Civic Federation
@civicfederation.bsky.social
The Civic Federation is a Chicago-based non-partisan, non-profit research organization focused on improving government services across Illinois.
Website: civicfed.org
Website: civicfed.org
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?
July 30, 2025 at 5:57 PM
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...
Watch here: www.pbs.org/video/outgoi...
Chicago Tonight | Outgoing CPS CEO Pedro Martinez on Hopes for Future | Season 2025
The fired Chicago schools chief is wrapping up his tumultuous tenure.
www.pbs.org
June 24, 2025 at 8:56 PM
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...
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
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
June 18, 2025 at 7:11 PM
📰 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
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-...
🏫 CPS’ fiscal landscape
📚 The history of the School Finance Authority
💰 CPS pensions
Read more: civicfed.org/press/ahead-...
June 16, 2025 at 2:47 PM
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-...
🏫 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...
Read his analysis and recommendations: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinoi...
Illinois’ $55.2B budget ‘incomplete,’ Civic Federation president says
Illinois’ $55.2B budget raises concerns over fund sweeps, emergency spending, and long-term fiscal sustainability.
capitolnewsillinois.com
June 12, 2025 at 4:38 PM
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...
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:
President Joe Ferguson served on the Public Corruption Subcommittee, sharing recommendations to tackle some of the County's biggest issues.
Read more:
COOK COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY BURKE ISSUES TRANSITION REPORT
www.cookcountystatesattorney.org
June 10, 2025 at 6:47 PM
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:
President Joe Ferguson served on the Public Corruption Subcommittee, sharing recommendations to tackle some of the County's biggest issues.
Read more:
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.
June 5, 2025 at 6:46 PM
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...
May 2025 Member Spotlight: Sarfraz Taj | Civic FederationBlueskyBluesky
civicfed.org
May 27, 2025 at 4:58 PM
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
🚗 Read the case study: bit.ly/3F3DvrI
May 20, 2025 at 5:49 PM
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
🚗 Read the case study: bit.ly/3F3DvrI
📢 Announcing the 2025 Annual Civic Awards Event Co-Chairs: Derek Douglas, Suzet McKinney, @chiccpa.bsky.social, Jennifer Steans, and Jill Wolowitz!
May 15, 2025 at 3:32 PM
📢 Announcing the 2025 Annual Civic Awards Event Co-Chairs: Derek Douglas, Suzet McKinney, @chiccpa.bsky.social, Jennifer Steans, and Jill Wolowitz!
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.
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.
May 14, 2025 at 3:53 PM
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.
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.
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.
This proposal would cause Illinois to lose between $2.7-4.3 billion annually in Medicaid funding from 2026 through 2034.
May 12, 2025 at 8:15 PM
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.
This proposal would cause Illinois to lose between $2.7-4.3 billion annually in Medicaid funding from 2026 through 2034.
“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.”
May 9, 2025 at 3:01 PM
“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.”
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.
May 8, 2025 at 6:34 PM
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.
Did you know that Medicaid in Illinois covers:
🔷 1 in 6 adults ages 19-64
🔷 1 in 3 children
🔷 2 in 3 nursing home residents
🔷 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries
🔷 1 in 3 people with disabilities
🔷 4 in 10 pregnancies
🔷 1 in 6 adults ages 19-64
🔷 1 in 3 children
🔷 2 in 3 nursing home residents
🔷 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries
🔷 1 in 3 people with disabilities
🔷 4 in 10 pregnancies
May 7, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Did you know that Medicaid in Illinois covers:
🔷 1 in 6 adults ages 19-64
🔷 1 in 3 children
🔷 2 in 3 nursing home residents
🔷 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries
🔷 1 in 3 people with disabilities
🔷 4 in 10 pregnancies
🔷 1 in 6 adults ages 19-64
🔷 1 in 3 children
🔷 2 in 3 nursing home residents
🔷 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries
🔷 1 in 3 people with disabilities
🔷 4 in 10 pregnancies
In FY2024, over 3.4 million Illinoisians relied on Medicaid healthcare coverage, with 772,000 of those covered through the Affordable Care Act expansion.
But now, Congress is considering potential cuts to this vital program.
But now, Congress is considering potential cuts to this vital program.
May 6, 2025 at 7:45 PM
In FY2024, over 3.4 million Illinoisians relied on Medicaid healthcare coverage, with 772,000 of those covered through the Affordable Care Act expansion.
But now, Congress is considering potential cuts to this vital program.
But now, Congress is considering potential cuts to this vital program.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lori Healey, a longtime champion of the Civic Federation. Lori was an extraordinary civic leader whose contributions to the City of Chicago and the region were visionary and enduring.
May 5, 2025 at 3:35 PM
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lori Healey, a longtime champion of the Civic Federation. Lori was an extraordinary civic leader whose contributions to the City of Chicago and the region were visionary and enduring.
Curious about our 2025 Annual Civic Awards honorees?
Want to learn more about our work to reform transit in Northeastern Illinois and advocate for a more sustainable fiscal future for @chipubschools.bsky.social?
