Better Government Association
@bettergov.bsky.social
Advocating for transparent, accountable and efficient government through public policy.
Save the date! Join us for Beyond the Byline: Featuring the 22nd Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting on Thursday, May 7, from 3:30–8:30 p.m. at Venue SIX10 in downtown Chicago.
Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/4pVG4ND
Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/4pVG4ND
January 27, 2026 at 4:52 PM
Save the date! Join us for Beyond the Byline: Featuring the 22nd Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting on Thursday, May 7, from 3:30–8:30 p.m. at Venue SIX10 in downtown Chicago.
Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/4pVG4ND
Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/4pVG4ND
Save the date! Join us March 10 for Women Who Hold Power to Account, an evening conversation honoring Women’s History Month and spotlighting women who exemplify accountability and integrity across Chicago’s civic landscape.
Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3YVXv5U
Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3YVXv5U
January 23, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Save the date! Join us March 10 for Women Who Hold Power to Account, an evening conversation honoring Women’s History Month and spotlighting women who exemplify accountability and integrity across Chicago’s civic landscape.
Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3YVXv5U
Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3YVXv5U
Policy Analyst @sophiavp.bsky.social was quoted in this article discussing the increase of body cam requests in Naperville.
“The more barriers that go up, the more roadblocks there are in the requesting process, the harder it is for the public to get the records."
https://bit.ly/4pB0gEp
“The more barriers that go up, the more roadblocks there are in the requesting process, the harder it is for the public to get the records."
https://bit.ly/4pB0gEp
Naperville police trying to deal with big increase in body cam footage requests
Naperville police want legislation to curb the growing number of Freedom of Information Act requests for body camera footage.
bit.ly
January 14, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Policy Analyst @sophiavp.bsky.social was quoted in this article discussing the increase of body cam requests in Naperville.
“The more barriers that go up, the more roadblocks there are in the requesting process, the harder it is for the public to get the records."
https://bit.ly/4pB0gEp
“The more barriers that go up, the more roadblocks there are in the requesting process, the harder it is for the public to get the records."
https://bit.ly/4pB0gEp
Vice President of Policy Bryan Zarou was on ABC7 Chicago's "Weekend Watch" to discuss leadership from both the Illinois House and Senate committing to transparent archives.
Watch the segment here: https://abc7.ws/4px4CfL
Watch the segment here: https://abc7.ws/4px4CfL
Better Government Association pushes for increased Illinois legislative transparency
The Better Government Association is calling for more transparency in Illinois government, and two powerful lawmakers are answering the call.
abc7chicago.com
January 12, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Vice President of Policy Bryan Zarou was on ABC7 Chicago's "Weekend Watch" to discuss leadership from both the Illinois House and Senate committing to transparent archives.
Watch the segment here: https://abc7.ws/4px4CfL
Watch the segment here: https://abc7.ws/4px4CfL
Vice President of Policy Bryan Zarou will be on @abc7chicago.bsky.social this morning to discuss Speaker Welch and President Harmon committing to transparent online archives for Illinois.
Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here: https://abc7.ws/3wRZlr1
Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here: https://abc7.ws/3wRZlr1
ABC7 Chicago Live Stream: Newscasts, Breaking News from WLS-TV
Watch live streaming video and newscasts from Chicago and stay updated with the latest local WLS broadcasts, plus live breaking news and weather as it happens.
abc7chicago.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Vice President of Policy Bryan Zarou will be on @abc7chicago.bsky.social this morning to discuss Speaker Welch and President Harmon committing to transparent online archives for Illinois.
Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here: https://abc7.ws/3wRZlr1
Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here: https://abc7.ws/3wRZlr1
Speaker of the Illinois House Chris Welch and @harmonil.bsky.social committed to modernizing the General Assembly’s website and creating free, searchable archives of floor & committee proceedings.
