The Civic Federation

The Civic Federation is a non-partisan government research organization working to maximize the quality and cost-effectiveness of government services in the Chicago region and State of Illinois.

The Federation’s membership includes business and professional leaders from a wide range of Chicago-area companies and institutions.

The Civic Federation publishes reports and commentary about local government tax policies, government services, and public expenditures. The Federation’s new research institute, the Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability, examines a wide range of fiscal issues relating to the State of Illinois.

Recent Research

05.13.13

State of Illinois FY2014 Recommended Operating and Capital Budgets: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation supports Governor Pat Quinn’s $62.4 billion FY2014 recommended operating budget for balancing revenues and expenditures without borrowing and making progress toward...

02.28.13

Selected Consumer Taxes in the City of Chicago

This brief provides a compilation of selected consumer taxes, including rates and descriptions, in place in the City of Chicago as of January 1, 2013. It includes such taxes as the sales tax, gas tax...

02.25.13

State of Illinois FY2014 Budget Roadmap

Prior to the release of the Governor’s annual budget recommendation, the Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability at the Civic Federation releases an analysis of the State of...

01.28.13

Estimated Effective Property Tax Rates 2001-2010: Selected Municipalities in Northeastern Illinois

This report compares effective property tax rates in selected communities around metropolitan Chicago and finds that effective tax rates in 2010 for residential and commercial properties rose for...