Issues: Local Government Pensions

The Civic Federation believes that public pension systems must be sustainably funded and well-managed. The Federation’s national reputation for expertise in pension funding and reform has been earned through years of in-depth research and analysis of employee retirement systems statewide. Read our analyses, recommendations for reform, and opinions about local public pension systems here.

Recent Research

  • 12.05.12

    Chicago Park District FY2013 Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

    The Civic Federation supports the $410.9 million FY2013 Chicago Park District budget for limiting spending increases and continuing the District’s effort to eliminate its structural deficit by FY2015. By utilizing prudent alternatives to raising taxes, the District is able to hold its property tax levy relatively flat for the eighth consecutive year.

  • 06.25.12

    Status of Local Pension Funding FY2010

    This report examines the sharp financial decline of Chicago-area public employee pension funds and emphasizes the urgency of pension reform efforts in Springfield. It is intended to provide policymakers, pension trustees, pension fund members and taxpayers with the resources to make informed decisions regarding public employee retirement benefits.

  • 12.07.11

    Metropolitan Water Reclamation District FY2012 Tentative Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

    The Civic Federation offers conditional support for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s (MWRD) FY2012 Tentative Budget of $1.0 billion. The Federation is concerned that the budget proposes the maximum increase to the property tax levy and does not comply with the District’s own fund balance policy. The proposed reforms to pension funding that have the support of the Retirement Fund Board and the Board of Commissioners are a strong step toward improving the financial health of the pension fund, which is only 56.5% funded. However, the passage of these reforms in Springfield will require strong advocacy by the Commissioners.