Share This Page
Named one of Chicago's best Web sites by Chicago Magazine.
The Civic Federation is a member of the Governmental Research Association.
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
04.26.10
State of Illinois FY2011 Recommended Operating and Capital Budgets: Analysis and Recommendations
The Civic Federation opposes Governor Pat Quinn’s $52 billion FY2011 recommended operating budget for the State of Illinois because it is unbalanced and does too little to address the State...
04.05.10
The Cook County Property Assessment Process: A Primer on Assessment, Classification, Equalization, and Property Tax Exemptions
This report describes how the taxable value of real estate is established in Cook County, Illinois. It explains the determination of assessed value and the calculation of taxable value, including...
03.30.10
Civic Federation Position Statement on Senate Bill 1946
The Civic Federation supports the Illinois General Assembly’s first steps toward comprehensive public pension reform in Illinois and urges state leaders to implement further reforms. On...
03.08.10
Status of Local Pension Funding Fiscal Year 2008: An Evaluation of Ten Local Government Employee Pension Funds in Cook County
This report analyzes basic financial data on ten major local government employee pension funds in Cook County. It is intended to provide lawmakers, pension trustees, pension fund members and...
In the News
07.29.10: Chicago Sun-Times
Empty Pockets: City has $2.7 Mil.
07.22.10: WTTW's "Chicago Tonight"
News Analysis: City Finances
07.14.10: Chicago Tribune
Illinois paying for fiscal woes
07.11.10: Daily Herald
Schools spending your tax dollars to cover the cost of personnel mistakes
07.08.10: Chicago Sun-Times
Sky-High Airport Salaries
Recent Blog Posts
Upcoming Events
08.20.10
Call for Nominations: The 19th Annual Motorola Foundation Excellence in Public Service Award
The Motorola Foundation and the Civic Federation are pleased to announce a call for nominations for the 19th Annual Motorola Foundation Excellence in Public Service Award. The Excellence in Public...