It’s been a year like no other.

The unprecedented events of 2020 remind us at the Better Government Association how critical it is to expose corruption and abuses of power, hold decision-makers accountable, and ensure the resources to change it are equitably accessible and utilized. 

Like so many of you, our team has faced the challenges that came with the pandemic with resilience. 

We shifted focus and capacity to strengthen our COVID-19 coverage efforts. We tried to answer your questions about the government’s response, and whether Illinois lawmakers served your interests in such trying and confusing times.

We also tried not to let our shift to cover the government’s COVID-19 response interrupt our other projects, like the monumental criminal data project, The Circuit, that we launched along with Injustice Watch, Datamade, and The Chicago Reporter. It’s an exploration of over two decades of Cook County court data exposing a justice system’s inner workings that unfairly impacts Black and Brown communities.

With 2021 on the horizon, the BGA’s investigative, policy, and civic engagement efforts are more critical than ever to ensure accountability, efficiency, and transparency from the public officials who serve us all. 

We’re looking forward to continuing that work and fully embracing our nearly century-old mission. And we’re committed to doing it in partnership with the still motivated communities across Illinois that have faced this life-changing year with courage and perseverance. 

So before we bow out of 2020, let’s check-in. What changes in Illinois government would be significant to experience in 2021?

Our colleagues have a few thoughts:

What about you?

Let us know what you most want to see changed in the Illinois government in 2021. We may share your wishes on our social or reach out to you to discuss more what you’d want to see changed in the new year.

Use the form below.

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