Government Efficiency and Transparency

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Cook County Announces New Alternative Service Delivery Initiatives

Last week, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced two alternative service delivery initiatives:…

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Changes to the Forest Preserve District’s Resident Watchmen Program

In return for watching over District land and serving as a deterrent to crime or misuse, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County rents housing on its property to employees at drastically discounted rates through its Resident Watchmen…

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One Fewer Illinois Government? Evanston Voters Favor Dissolving Township.

Evanston voters overwhelmingly approved a non-binding advisory referendum to dissolve Evanston Township in the March 20, 2012 election. Election results show that 66.9% of voters supported the measure while 33.0% opposed it. Legally…

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The Cook County Property Tax Administration Office

At its next meeting, the Committee on Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations of the Cook County Board of Commissioners will consider a…

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Chicago Park District FY2012 Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation supports the Chicago Park District FY2012 Budget of $407.5 million because it holds the property tax levy flat for the seventh year in a row and emphasizes cost containment and revenue diversification. The Federation…

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Civic Federation: Conditional Support for Tentative FY2012 MWRD Budget Proposal

(CHICAGO) The Civic Federation announced today that it offers conditional support for the proposed tentative FY2012 Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) budget of $1.0 billion. The full 41-page analysis is…

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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…

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Civic Federation Supports FY2012 Forest Preserve District Budget

(CHICAGO) The Civic Federation supports the $195.0 million proposed FY2012 Forest Preserve District of Cook County budget because it holds the property tax levy flat during a period of ongoing financial hardship for Cook County residents…

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Forest Preserve District of Cook County FY2012 Executive Budget Recommendation: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation supports the Forest Preserve District of Cook County FY2012 Executive Budget Recommendation totaling $195.0 million, which includes both operating and capital expenditures. We commend the District for holding its…

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Cook County and City of Chicago Election Functions Should Be Merged

In its Recommendations for a Financially Sustainable City of Chicago, the Civic Federation recommended that the City’s election function be transferred to Cook County.…