Budget Analyses
There are currently 77 budget analyses available, beginning with the most recent.
Chicago Public Schools FY2009 Recommended Budget: Analysis and Recommendations
Abstract: The Civic Federation supports the Chicago Public Schools recommended 6.2 billion dollar FY2009 budget because it shows restraint by freezing property taxes rather than reflexively raising them to the maximum amount allowed under the state property tax cap law. However, the Federation urges CPS to continue to work toward a more comprehensive and transparent capital improvement plan (CIP).
Publication Date: August 27, 2008
Full PDF File:
civicfed_275.pdf (403 KB)
The City Colleges of Chicago FY2009 Tentative Budget: Analysis and Recommendations
Abstract: The Civic Federation does not support the City Colleges' proposed FY2009 budget because it is unsustainable and relies almost exclusively on revenue enhancements, such as a maximum property tax increase, rather than focusing on ways to reduce costs. The Federation commends the District for beginning to implement important planning procedures, but urges it to use these tools to control spending and make targeted cuts in non-essential programming.
Publication Date: July 16, 2008
Full PDF File:
civicfed_274.pdf (293 KB)
State of Illinois FY2009 Recommended Operating Budget: Analysis and Recommendations
Abstract: The Civic Federation opposes the unaffordable program expansions and long-term borrowing proposed in the FY2009 State budget recommendation, but supports the proposed 3% cut from non-priority agencies and other efforts to streamline and modernize state government. The Federation again strongly urges the General Assembly to implement pension benefit reforms.
Publication Date: May 12, 2008
Full PDF File:
civicfed_272.pdf (364 KB)
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District FY2008 Tentative Budget: Analysis and Recommendations
Abstract: The Civic Federation supports the MWRD's FY2008 Budget because it minimizes the burden on taxpayers and demonstrates sound financial planning techniques. The Civic Federation is concerned about the declining funded ratio of the MWRD pension fund and recommends a number of measures to improve the fiscal health of the plan.
Publication Date: December 12, 2007
Full PDF File:
civicfed_265.pdf (119 KB)
Chicago Park District FY2008 Operating Budget Recommendations: Analysis and Recommendations
Abstract: The Civic Federation supported the Chicago Park District's FY2008 Budget because the District did not raise its property tax levy this year, and has continued to hold down operating costs through a combination of careful management practices, privatization of services, and public-private partnerships. However, the Federation is concerned about the decline in health of the District's pension fund and recommends a variety of pension reforms.
Publication Date: December 5, 2007
Full PDF File:
civicfed_263.pdf (246 KB)
DuPage County FY2008 Proposed Budget: Analysis and Recommendations
Abstract: The Civic Federation supports DuPage County's proposed FY2008 $420.4 million budget, which includes a 12.1% or $60.1 million decrease in spending over the previous year and calls for the elimination of 10% of the workforce or 241 full-time positions, including 168 positions in public safety. The Federation's support is due to the County's established record of managing its existing resources and responsibly living within the means its citizens provide. The Federation recommends that DuPage County use a performance measurement system and develop a long-term financial plan to cope with its fiscal challenges in the future.
Publication Date: November 27, 2007
Full PDF File:
civicfed_262.pdf (256 KB)