Issues: Local Government Pensions

The Civic Federation believes that public pension systems must be sustainably funded and well-managed. The Federation’s national reputation for expertise in pension funding and reform has been earned through years of in-depth research and analysis of employee retirement systems statewide. Read our analyses, recommendations for reform, and opinions about local public pension systems here.

Recent Research

  • 05.21.13

    Status of Local Pension Funding Fiscal Year 2011

    Chicago-area public employee pension funding levels dropped significantly in FY2011, with unfunded liabilities for the ten funds analyzed rising to $32.0 billion from $27.4 billion in FY2010, an increase of 16.7% according to the most recent audited data available. For all pension funds supported by the taxes of Chicago residents, including statewide funds, the total unfunded liabilities reached $16,914 per Chicago resident in FY2011. On average, the ten funds analyzed had an actuarial funding level of 50.8% in FY2011, down from 80.3% in FY2002.

  • 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.

  • 06.25.12

    Status of Local Pension Funding FY2010

    This report examines the sharp financial decline of Chicago-area public employee pension funds and emphasizes the urgency of pension reform efforts in Springfield. It is intended to provide policymakers, pension trustees, pension fund members and taxpayers with the resources to make informed decisions regarding public employee retirement benefits.