Research Reports
There are currently 64 research reports available, beginning with the most recent.
A Call for the Dissolution and Restructuring of the Illinois International Port District
Abstract: This report calls for the dissolution of the Illinois International Port District and the transfer of its operations to the City of Chicago. It finds that the District has shifted its primary focus from port operations to the management of a golf course. Even though the golf course brings in over half the District's annual revenue, the Civic Federation found no evidence that those revenues have been reinvested to improve port facilities or promote commerce.
Publication Date: June 30, 2008
Full PDF File:
civicfed_273.pdf (361 KB)
State of Illinois Constitutional Convention Fiscal Issues
Abstract: This issue brief provides an overview of some state and local fiscal issues that could be considered at a new Illinois Constitutional Convention. The proposals described do not necessarily reflect positions of the Civic Federation, but are intended for discussion purposes as stakeholders consider the implications of holding a new Constitutional Convention.
Publication Date: April 10, 2008
Full PDF File:
civicfed_271.pdf (118 KB)
Forest Preserve District of Cook County: A Call for a Separate Board of Commissioners
Abstract: This joint report by the Civic Federation and Friends of the Forest Preserves calls for the creation of an independent board of commissioners for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The report finds that the current arrangement by which the Cook County Board of Commissioners also serves as the governing board for the Forest Preserve District has resulted in conflicts of interest and neglect of the preserves.
Publication Date: March 17, 2008
Full PDF File:
civicfed_269.pdf (165 KB)
Selected Consumer Taxes in the City of Chicago--UPDATED
Abstract: This brief provides an updated compilation of selected consumer taxes, including rates and descriptions, that will be in effect in the City of Chicago on July 1, 2008. It includes such taxes as the sales tax, gas tax, amusement tax, lease tax, liquor tax, restaurant tax, soft drink tax, wheel tax, and parking tax.
Publication Date: March 10, 2008
Full PDF File:
civicfed_268.pdf (82 KB)
Status of Local Pension Funding Fiscal Year 2006: An Evaluation of Ten Local Government Pension Funds in Cook County
Abstract: This report provides a trend analysis of indicators that measure the financial health and performance of ten major local government pension funds from 1997 to 2006. It finds a combined 18.3 billion dollars in unfunded liabilities for the ten funds, and makes numerous recommendations on legislative actions that should be taken to slow the downward spiral of pension underfunding.
Publication Date: February 4, 2008
Full PDF File:
civicfed_266.pdf (265 KB)
Tax Increment Financing (TIF): A Civic Federation Issue Brief
Abstract: This report explains the impact of TIF on taxpayers and local governments in Illinois. It also reviews the TIF designation process, recent empirical research on TIF, and provides detailed information on selected City of Chicago TIF Districts. It is a companion report to the Civic Federation Position Statement on TIF.
Publication Date: November 12, 2007
Full PDF File:
civicfed_260.pdf (506 KB)