Joe Ferguson: Chicago's broken budget process is rigged for rubber-stamping
Published originally in Crain's Chicago Business on Thursday, February 19, 2026.The maxim that “laws are like sausages, no one…
Published originally in Crain's Chicago Business on Thursday, February 19, 2026.The maxim that “laws are like sausages, no one…
by Daniel Vesecky Click here to download an executive summary of the report…
A statement from the Civic Federation in response to the City of Chicago FY2026 Final Budget.This morning’s announcement from Mayor Johnson that he would not veto the budget passed by City Council over the weekend brought a conclusion to…
by Daniel Vesecky In October of 2025, Mayor Brandon Johnson released his proposed 2026 budget, which aims to close a…
by Grant McClintock Since opening in September 2023, Chicago’s temporary casino has consistently underperformed revenue expectations. Presented as a potential windfall to support Chicago’s underfunded police and fire pensions, every…
by Daniel Vesecky Note: This summary was prepared in advance of the November 10, 2025, hearing to serve as an easy reference for City Council members, media, advocates, and Chicago residents.With the City of Chicago (Chicago or the ‘…
Statement on the November 5, 2025 revised outlook from S&P Global RatingsRead S&P's revised outlook here.
by Grant McClintock Most of the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD, or the ‘Department’) spending (96.5%) is budgeted through the City’s Corporate Fund, or general operating fund. This analysis provides a snapshot of CPD spending within…
by Daniel VeseckyIn 2019, the City of Chicago (Chicago or the ‘City’) had a budget of $8.9 billion, excluding grants from the State of Illinois (Illinois or the ‘State’) and the Federal government. By 2025, expenditures had grown to $12.4…