Read their letters to BGA Policy here: https://bit.ly/44XfFrc
Read their letters to BGA Policy here: https://bit.ly/44XfFrc
Speaker Welch; President Harmon commit to transparent online archives
Illinoisans should not need insider access or paid subscriptions to see their government at work. Across most of the country, residents can easily watch, search, and review legislative proceedings onl...
bit.ly
January 6, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Speaker of the Illinois House Chris Welch and @harmonil.bsky.social committed to modernizing the General Assembly’s website and creating free, searchable archives of floor & committee proceedings.
Read their letters to BGA Policy here: https://bit.ly/44XfFrc
Read their letters to BGA Policy here: https://bit.ly/44XfFrc
Under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, there is a presumption that government records are open to the public. Body cam footage, however, is different. Want to get the footage? This guide from BGA Policy explains how.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
How to FOIA for Body Camera Footage
Under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, there is a presumption that government records are open to the public. Body cam footage is an anomaly. Its availability is dictated by the […]
www.bettergov.org
January 2, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, there is a presumption that government records are open to the public. Body cam footage, however, is different. Want to get the footage? This guide from BGA Policy explains how.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
As we start our new year, catch up on BGA Policy's City of Chicago Policy Agenda for 2023-2027.
https://www.bettergov.org/bga-policy-agenda-city-of-chicago-2023/
https://www.bettergov.org/bga-policy-agenda-city-of-chicago-2023/
BGA Policy Agenda: City of Chicago 2023-2027
Learn about the BGA Policy's agenda for the City of Chicago in 2023. Our recommendations aim to improve governance transparency.
www.bettergov.org
January 1, 2026 at 2:50 PM
As we start our new year, catch up on BGA Policy's City of Chicago Policy Agenda for 2023-2027.
https://www.bettergov.org/bga-policy-agenda-city-of-chicago-2023/
https://www.bettergov.org/bga-policy-agenda-city-of-chicago-2023/
BGA Policy conducted an analysis to help those who rely on FOIA understand how the legislature has considered changing access to public documents. Check it out here: https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
2025 FOIA Legislation Analysis
The foundational principle of Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act is that the public is entitled to “full and complete information regarding the affairs of government.” Many stakeholders — journalist...
www.bettergov.org
December 31, 2025 at 3:14 PM
BGA Policy conducted an analysis to help those who rely on FOIA understand how the legislature has considered changing access to public documents. Check it out here: https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
Just a few months after the last remaining law enforcement agencies were required to equip officers with body cameras, several legislative efforts in 2025 tried to limit access to body cam footage.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/17/six-bills-sought-to-reduce-public-access-to-body-cam-footage/
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/17/six-bills-sought-to-reduce-public-access-to-body-cam-footage/
Six bills sought to reduce public access to body cam footage
Just a few months after the last remaining law enforcement agencies were required to equip officers with body cameras, several legislative efforts in 2025 tried to limit access to body […]
www.bettergov.org
December 29, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Just a few months after the last remaining law enforcement agencies were required to equip officers with body cameras, several legislative efforts in 2025 tried to limit access to body cam footage.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/17/six-bills-sought-to-reduce-public-access-to-body-cam-footage/
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/17/six-bills-sought-to-reduce-public-access-to-body-cam-footage/
Just a few months after the last remaining law enforcement agencies were required to equip officers with body cameras, several legislative efforts in 2025 tried to limit access to body cam footage, according to an analysis by BGA Policy.
https://bit.ly/4jo33Q5
https://bit.ly/4jo33Q5
Six bills sought to reduce public access to body cam footage
Just a few months after the last remaining law enforcement agencies were required to equip officers with body cameras, several legislative efforts in 2025 tried to limit access to body […]
bit.ly
December 18, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Just a few months after the last remaining law enforcement agencies were required to equip officers with body cameras, several legislative efforts in 2025 tried to limit access to body cam footage, according to an analysis by BGA Policy.
