Inside Chicago Government

Latest Episodes:

6/10/14: "A principled stand against the administration" Jun 11, 2014

Show notes

The issues about which principals as a group remained silent; when kissing mayoral butt has benefited principals; and what pre-election gifts the mayor might bestow to quell principal rebellion. Length 5.1 minutes.

5/19/14: "The resegregation of Chicago public schools" May 19, 2014

Show notes

Whether Chicago schools' resegregation reflects a national trend; using demographic tiers and magnet curricula to achieve school integration; and where integration quotas had success in Chicago. Length 5.2 minutes.

5/2/14: "Pension 'crisis' could meet its match in TIFs" May 02, 2014

Show notes

The public finally concedes the surcharge nature of tax-increment financing; diverting TIF slush to pensions or other priority obligations; and how a financial transaction tax might work. Length 4.7 minutes.

4/8/14: "South Loop deal tells of TIF's twists" Apr 09, 2014

Show notes

Why aldermen voted how they did on the McCormick-area hotel subsidy; why some private property in TIF districts generate no money for taxing bodies; and whether expiring TIF districts create a "back-door" tax. Length 5.6 minutes.

3/24/14: "Digital manufacturing site: Olympics repeat, weapons mill, or both?" Mar 24, 2014

Show notes

When private interests force TIF recipients to honor job guarantees; the digital manufacturing institute's "ultimate goal" of defense products; and how the institute announcement resembles Chicago's winning of the U.S. Olympics bid. Length 5.5 minutes.

3/6/14: "State rep primaries: who's the real progressive?" Mar 07, 2014

Show notes

Chicago municipal lobbyists' strategies in the state legislature; holding candidates accountable post-election; and incumbents accusing challengers of betraying ideals that they themselves betray. Length 5.5 minutes.

1/27/14: "Council rules favor mayor" Jan 28, 2014

Show notes

Compromise with the mayor as an exercise in imagination; "independent" aldermen's familiar excuse for voting with the mayor; and how aldermen game the rules to bury insurgent motions. Length 4.9 minutes.

1/17/14: "Charter schools: where does the money go?" Jan 17, 2014

Show notes

UNO's multiple face-saving tactics; the level of scrutiny the public has of neighborhood vs. charter schools; and how government funds charter schools in Chicago. Length 5.3 minutes.

12/12/13: "Democracy elusive in Chicago public schools" Dec 18, 2013

Show notes

Why aldermen representing black wards--and others--voted for an elected school board; how Lincoln Elementary parents engaged in "callocracy"; and how moving special programs out of Lincoln Elementary could solve overcrowding. Length 5.3 minutes.

11/21/13: "Aldermen's tiff on TIF" Nov 26, 2013

Show notes

The wounding of Ald. Pawar; the myth of mayoral retribution; and the best tactic when one's ordinance gets buried. Length 5.1 minutes.

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