Former Chicago alderperson Ed Burke today was sentenced to two years in prison and fined $2 million for his conviction on 13 charges, including racketeering, conspiracy, extortion and bribery. The […]
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BGA Policy
Deferred Ethics Bill Continues Alarming Pattern
An ordinance proposed by the Chicago Board of Ethics and introduced by City Council ethics committee chair Ald. Matt Martin (47th Ward) got the slowroll treatment today, with Alds. Chris […]
BGA Calls for Action on Stalled Ethics Ordinance
A package of changes to Chicago’s government ethics ordinance has stalled in City Council, despite the backing of the city’s Board of Ethics and the chair of the council’s ethics […]
Make the Judicial Branch Subject to FOIA
Below is a letter BGA Policy sent to the General Assembly of Illinois urging them to support court transparency: In Illinois, the public has the right to documents and information […]
BGA, Civic Federation, League of Women Voters Pen Letter to Mayor Johnson and City Council Regarding Transparency Concerns
The Better Government Association, Civic Federation and League of Women Voters of Chicago sent the following to Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council Committee on Rules: February 27, 2024 […]
Burke Trial Verdict Demands a Culture Shift at City Council
Former Chicago alderperson Ed Burke was today found guilty by a jury on 13 out of 14 charges, including racketeering, conspiracy, extortion and bribery. Co-defendant Charles Cui was also found […]
Council Suspends New Gallery Access Restrictions After BGA Objections
A notice on the Chicago city clerk’s website Tuesday announced the postponement until further notice of proposed rules restricting public access to City Council’s gallery seating. The postponement followed warnings […]
New Rules Inhibit Public Attendance at Council Meetings
After weeks of confusion, written rules for public attendance at Chicago City Council meetings have been published on the City Clerk’s website. The Better Government Association believes the new rules […]
Mayor Johnson’s Proposed FOP Contract Obtained by BGA Policy
A collective bargaining agreement between the City of Chicago and the Fraternal Order of Police, which represents the city’s rank-and-file police officers, is scheduled for a vote today in City […]
Unwritten Rules Limit City Council Gallery Seating; Reserve Prime Spots for “Invitation Only”
Free and equitable access to City Council meetings is a basic bulwark of our civic democracy. Any changes to policy and procedures should be undertaken only with public input and […]