https://bit.ly/4jo33Q5
https://bit.ly/4jo33Q5
Bryan Zarou, the Better Government Association’s vice president of policy, has been appointed to serve on the City of Chicago’s Inspector General Search Committee. Read more here:
https://bit.ly/4pgp9Fv
https://bit.ly/4pgp9Fv
Bryan Zarou Appointed to Chicago Inspector General Search Committee
Bryan Zarou, the Better Government Association’s vice president of policy, has been appointed to serve on the City of Chicago’s Inspector General Search Committee. The Inspector General is one of […]
www.bettergov.org
December 16, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Bryan Zarou, the Better Government Association’s vice president of policy, has been appointed to serve on the City of Chicago’s Inspector General Search Committee. Read more here:
https://bit.ly/4pgp9Fv
https://bit.ly/4pgp9Fv
Illinois lawmakers considered 80 FOIA-related bills in 2025, many of which would narrow public access. BGA Policy breaks down what passed and what it means:
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
2025 FOIA Legislation Analysis
The foundational principle of Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act is that the public is entitled to “full and complete information regarding the affairs of government.” Many stakeholders — journalist...
www.bettergov.org
December 11, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Illinois lawmakers considered 80 FOIA-related bills in 2025, many of which would narrow public access. BGA Policy breaks down what passed and what it means:
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
BGA Policy conducted an analysis to help those who rely on FOIA understand how the legislature has considered changing access to public documents.
You can view it here: https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
You can view it here: https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
2025 FOIA Legislation Analysis
The foundational principle of Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act is that the public is entitled to “full and complete information regarding the affairs of government.” Many stakeholders — journalist...
www.bettergov.org
December 10, 2025 at 6:52 PM
BGA Policy conducted an analysis to help those who rely on FOIA understand how the legislature has considered changing access to public documents.
You can view it here: https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
You can view it here: https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/09/2025-foia-legislation-analysis/
Our VP of Policy Bryan Zarou will be on @abc7chicago.bsky.social this morning to discuss redistricting.
Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here: https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here: https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
ABC7 Chicago Live Stream: Newscasts, Breaking News from WLS-TV
Watch live streaming video and newscasts from Chicago and stay updated with the latest local WLS broadcasts, plus live breaking news and weather as it happens.
abc7chicago.com
December 7, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Our VP of Policy Bryan Zarou will be on @abc7chicago.bsky.social this morning to discuss redistricting.
Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here: https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here: https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
Curious about how to access police body-cam video through public records? This new guide explains when recordings are eligible, how long they're kept and how to write a proper FOIA request.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
How to FOIA for Body Camera Footage
Under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, there is a presumption that government records are open to the public. Body cam footage is an anomaly. Its availability is dictated by the […]
www.bettergov.org
December 3, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Curious about how to access police body-cam video through public records? This new guide explains when recordings are eligible, how long they're kept and how to write a proper FOIA request.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
In the state of Illinois, obtaining body cam footage is different than a regular FOIA. Want to get footage? This guide from BGA Policy explains how.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
How to FOIA for Body Camera Footage
Under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, there is a presumption that government records are open to the public. Body cam footage is an anomaly. Its availability is dictated by the […]
www.bettergov.org
December 2, 2025 at 2:45 PM
In the state of Illinois, obtaining body cam footage is different than a regular FOIA. Want to get footage? This guide from BGA Policy explains how.
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
https://www.bettergov.org/2025/12/02/how-to-foia-for-body-camera-footage/
Our President & CEO David Greising will be on @abc7.bsky.social this morning to discuss his latest opinion column covering Chicago budget negotiations.
Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here: https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here: https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
ABC7 Chicago Live Stream: Newscasts, Breaking News from WLS-TV
Watch live streaming video and newscasts from Chicago and stay updated with the latest local WLS broadcasts, plus live breaking news and weather as it happens.
abc7chicago.com
November 29, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Our President & CEO David Greising will be on @abc7.bsky.social this morning to discuss his latest opinion column covering Chicago budget negotiations.
Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here: https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
Watch live at 8:45 a.m. here: https://abc7chicago.com/watch/live/
3 days until we connect systems, power and people. Don’t miss Power of Journalism Dec 2 at The Experimental Station!
