Issues: Civic Federation Initiatives

From leading the charge to reform public employee pensions in Illinois to calling for the dissolution of unnecessary government agencies, The Civic Federation has had a major hand in reforming government across Illinois. Over the years, The Civic Federation has also partnered with other organizations to launch reform initiatives. Read about these campaigns, along with additional commentary, here.

Recent Research

  • 08.26.09

    Narrative Summary of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Review

    The Civic Federation and L.E.K. Consulting's review of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid has determined that the operating budget provides adequate protection for taxpayers, but the development of the Olympic Village exposes the City of Chicago to continuing real estate risks that must be managed.

    Click here to read the full 90-page Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Review.

  • 06.30.08

    A Call for the Dissolution and Restructuring of the Illinois International Port District

    This report calls for the dissolution of the Illinois International Port District and the transfer of its operations to the City of Chicago. It finds that the District has shifted its primary focus from port operations to the management of a golf course. Even though the golf course brings in over half the District's annual revenue, the Civic Federation found no evidence that those revenues have been reinvested to improve port facilities or promote commerce.

  • 03.17.08

    Forest Preserve District of Cook County: A Call for a Separate Board of Commissioners

    This joint report by the Civic Federation and Friends of the Forest Preserves calls for the creation of an independent board of commissioners for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The report finds that the current arrangement by which the Cook County Board of Commissioners also serves as the governing board for the Forest Preserve District has resulted in conflicts of interest and neglect of the preserves.