In the past four-and-a-half years, the City of Chicago has fined local agencies, including the CHA and the Cook County Land Bank Authority, more than $750,000.
Investigations
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Chicago Rat Problem Map: Search Rat Complaints Across the City
An Illinois Answers Project and Block Club Chicago joint investigation found that Chicagoans made more than 214,000 complaints for rat abatement from 2019 through the end of 2022. Search the […]
Posted inEducation
Records Raise Questions on CPS Transparency Over Near South Side High School Plan
Chicago Public Schools promised to listen to residents concerning the school location but did closed door planning for months. Appraisals for purchased land differ by millions of dollars, records show.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
City Has Spent Only 15% of $52M in Federal Money Dedicated for Homeless Programs
Two years after receiving the COVID-era funding, Chicago has been slow off the mark with some of its programs to help people experiencing homelessness.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
As Chicago Considers a ‘Mansion Tax,’ Evanston and LA Show Potential Paths Forward
Evanston is using its additional revenue to fund a housing reparations effort. Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ new funds are frozen as the tax is challenged in court.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
Could Chicago Impose an Income Tax? Here’s What It Looks Like in Other Cities.
As Mayor Brandon Johnson looks for new revenue, an income tax may be one of the city’s only progressive options. It comes with risks.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
How Chicago’s Newest City Council Leaders Plan to Use Their Power – Part 2
From crowdsourcing legislation to hosting meetings in neighborhoods, the new class of City Council leaders wants to democratize committee work.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
Explained: Why Did the State Pause a Health Insurance Program for Undocumented Immigrants?
Illinois was the first state to create the Medicaid-like program, but in only three years it has become one of its “most expensive programs.”
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
How Chicago City Council’s Newest Leaders Want to Use Their Power
The new committee chairs, whose ideas were often ignored under the Lightfoot administration, are planning big policy moves for Chicago.
Posted inInvestigations
Repeat Violators Leave Families Out in the Cold
Hundreds of buildings across Chicago have been cited repeatedly for violating heat-requirement ordinances, which are in effect from November through May.
