Chicago’s FY2026 budget was adopted in December, wrapping up an unprecedented and complex budget season. The Civic Federation’s analysis examines how balance was achieved and what fiscal challenges remain.
Read the report: civicfed.org/chicagos-fy2...
If you said "yes" to both, nominate them today for the 34th Motorola Solutions Foundation Excellence in Public Service Award!
Do you know an influential and passionate person currently working in Illinois or local government who has had an extraordinary impact on our communities and delivery of government services? Are they a non-elected government official?
ICYMI: Last week, we published a series of reports on CPS’s projected deficit. Outgoing CPS CEO Pedro Martinez sat down with @wttw.bsky.social's Chicago Tonight and shared his reaction to our analysis.
Watch here: www.pbs.org/video/outgoi...
📰 NEW from @chicago.suntimes.com:
With CPS facing a $529M shortfall and a newly elected board, it’s time to explore all options — including state oversight via a modern School Finance Authority.
History shows it worked once. It may be needed again.
🔗http://bit.ly/3SZIz3B
As CPS enters a pivotal budget season facing a growing deficit and a costly new CTU contract, the Civic Federation has released 3 reports examining:
🏫 CPS’ fiscal landscape
📚 The history of the School Finance Authority
💰 CPS pensions
Read more: civicfed.org/press/ahead-...
Following the passage of Illinois’ $55.2B FY2026 budget, Civic Federation President @joefergchicago.bsky.social spoke with @capitolnewsil.bsky.social about what’s missing — from pension reform to transit funding.
Read his analysis and recommendations: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinoi...
The Cook County State's Attorney's transition report outlines key reforms in public safety and justice.
President Joe Ferguson served on the Public Corruption Subcommittee, sharing recommendations to tackle some of the County's biggest issues.
Read more:
Join us on June 26 to celebrate these Chicago civic luminaries! Register at fundraise.givesmart.com/e/FdYPlg?vid...
"Mark [Hoplamazian]'s friendship means the world to me because sometimes he will stop and ask, 'how's things going' and 'something I can help you with?' He has an open mind and he listens." - Antonio Williams, Door Attendant at Park Hyatt Chicago
"While [Jim Reynolds] doesn't live in Englewood anymore, Englewood and the experiences live in him, and he hasn't gone very far in the sense, it is his North star. To those who are given much, much is expected. I think Jim lives by that and lives by that principle." - Hon. Rahm Emanuel
Here's what some of our 2025 honorees' close friends and colleagues are saying about Jim Reynolds of Loop Capital and Mark Hoplamazian of Hyatt:
The 2025 Annual Civic Awards is just around the corner on June 26! We are incredibly grateful to have an impressive slate of event co-chairs to help lead and support the event, including: Derek R. B. Douglas, Suzet McKinney, DrPH, MPH, Dorri McWhorter, Jennifer Steans, and Jill Wolowitz.
In this month's member spotlight, we hear from Board Member Sarfraz Taj of Constellation about the power industry and his thoughts on the Chicago Quantum Computing Campus. civicfed.org/blogs/may-20...
Illinois has nearly 9,000 local governments—more than any other state. Our new report shows how this fragmentation affects Green Bay Road, with real impacts for drivers, businesses & planners.
🚗 Read the case study: bit.ly/3F3DvrI
Do not miss out on this opportunity to honor them and show your commitment to Chicago's next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
Become a sponsor today at: fundraise.givesmart.com/e/FdYPlg?vid...
Our dedicated Co-Chairs will help amplify this year's event theme, Investing in Tomorrow, and a dynamic recognition of Jim Reynolds, Mark Hoplamazian, and Hyatt on June 26.
📢 Announcing the 2025 Annual Civic Awards Event Co-Chairs: Derek Douglas, Suzet McKinney, @chiccpa.bsky.social, Jennifer Steans, and Jill Wolowitz!
Read our analysis of building underutilization at @chipubschools.bsky.social here: www.civicfed.org/blog/chicago...
After CPS closed 50 public schools in 2013, 21 schools remain unsold on the South and West sides.
Last week, Civic Fed President Joe Ferguson talked with NBC Chicago about the consequences of these schools’ closures over a decade later.
Watch a clip of the interview below.
To make up for the loss, the State would likely have reduce services for the most vulnerable Medicaid beneficiaries—the disabled, seniors, children, and pregnant women.
This is part of our ongoing series on the proposed Medicaid changes. Learn more about the impact of cuts here: t.ly/BrO2q
Congress has discussed proposals to limit how much the federal government pays for each person’s Medicaid coverage.
This proposal would cause Illinois to lose between $2.7-4.3 billion annually in Medicaid funding from 2026 through 2034.
Read the op-ed here: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/09/o...
Read the Civic Federation’s 2024 report on transit reform here: www.civicfed.org/TransitGover...
The op-ed outlines a potential path forward that includes consolidating Chicago’s three transit boards into a unified governance structure and instituting an independent inspector general to oversee it – measures aimed at improving oversight, efficiency, and rider-focused decision-making.
In today’s @chicagotribune.com op-ed, Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson urges Illinois lawmakers to reform Chicago regional transit governance before the spring session ends.
“We urge them not to waste this moment with incremental improvements that tinker at the margins.”
“Politicians have long urged never to let a crisis go to waste. That is especially true for a crisis that offers a chance to do something about waste itself. The fiscal cliff facing Chicago’s three transit service boards—the CTA, Metra, and Pace—provides such an opportunity.”
If this happens, the State could repeal this law and choose to keep the program—but only if they can find the annual $3.2 billion to cover the cost.
This is part of our ongoing series on the proposed Medicaid changes. Learn more about the impact of cuts here: t.ly/BrO2q
If Congress reduces the federal contributions for ACA coverage, a state “Trigger Law” would mandate the end of the ACA expansion program. Over 772,000 Illinois adults could lose Affordable Care Act coverage.
Congress is weighing several proposals to reduce federal Medicaid contributions for traditional Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act Expansion. In Illinois, the federal government covers 51% of the costs for traditional Medicaid recipients and 90% of ACA Expansion costs.
