Civic Federation Makes Budget Recommendations

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Jun 30, 2011 7:30PM

The Civic Federation released its report on the Chicago budget today and recommends a number of staffing cuts, including the untouchable fire department and immovable city council. The non-partisan government research organization also resurrected the old Midway Airport privatization argument, recommending the city try once again to pawn it off to the highest bidder. Most of the recommended costs to cut are related to personnel and pensions, which occupy a majority of the space in Chicago's wallet.

The Civic Federation recommends cutting the Chicago City Council from its current 50 aldermen down to 25. The Better Government Association came to the same conclusion about six months ago after conducting similar research. Such a measure would require a referendum from Chicago citizens or a move by the Illinois General Assembly. The Federation report states:

Chicago’s Council is the second largest of the 15 largest American cities, exceeded only by New York’s 51-member legislative body. The average council size for the top 15 municipalities is 18.

Chicago's fire department staff is also larger than comparable cities, and the Civic Federation report cites Chicago News Cooperative's investigation of fire department expenses. In order to streamline city resources, the Civic Federation also recommended ending the practice of a ward-based distribution of services, something aldermen have historically kept hold on.