Taxes and Fees

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Chicago Park District FY2017 Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation supports the Chicago Park District’s proposed FY2017 operating budget of $449.4 million because it continues to reduce the District’s reliance on fund balance to close its budget deficits and keeps the property tax…

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Red Line transit TIF sets off debate on transportation funding

This article examines a new transit tax increment financing (TIF) district that will help fund the Chicago Transit Authority red line modernization. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, acknowledges that this is a creative…

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Emanuel extends the deadline to apply for property tax rebate

This article discusses the City of Chicago’s decision to extend its property tax rebate application deadline after only a small percentage of eligible City homeowners applied. Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, remarks that…

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Civic Federation Supports Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's FY2017 Tentative Budget

(CHICAGO) In an analysis released today, the Civic Federation announced its support for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s FY2017 Tentative budget of $1.13 billion because the District continues to demonstrate a sensible…

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District FY2017 Tentative Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation supports the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s FY2017 Tentative budget of $1.13 billion because the District continues to demonstrate a sensible and proactive approach to meeting its financial challenges. As…

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Tax hikes have eased—but not cured—city's budget woes, watchdog says

This article covers the Civic Federation’s recent analysis of the City of Chicago’s FY2017 proposed budget. The Federation supports the City’s FY2017 budget because it…

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City of Chicago Proposes Tax on Disposable Bags

On October 11, 2016, Mayor Rahm Emanuel presented his recommended FY2017 budget to the Chicago City…

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State of Illinois Diversions of Transportation Funds

How much of the State of Illinois’ transportation funding has been diverted for other uses? The issue has attracted new attention because of a

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Civic Federation questions Emanuel’s utility tax plan

This article discusses the Civic Federation’s call for a full actuarial analysis of the City of Chicago’s plan to save the City’s Municipal Employees Pension Fund and questions whether it may be enough. Civic Federation President Laurence…

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Cook County Board spending way more on staffs than collar county boards

This article discusses the cost to Cook County taxpayers of separate staffs for each of the 17 Cook County Commissioners. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall remarks that the situation lends itself to further examination and notes…