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The Civic Federation
The Civic Federation is a non-partisan government research organization working to maximize the quality and cost-effectiveness of government services in the Chicago region and State of Illinois.
The Federation's membership includes business and professional leaders from a wide range of Chicago-area companies and institutions.
The Civic Federation publishes reports and commentary about local government tax policies, government services, and public expenditures. The Federation's new research institute, the Institute for Illinois' Fiscal Sustainability, examines a wide range of fiscal issues relating to the State of Illinois.
Recent Research
09.22.16
Unincorporated Cook County: A Profile of Unincorporated Areas in Cook County and Recommendations to Facilitate Incorporation
This report provides a comprehensive examination of all unincorporated areas in Cook County. It builds extensively on a 2014 report by the Civic Federation and includes final...
08.23.16
Chicago Public Schools FY2017 Proposed Budget: Analysis and Recommendations
The Civic Federation cannot support the Chicago Public Schools proposed $5.46 billion budget because it effectively remains out-of-balance by relying on uncertain funding and one-time measures in...
08.18.16
Estimated Full Value of Real Property in Cook County: 2005-2014
This report provides estimates of the total market value of real property in Cook County from 2005-2014 and shows how property value is spread among the City of Chicago, the northern and the...
07.07.16
City Colleges of Chicago FY2017 Tentative Budget: Analysis and Recommendations
The Civic Federation supports the City Colleges of Chicago’s proposed FY2017 operating budget. The $523.7-million budget is a reasonable plan given the unprecedented uncertainty surrounding...
Job Opportunities
The Civic Federation is hiring a Senior Analyst — Debt / Infrastructure to work with the Civic Federation research team to analyze the State of Illinois’ capital and infrastructure needs, budgeting, financing, and debt management. Click here for more information on the position and application instructions.
Annual Report
Download a copy of the Civic Federation's 2015 Annual Report.
Upcoming Events
There are no events scheduled at this time.
Recent Blog Posts
In the News
09.20.16: Tax Analysts
News Analysis: Massive State and Local Pension Debt Often Means Higher Taxes
09.07.16: Bloomberg
Illinois Pension Crisis Builds as Market Turmoil Deals a Setback
09.06.16: Chicago Sun-Times
Civic Federation questions Emanuel’s utility tax plan
08.31.16: Daily Herald
Cook County Board spending way more on staffs than collar county boards
08.24.16: Multiple Outlets