The League, working in coalition with other local civic groups, sent a letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson and City Council members urging that they deliver on their stated commitment to transparency.

At a recent City Council Committee meeting, three of the five items on the agenda were “Direct Introduction” items, whose texts were not available to the public until after the Committee and then the Council voted on them, using the Rule 41 loophole to bypass the normal process.

After a successful effort to change City Council Rules in March, the new Council changed the Rules again in May, once again allowing Direct Introduction Items. The League is back at it, working to increase government transparency and allow for public input.

The City Council should close a loophole that leaves the public in the dark about what is being voted on. Read our Chicago Tribune Letter to the Editor.

While Chicago’s City Council is undoubtedly more transparent and accountable than ever before, it is high time we closed the gaping loophole that Rule 41 leaves in our city’s legislative process. 

Contact your alder by Tuesday, January 17, to let them know you support Item #R2022-1116, which would ensure that legislative items be posted for the public at least 48 hours before a City Council Committee meets.

The League will work with Alders Reilly and Waguespack to obtain approval of a proposal increasing transparency to the workings of the City Council.

A League-supported legislative item failed to pass last week, but we expect to work with sponsor Ald. Reilly and the rest of the City Council so this step toward greater transparency can be taken in the future.

Contact your alder by 2 pm on Tuesday, October 25, to let them know you support Item #R2022-687, which would ensure that legislative items be posted for the public at least 48 hours before a City Council Committee meets.

LWV Chicago President Jane Ruby has sent a letter to the City Council urging that they pass this good government measure.

League President Jane Ruby sent a letter to the City Council’s Ethics Committee urging greater transparency.

Crediting the League, Ald. Reilly (42nd) has recently filed a proposal that would enable the public to see “direct introduction” items proposed by the mayor and city departments.