/analysis-departmental-budgets-fall-short-of-mandatory-minimums-for-city-oversight-agencies/
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New from BGA Policy: Departmental Budgets Fall Short of Mandatory Minimums for City Oversight Agencies
www.bettergov.org/2025/10/06/a...
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Analysis: Departmental Budgets Fall Short of Mandatory Minimums for City Oversight Agencies
Non-departmental calculated costs and accounting adjustments make up difference, BGA Policy analysis finds
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/10/06/analysis-departmental-budgets-fall-short-of-mandatory-minimums-for-city-oversight-agencies/
7 months ago
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New: BGA Calls on Illinois Attorney General to Investigate Apparent Violations of the TRUST Act Read the full statement here:
www.bettergov.org/2025/10/01/b...
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BGA Calls on Illinois Attorney General to Investigate Apparent Violations of the TRUST Act
As a nonpartisan organization dedicated to accountability, transparency and equity within government, the BGA is concerned about recent reporting indicating the Illinois TRUST Act likely is being viol...
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/10/01/bga-calls-on-illinois-attorney-general-to-investigate-apparent-violations-of-the-trust-act/
7 months ago
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