Illinois three years ago began requiring firms getting tax breaks through a state jobs program to report how much they spent with minority- and women-owned vendors. But it has turned into little more than a bureaucratic paper shuffle that collects little useful information.
Equity & Economic Opportunity
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Cabrini-Green: A History of Broken Promises
Transforming Chicago’s most famous public housing complex will cost taxpayers $2 billion. It also came with often-unkept promises of jobs, city contracts and homes for those forced from the neighborhood.
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‘Only Time Will Tell’ If Lightfoot’s Sustainability Czar Can Move the Needle on Environmental Justice
The mayor has finally appointed a policy adviser to help guide the city through its environmental challenges. Activists say her pick seems right, but wonder how much of a difference the appointment will make.
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Email Strings Show City Officials Warned of Health Risks Before Little Village Demolition Fiasco
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration has blown deadlines to disclose internal communications, violating state public records laws. City Hall’s decision-making process prior to the implosion remains shrouded.
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Attorney General Sues Hilco After Botched Little Village Smokestack Demolition
The state’s top prosecutor says the company did not take steps “to protect the community from air pollution and compromised air quality” after the implosion covered the neighborhood in dust.
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Developer in Little Village Demolition Gone Wrong Cited By State EPA With Violating Pollution Laws
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office is reviewing the incident that covered the Chicago neighborhood in dust.
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Contractor In Little Village Smokestack Fiasco Was Cited In March For Blowing Dust — But City OK’d Demolition Anyway
A Hilco affiliate, contractor MCM Management Corp. and partners were hit with $3.75 million in environmental violations in Maryland.
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Aides Caring for Vulnerable Seniors Amid Coronavirus Still on the Job Despite Lack of Masks, Protective Gear and Social Distancing
As many as 22 home care clients who are part of an Illinois program have tested positive for COVID-19, including five who died, state says. Some home health aides also have tested positive.
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Was Boeing’s Chicago Deal Worth the Taxpayer Cost?
The gold rush among corporations to demand expensive public help in underwriting development and jobs got a kick-start when tax incentives enticed Boeing to move its headquarters to Chicago.
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Lightfoot Pushing to Make TIFs More Equitable but Changes Lacking for Critics She’s Tried to Win Over
Chicago’s mayor has long-promised to reform how special tax funds are spent on private projects. Her first move is a step but isn’t big enough for some.
