Other Governments

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CTA Service Cuts Looming, But Are they Enough to Balance the Budget?

On February 7 the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will implement layoffs and service reductions intended to reduce its FY2010…

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Separate so they can be Equal: The Case for Creating a Separate Board of Commissioners for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County

On February 2, 2010 Illinois will hold its primary election. The position of Cook County Board President and all Cook County Commissioner seats are on the ballot. Many issues pertaining to Cook County government have been debated during…

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Under Pressure: Local Pension Round-Up

As the Civic Federation composes its forthcoming Status of Local Pensions Report, we have pensions on our minds. Here’s a quick round up of what’s happening with local pension funds in Chicago and across the State of Illinois, including…

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Civic Federation Blog Provides Rapid Response Analysis

The redesign of the Civic Federation website in July has provided the public, government officials, and the media better access to the Federation’s analyses of government services in Illinois. The regularly-updated Civic Federation blog…

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Civic Federation 2010 Legislative Priorities

The Civic Federation's legislative priorities for 2010 include public pension reform, requiring state government to develop and implement performance measurement and a capital improvement plan, the dissolving of the Illinois International…

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MWRD Proposes Pension Reform Task Force

As noted on page 9 of its FY2010 Tentative Budget, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will begin to…

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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…

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Fitch Ratings Supports Separate Governing Board for Cook County Forest Preserve District

In September Fitch Ratings announced an upgrade of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s outstanding unlimited tax general obligation bonds totaling $115 million…

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Responsible Spending Keeps Park Costs Low

The Chicago Park District recently proposed its FY2010 operating budget, totaling $391.9 million. The District is decreasing its operating expenditures by 0.3% from the FY2009 budget, which is one of the reasons the Federation offered its…

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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…