The Better Government Association and Illinois Answers Project offer two easy-to-use databases of public information in Illinois. We do this to bring greater clarity to how tax dollars are used.
Public Salaries Database
Every year, we compile Illinois’ most comprehensive database to review, explore and compare compensation for public employees throughout Illinois. We do this because we believe detailing how tax dollars are spent serves the public interest.
Public Pensions Database
Funding public-employee pension systems is perhaps the most vexing emergency facing Illinois taxpayers. We collect data from the largest public pensions systems in the state and centralize it into our Illinois Public Pensions Database.
Related Stories
You Can Take It with You: Some Chicago Police Collect Massive Payouts before Retirement
The department spent more than $33 million in comp time payments in 2020. Some police view the money as compensation for time away from family.
Illinois Pension Funds Are Slow To Pull Out of Russian Assets
Despite a public outcry following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, legislation designed to force divestment languished unpassed in the Spring session of the Illinois General Assembly. Lawmakers say they intend to take the issue up again in the Fall.
Community Ask: ‘I want to look into pay inequities. How do I do that?’
Curious about the salaries of a government agency? Here’s a breakdown of how you can find them using public records and our salaries database.
Please consider making a donation
These databases are resource intensive, both in money and time. We request, compile, organize and check data we receive from hundreds of taxing bodies across Illinois and put it into an easy-to-use site for you.