Read our April newsletter: conta.cc/4lOh8ad
Want to learn more about our work to reform transit in Northeastern Illinois and advocate for a more sustainable fiscal future for @chipubschools.bsky.social?
Read our April newsletter: conta.cc/4lOh8ad
May 2, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Curious about our 2025 Annual Civic Awards honorees?
Want to learn more about our work to reform transit in Northeastern Illinois and advocate for a more sustainable fiscal future for @chipubschools.bsky.social?
Read our April newsletter: conta.cc/4lOh8ad
Want to learn more about our work to reform transit in Northeastern Illinois and advocate for a more sustainable fiscal future for @chipubschools.bsky.social?
Read our April newsletter: conta.cc/4lOh8ad
Yesterday, the Civic Federation convened a panel of leading experts—Dr. Paula Worthington, Erin Aleman, and Maurice Scholten—for a conversation on how to modernize Illinois’ tax structure to meet today’s fiscal realities.
April 30, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Yesterday, the Civic Federation convened a panel of leading experts—Dr. Paula Worthington, Erin Aleman, and Maurice Scholten—for a conversation on how to modernize Illinois’ tax structure to meet today’s fiscal realities.
You heard it first: James Reynolds, Jr. to receive the Gage-Msall Award at the 2025 Annual Civic Awards: Investing in Tomorrow on June 26!
Jim, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Loop Capital, is a distinguished Chicagoan with exemplary leadership in the business, civic, and community spaces.
Jim, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Loop Capital, is a distinguished Chicagoan with exemplary leadership in the business, civic, and community spaces.
April 29, 2025 at 7:45 PM
You heard it first: James Reynolds, Jr. to receive the Gage-Msall Award at the 2025 Annual Civic Awards: Investing in Tomorrow on June 26!
Jim, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Loop Capital, is a distinguished Chicagoan with exemplary leadership in the business, civic, and community spaces.
Jim, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Loop Capital, is a distinguished Chicagoan with exemplary leadership in the business, civic, and community spaces.
💰 What’s the point of analyzing government debt?
A state’s debt burden, AKA it’s financial liability from various forms of borrowing, offers a window into a government’s fiscal health, stability, and creditworthiness.
Rising debt can signal serious concerns.
Some examples?
A state’s debt burden, AKA it’s financial liability from various forms of borrowing, offers a window into a government’s fiscal health, stability, and creditworthiness.
Rising debt can signal serious concerns.
Some examples?
April 28, 2025 at 8:58 PM
💰 What’s the point of analyzing government debt?
A state’s debt burden, AKA it’s financial liability from various forms of borrowing, offers a window into a government’s fiscal health, stability, and creditworthiness.
Rising debt can signal serious concerns.
Some examples?
A state’s debt burden, AKA it’s financial liability from various forms of borrowing, offers a window into a government’s fiscal health, stability, and creditworthiness.
Rising debt can signal serious concerns.
Some examples?
At the 2025 Annual Civic Awards, we’re celebrating our commitment to elevating the next generation of Chicago’s leaders and entrepreneurs.
But first, we proudly honor today’s civic leaders, the 2025 ACA Leader sponsors.
But first, we proudly honor today’s civic leaders, the 2025 ACA Leader sponsors.
April 24, 2025 at 6:43 PM
At the 2025 Annual Civic Awards, we’re celebrating our commitment to elevating the next generation of Chicago’s leaders and entrepreneurs.
But first, we proudly honor today’s civic leaders, the 2025 ACA Leader sponsors.
But first, we proudly honor today’s civic leaders, the 2025 ACA Leader sponsors.
"This is a turnaround moment for our city."
Civic Fed President Joe Ferguson had one guiding question in mind while speaking on two panels yesterday: how can we improve Chicago for everyone?
Civic Fed President Joe Ferguson had one guiding question in mind while speaking on two panels yesterday: how can we improve Chicago for everyone?
April 23, 2025 at 6:52 PM
"This is a turnaround moment for our city."
Civic Fed President Joe Ferguson had one guiding question in mind while speaking on two panels yesterday: how can we improve Chicago for everyone?
Civic Fed President Joe Ferguson had one guiding question in mind while speaking on two panels yesterday: how can we improve Chicago for everyone?
“Both UCAN and the Civic Federation were born out of a desire to respond to crises and systemic injustices, and they’ve both evolved over time to meet the changing needs of our region. Their longevity is a testament to strong governance, mission clarity, and a willingness to adapt."
April 16, 2025 at 8:41 PM
“Both UCAN and the Civic Federation were born out of a desire to respond to crises and systemic injustices, and they’ve both evolved over time to meet the changing needs of our region. Their longevity is a testament to strong governance, mission clarity, and a willingness to adapt."
Illinois’ high pension burden has been a longstanding concern of the Civic Federation, as it crowds out the State’s ability to adequately invest in other critical public services. In our latest analysis, we compare Illinois' expenditures on pensions and other spending areas with 12 peer states.
April 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Illinois’ high pension burden has been a longstanding concern of the Civic Federation, as it crowds out the State’s ability to adequately invest in other critical public services. In our latest analysis, we compare Illinois' expenditures on pensions and other spending areas with 12 peer states.