RSVP here: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=453d13e6-2155-45b2-b7c9-2222cb47ad43&envId=p-fEp6e6mKFk2iQ5k7ZFAgFg&zone=usa
RSVP here: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=453d13e6-2155-45b2-b7c9-2222cb47ad43&envId=p-fEp6e6mKFk2iQ5k7ZFAgFg&zone=usa
November 28, 2025 at 4:06 PM
3 days until we connect systems, power and people. Don’t miss Power of Journalism Dec 2 at The Experimental Station!
RSVP here: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=453d13e6-2155-45b2-b7c9-2222cb47ad43&envId=p-fEp6e6mKFk2iQ5k7ZFAgFg&zone=usa
RSVP here: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=453d13e6-2155-45b2-b7c9-2222cb47ad43&envId=p-fEp6e6mKFk2iQ5k7ZFAgFg&zone=usa
From our newsroom: Budgets tell a story — Alex Nitkin follows the money to uncover who benefits and who’s left behind. Join him at #PowerOfJournalism → 🎟 RSVP: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=453d13e6-2155-45b2-b7c9-2222cb47ad43&envId=p-fEp6e6mKFk2iQ5k7ZFAgFg&zone=usa
November 26, 2025 at 3:10 PM
From our newsroom: Budgets tell a story — Alex Nitkin follows the money to uncover who benefits and who’s left behind. Join him at #PowerOfJournalism → 🎟 RSVP: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=453d13e6-2155-45b2-b7c9-2222cb47ad43&envId=p-fEp6e6mKFk2iQ5k7ZFAgFg&zone=usa
Moderator @gracehauck.bsky.social will guide Illinois Answers' conversation on how investigative journalism builds more accountable systems. Join her on Dec. 2! Learn more here: https://www.bettergov.org/event/16768/
November 20, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Moderator @gracehauck.bsky.social will guide Illinois Answers' conversation on how investigative journalism builds more accountable systems. Join her on Dec. 2! Learn more here: https://www.bettergov.org/event/16768/
Be a part of this crucial dialogue with change makers redefining local journalism and its impact on Chicago’s future. Light bites and drinks will be served. https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=453d13e6-2155-45b2-b7c9-2222cb47ad43&envId=p-fEp6e6mKFk2iQ5k7ZFAgFg&zone=usa
November 19, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Be a part of this crucial dialogue with change makers redefining local journalism and its impact on Chicago’s future. Light bites and drinks will be served. https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=453d13e6-2155-45b2-b7c9-2222cb47ad43&envId=p-fEp6e6mKFk2iQ5k7ZFAgFg&zone=usa
The City of Chicago budget hearings are almost over!
You can catch up on all of our budget snapshots, full analyses including charts and tables, here: www.bettergov.org/tag/budget-h...
You can catch up on all of our budget snapshots, full analyses including charts and tables, here: www.bettergov.org/tag/budget-h...
November 12, 2025 at 7:44 PM
The City of Chicago budget hearings are almost over!
You can catch up on all of our budget snapshots, full analyses including charts and tables, here: www.bettergov.org/tag/budget-h...
You can catch up on all of our budget snapshots, full analyses including charts and tables, here: www.bettergov.org/tag/budget-h...
From our VP of Policy Bryan Zarou: Has the clerk of Cook County Circuit Court improved transparency as she promised?
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/o...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/o...
Bryan Zarou: Has the clerk of Cook County Circuit Court improved transparency as she promised?
Mariyana Spyropoulos took office in December and began to do what she promised to do: improving trust and transparency.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:11 PM
From our VP of Policy Bryan Zarou: Has the clerk of Cook County Circuit Court improved transparency as she promised?
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/o...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/o...
BGA Policy is in City Council chambers as the start of the first budget departmental hearings are underway.
Keep track of all our budget snapshots here: www.bettergov.org/tag/budget-h...
Keep track of all our budget snapshots here: www.bettergov.org/tag/budget-h...
October 21, 2025 at 3:06 PM
BGA Policy is in City Council chambers as the start of the first budget departmental hearings are underway.
Keep track of all our budget snapshots here: www.bettergov.org/tag/budget-h...
Keep track of all our budget snapshots here: www.bettergov.org/tag/budget-h...