BGA Annual Luncheon & Celebration

This year’s Annual Luncheon celebrates the Better Government Association’s 100+ year record of advancing a more transparent, equitable and accountable government for all the people of Illinois through investigative journalism, policy advocacy and community engagement that hold power to account and drive meaningful reform.

2025 Annual Luncheon & Celebration
Friday, October 10, 2025  | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago | 120 East Delaware Place
Business Attire

Co-Chairs: John A. Canning, Jr., D. Carroll Joynes, Michael J. Sacks
and Heather A. Steans

We are proud to honor the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation with this year’s Watchdog Award, accepted by Executive Director Anne Lazar. Through the legacy of its founder, Richard Driehaus, and under the leadership of Anne Lazar, the Foundation has been a driving force in strengthening investigative journalism to advance government transparency and accountability. It has more than doubled the number of investigative reporting grantees and increased giving for investigative journalism six-fold, expanding critical support for newsrooms across Chicago and Illinois. This deepened commitment ensures journalists have the resources to expose urgent issues, hold power accountable and empower communities. By significantly investing in independent investigative journalism, the Foundation has reinforced its essential role in fostering a more just and engaged society.

BGA President & CEO David Greising will be joined in conversation with Ambassador Rahm Emanuel. Their discussion will draw on Ambassador Emanuel’s local and national leadership experiences, his legacy and lessons as Mayor of Chicago and White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama and the role of local and international diplomacy in exploring pressing policy and civic issues.

Please stay tuned for more information!