Issues: Local Government Budgets

Government budgets should be balanced, sustainable, and fiscally responsible. Because the public shoulders the burden of financing government, The Civic Federation believes that governments have a duty to their citizens to responsibly cut costs and reform programs before seeking increases in revenue or borrowing to pay for current expenses. Read our annual analyses of local government budget proposals and recommendations for improvement, as well as position statements and opinion about budgets, deficits, and spending here.

Recent Research

  • 12.12.12

    Metropolitan Water Reclamation District FY2013 Tentative Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

    The Civic Federation supports the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s proposed budget of $1.1 billion which continues a comprehensive effort to control rising personnel costs. The budget holds the tax-capped portion of the District’s property tax levy flat and reflects recent efforts by the District to address underfunding of its pension and healthcare costs.

  • 12.10.12

    Chicago Transit Authority President's Proposed FY2013 Operating Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

    The Civic Federation strongly supports the Chicago Transit Authority’s proposed FY2013 budget of $1.4 billion as a structurally balanced plan based on shared sacrifice by union members, riders and CTA management. The budget implements several prudent and sustainable steps including a targeted fare increase. The new proposed fare structure maintains base fares but increases rates for fare passes, generating much needed recurring revenue for the CTA while aligning pass fares closer to the national average.

  • 12.05.12

    Chicago Park District FY2013 Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

    The Civic Federation supports the $410.9 million FY2013 Chicago Park District budget for limiting spending increases and continuing the District’s effort to eliminate its structural deficit by FY2015. By utilizing prudent alternatives to raising taxes, the District is able to hold its property tax levy relatively flat for the eighth consecutive year.