Tax Increment Financing

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Coverage on the City of Chicago FY2017 Budget Release and Chicago Public Schools Finances

Following Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s FY2017 budget address, Civic Federation President Laurence Msall spoke with a pool of reporters about the finances of both the City of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools. He called the Mayor’s proposed budget…

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Chicago mayor buys peace with teachers, fiscal impact uncertain

This article reports on a tentative contract deal reached between the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union. Civic Federation President Laurence Msall notes that CPS should not rely on TIF surplus funds, because they are…

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FY2016 Budget Season Summary

FY2016 Budget Season Summary December 3, 2015 marked the end of the budget season for the eight local governments monitored by the Civic Federation. These governments include: the…

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Emanuel TIF reform too little, too late, critics contend

This article discusses Mayor Emanuel’s decision to freeze spending in certain downtown TIF districts and shut down the districts over time. The Civic Federation said the move shows the Mayor’s commitment to free up available resources to…

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The demagogues are wrong about TIFs

This article discusses Chicago’s Tax Increment Financing program and counters the argument that TIF districts take money that would otherwise go to public schools. When a TIF district is created its

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Most Chicago TIF Districts Reported Revenue Declines in 2013

A new report by Cook County Clerk David Orr released on July 16 finds that 68.2% or 103 of Chicago’s 151 tax increment financing (…

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New Cook County Property Tax Bills to Include Additional TIF Information

Last week Cook County Clerk David Orr announced upcoming changes to property tax bills…

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Chicago Park District FY2014 Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation supports the $425.6 million Chicago Park District budget for continuing the District’s multi-year effort to reduce its structural deficit. The proposal includes a broad-based property tax increase after eight years of…

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Chicago's FY2014 Budget an Urgent Reminder of Need for Pension Reform

Pension Contribution Increase in FY2015 Threatens to Derail Fiscal Progress In a report released today, the Civic Federation announced its support for the City of Chicago’s proposed $7.0 billion budget as a reasonable short-term plan that…

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City of Chicago FY2014 Proposed Budget: Analysis and Recommendations

The Civic Federation supports the City of Chicago’s proposed $7.0 billion budget as a reasonable short-term plan that closes approximately two-thirds of a $338.7 million budget gap with structural changes that will continue to reduce the…