https://www.bettergov.org/2022/12/05/how-to-file-a-foia-request-in-illinois/
Jul 8, 2025 - This explainer gives instructions on how to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request in Chicago and Illinois.
foia requestfileillinoisbettergovernment
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/10/17/2026-preliminary-budget-overview/
Oct 21, 2025 - Mayor Brandon Johnson released his proposed 2026 budget for the City of Chicago on Thursday, Oct. 16. As in previous years, BGA Policy will release a series of...
better government associationpreliminarybudgetoverview
https://www.bettergov.org/2015/07/22/a-guide-to-the-open-meetings-act-oma-in-illinois/
Nov 10, 2022 - A state law that requires meetings of public bodies to be open to the public except in certain, specific situations.
open meetingsguideactomaillinois
https://www.bettergov.org/2022/11/07/budget-analysis-city-of-chicago-legal-judgment-and-settlement-spending/
Nov 9, 2022 - Despite improvements in budgeting for lawsuit costs under the Lightfoot administration, police settlements continue to exceed budgets, while other departments...
analysiscostchicagolegaljudgments
https://www.bettergov.org/opengov/
Nov 10, 2022 - Your Transparency Watchdog BGA OpenGov is the Illinois affiliate of the National Freedom of Information Coalition Transparency is a foundational principle of...
better government associationtransparencywatchdog
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/11/11/department-of-human-resources-bga-policy-2026-budget-snapshot/
Nov 11, 2025 - Departmental Highlights Snapshot: Appropriation & Staffing Changes from 2025 Budget 2025 Budgeted 2026 Proposed Net Change Percent Change Average Annual...
human resourcesbga policydepartmentbudgetsnapshot
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/11/11/license-appeal-commission-bga-policy-2026-budget-snapshot/
Nov 11, 2025 - The License Appeal Commission is a standalone adjudicatory body for hearings relating to business liquor licenses. It is the city’s smallest department by...
bga policylicenseappealcommissionbudget
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/11/12/chicago-animal-care-and-control-bga-policy-2026-budget-snapshot/
Nov 12, 2025 - Departmental Highlights Snapshot: Appropriation & Staffing Changes from 2025 Budget 2025 Budgeted 2026 Proposed Net Change Percent Change Average Annual...
animal carebga policychicagocontrolbudget
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/11/12/city-treasurers-office-bga-policy-2026-budget-snapshot/
Nov 12, 2025 - The city treasurer is one of three elected city-wide officials, along with the mayor and the clerk. The treasurer manages the city’s bank accounts and...
bga policycityofficebudgetsnapshot
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/09/25/bga-supports-cook-county-mosquito-abatement-evaluation/
Sep 25, 2025 - Last week, the Better Government Association spoke in front of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and supported a resolution that calls for evaluation of...
better government associationcook countybgasupportsmosquito
https://www.bettergov.org/2023/09/06/understanding-inspectors-general-highlighting-their-roles-and-how-to-submit-claims-of-wrongdoing-to-each-illinois-and-chicago-office/
Sep 18, 2023 - Explore the roles of Inspectors General in Illinois, from state to city levels. An in-depth explainer for accountability.
better government associationinspectors general
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/11/12/board-of-election-commissioners-bga-policy-2026-budget-snapshot/
Nov 12, 2025 - The Board of Election Commissioners is established under state elections law and technically is part of the judicial branch, but receives operational funding...
bga policyboardelectioncommissionersbudget
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/11/12/city-clerks-office-bga-policy-2026-budget-snapshot/
Nov 12, 2025 - The city clerk is one of three elected city-wide officials, along with the mayor and the treasurer. The clerk’s office maintains city records, including...
bga policycityofficebudgetsnapshot
https://www.bettergov.org/2023/06/12/how-to-submit-public-comment-at-chicagos-city-council/
Jun 12, 2023 - Chicago’s City Council allows public comment at all of its meetings, including meetings of its committees. There are multiple ways to submit public comment,...
public commentcity councilsubmitbetter
https://www.bettergov.org/
Jan 2, 2026 - The BGA is a non-partisan, non-profit news organization and civic advocate working for transparency, efficiency and accountability in government in Chicago and...
better government association
https://www.bettergov.org/2023/11/15/find-your-alderman/
Jun 18, 2024 - BGA Policy's tool to help you find information on your Chicago Alderman. Use the map or search for your address to find your ward information
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