Category Archives: Democracy

Take The “Future of TIFs in Chicago” Survey

The TIF Illumination Project has Illuminated 147 TIFs across 25 wards. Over 2,000 people have been at these meetings and over 40 media stories have been written about our work. We’d like to know what YOU think should now be done with or to the TIF Program in Chicago. Remember, in 2012 TIFs extracted almost $500 million in property taxes from Chicago property tax payers.

PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY. THANK YOU!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

CivcLab Loft Space Available June 1!

Come June 1st, the loft space at The CivicLab will be available! We have a great location in the West Loop blocks away from the Morgan St. El stop, and the Hasted Bus. Amenities include a full kitchen, private bathroom, conference room, business class Internet access, cheap copies, a shop for building stuff and a space for classes and events. Most importantly – a community of fabulous co-workers doing amazing projects to advance the public good. Become part of America’s only co-working space dedicated to civic engagement and social justice! For information, contact Benjamin Sugar at cowork@civiclab.us. Learn more about our space.

Knight News Challenge On

Can you help The CivicLab advance through the Knight News Challenge? We’re seeking support to evolve our Civic Illumination work.

Inequality On Rise

We need a new narrative for Chicago and U.S. politics. We are NOT broke. We need MORE public, not less. New book, “Capital in the Twenty-First Century” lays it all out.

CivicLab Helps Design “I, Citizen”

The CivicLab is helping to build the “I, Citizen Project” with the folks from the Museum of Contemporary Phenomena. This interactive experience will be unfolding at the Columbia College Glass Curtain Gallery in April.

I, Citizen – The Activist Game MAKERS Workshop from Helen Slade on Vimeo.

Full House @ The CivicLab on Running For Local Office

The amazing Kitty Kurth and Kevin Lampe give democracy training all over the world. This morning they are at the CivicLab giving a workshop on how to run for local office. We have people from all over the city here seeking civic knowledge. Some will run and others plan on helping others to run.

CivicLab Profiled In NBC Chicago’s “Ward Room”

Check out this great profile of The CivicLab from NBC Chicago’s “Ward Room.”

About The CivicLab & The TIF Illumination Project

Check out this great video shot by the folks at the Progressive Democrats of America. It’s 28 minutes long and lays out what the CivicLab is all about and how The TIF Illumination Project works AND reveals the details of the 12 TIFs of the 27th Ward. Whew!

The TIF Illumination Project Is One Year Old!

We launched the TIF Illumination Project at the Chopin Theater one year ago! What a wild ride it’s been. Here is an account of the work we’ve done. Comments are welcome.

CivicLab Launches Next Phase Of Civic Illumination

On February 1 ten volunteer researchers braved the blankets of snow falling on Chicago to gather at the CivicLab to launch the next phase our our Civic Illumination work. We are now looking at the New Market Tax Credit Program and hedge fund activities in Chicago. This six minute video introduces the work and the reason for undertaking it. To get more details or to volunteer, contact Tom Tresser at tom@civiclab.us.