Government Efficiency and Transparency

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Gov. Rauner suggests bankruptcy for towns to fight pension woes

This article discusses a proposal by Governor Bruce Rauner to allow cities, towns and counties in Illinois to file for bankruptcy protection. The Civic…

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Annexing Areas of Unincorporated Cook County

Annexation is the extension of municipal boundaries into adjacent unincorporated areas and the corresponding expansion of city services to those newly incorporated areas. In Illinois, municipal governments have the authority to determine…

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The Geography of Cook County’s Unincorporated Areas

Cook County’s unincorporated areas account for 125.8 square miles, or 13.1% of the County’s total land area. (Of that land area, 60.26% is located within a forest preserve.) Residents of these areas rely on the County to provide municipal…

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Live free or die in unincorporated Cook County

This article discusses a report released by the Civic Federation that examines selected areas within Cook County that have never been incorporated by a…

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Civic Federation Report Examines Unincorporated Areas of Cook County

In-depth analysis also includes recommendations to facilitate incorporation A report released today by the Civic Federation examines selected areas within Cook County that have never been incorporated by a municipality. The full 208-page…

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Unincorporated Cook County: A Profile of Six Townships and Preliminary Recommendations to Facilitate Incorporation

To view a mobile friendly version of this report, click here.This report examines selected areas within Cook County that have never been…

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Unincorporated Cook County: Township Profiles

To view a mobile friendly version of this page, click here. As part of our full report on …

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Unincorporated Cook County Glossary

Below is a list of terms commonly used in the Civic Federation's Unincorporated Cook County report. Annexation Is the extension of municipal boundaries…

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Protecting Cook County's 'Emerald Necklace' for a second century and beyond

This editorial acknowledges the 100th anniversary of the Cook County Forest Preserves. It discusses the Forest Preserves’ history and current challenges, including the conflict of interest inherent in the Preserves being overseen by the…

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A Potential Mental Health Reform Model for Cook County: Saving Money and Improving Outcomes through Coordination in Bexar County

Local governments across the country are searching for ways to more humanely and cost-effectively treat individuals with mental illnesses who come into contact with the criminal justice system. According to a…