Issues: Local Government Budgets

Government budgets should be balanced, sustainable, and fiscally responsible. Because the public shoulders the burden of financing government, The Civic Federation believes that governments have a duty to their citizens to responsibly cut costs and reform programs before seeking increases in revenue or borrowing to pay for current expenses. Read our annual analyses of local government budget proposals and recommendations for improvement, as well as position statements and opinion about budgets, deficits, and spending here.

Recent Research

  • 12.09.09

    Metropolitan Water Reclamation District FY2010 Tentative Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

    The Civic Federation supports the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s FY2010 Tentative Budget of nearly $1.7 billion as a prudent response to revenue shortfalls. The MWRD plans to prioritize spending, control personnel costs, and implement a modest increase to its property tax levy to balance its budget. The Federation cautions the District, however, that substantial changes may be necessary to stem growing pension liabilities.

  • 12.02.09

    Chicago Park District FY2010 Operating Budget Recommendations: Analysis and Recommendations

    The Civic Federation offers qualified support for the FY2010 Chicago Park District’s proposed operating budget of $391.9 million. The District is proposing a responsible budget that reduces expenditures and holds the property tax levy flat by using operating efficiencies, personnel cuts and a modest increase in certain fees to balance the budget.

    This support is qualified because the District’s budget proposes closing $7.7 million of its budget gap with proceeds from the parking garage lease that were initially set aside for capital projects.

  • 11.30.09

    Forest Preserve District of Cook County FY2010 Proposed Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

    The Civic Federation supports the FY2010 Forest Preserve District of Cook County budget of $198.2 million because the District will reduce its property tax levy by $1.1 million and use a portion of its budget reserve funds, rather than increase taxes, to balance its budget. However, the Civic Federation warns that the Forest Preserve District faces fiscal pressures due to rising personnel costs and should transfer law enforcement duties to the Cook County Sheriff and swimming pools to local park districts to maximize operating efficiency.