Ben Joravsky Interviews: Inside Chicago Government

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben probed Ben probed Dave's ongoing investigation into police workforce allocation. In the standard and premium versions, Dave and Ben discussed typical budget tactics used in Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed 2025 budget; the past and future challenges of police workforce data; and the "clots of clout" that could frustrate efforts to deploy police personnel effectively. (For the premium version, which includes audio from quoted sources, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 47.7 minutes.

In an audio excerpt, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi revealed the impact of tax-increment financing on the sinking property assessments of Loop office buildings. Length 4.5 minutes.

In an audio excerpt, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi revealed the impact of tax-increment financing on the sinking property assessments of Loop office buildings. Length 4.5 minutes.

Fifteen City Council members called a special April 1 meeting to oust Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez as housing committee chair. In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben analyzed the raucous gathering. (Subscribers can find the full-length version at chigov.com.) Length 52.1 minutes.

In this audio from a public meeting of the Chicago Police Board on Feb 22 2024, a clash took place between the heads of the Chicago Police Dept. and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. Length 31.2 minutes.

In this audio piece, Chicago Police Dept. Superintendent Larry Snelling lent support to the controversial Shotspotter system--which Mayor Brandon Johnson has opposed. The top cop's remarks came at a January 13, 2024 public meeting of Chicago's Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability. Length 17.5 minutes.

In this audio piece, a Chicago Police Dept. sergeant revealed unsafe and unhealthy conditions at the 11th District police station on the West Side. Length 9.1 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben evaluated meetings of the Chicago City Council that took place in November of 2023. In the standard version, council members reacted to 32nd Ward Ald. Scott Waguespack's move to censure 35th Ward Ald. Carlos Ramirez Rosa. In the premium version: One alderman claims, explicitly, what Rosa did to intimidate her; Rosa's act of contrition; controversy around two proposals for referenda to be put before voters in March; and the raucous rules committee meeting. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 11.3 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben probed audio from several meetings of the Chicago City Council in September, 2023. In the standard version, Mayor Brandon Johnson and aldermen introduced a measure to use real estate transfer taxes for housing the unhoused. In the premium version: aldermen discussed tax-increment financing to buy a building intended as a migrant shelter; a controversy around Mayor Johnson's pick for city comptroller; and why and how the the Sept. 13 full-council "phantom" meeting took place. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 10.3 minutes.

In audio from a June 2, 2023 public meeting, lawyers from the city of Chicago and the American Civil Liberties Union clashed on the pace of police reforms mandated by the 2019 Consent Decree. Length 23.2 minutes.

In this audio piece, a public safety commission member questioned police workforce allocation--a matter also highlighted in a report by Mayor Brandon Johnson's transition team. Length 6.8 minutes.

In this audio piece, members of Chicago's Use of Force Community Working Group criticized use-of-force training by the Chicago Police Department. Length 8.5 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben probed audio from 2023's May 24 and May 31 meetings of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen reacted on May 24 to Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed slate of 20 council committees and their associated chairs. In the premium version: finance committee chair Ald. Scott Waguespack's May 24 concession speech; rancor at the May 31 meeting caused by the administration's proposed funding of migrant support; and how members of the public were barred from the May 24 meeting. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 11.4 minutes.

In an audio interview, former Chicago Inspector General Joe Ferguson described an effort to formalize the training of new aldermen, and gave insights into why it failed. In the standard version, Ferguson described how the idea of an aldermanic handbook came to him. In the premium version, Ferguson explained how the handbook came together, why it fell apart, and how some of the fundamental challenges of city governance could be addressed by comprehensive, formalized aldermanic training. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 6.5 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to and evaluated audio from a special March 30 meeting of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen spoke against expanding the number of council committees from 19 to 28. In the premium version: aldermen spoke in favor of the new committees and related rules; how claims of independence smack of hypocracy; and whether the council must vote on the new committee structure again. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 11.2 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben heard and weighed parts of the March 2023 meeting of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen passionately debated whether to accept state funding for the city's migrant efforts. In the premium version: the state-funding debate continued, including a suprise parliamentary move; aldermen and Mayor Lightfoot doubled down on parliamentary moves and avoided debate on a controversial labor-union law; and different aldermen's "parting shots"--both favorable and not--at the outgoing mayor. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 11.2 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben heard and appraised parts of 2023's February meeting of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, approval of tax-increment financing for a Lincoln Ave. project bespeaks a lack of transparency. In the premium version: an alderman's blockage of Norfolk Southern Railway's South Side expansion; and multiple dramas erupting from Mayor Lightfoot's move to fast-track a Commonwealth Edison franchise agreement. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 12.1 minutes.

In an audio interview, Dave Glowacz spoke with First Ward Ald. Daniel La Spata about the training of new City Council members. In the standard version, La Spata spoke of plans to have newbies shadow their experienced peers. In the premium version: how the city's "formal" training lacked key info and had outright falsehoods; the disappearing contact info for residents; the crucial skill of lobbying; how to get put on committees; and the "jargon giraffe." (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 6.9 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to and evaluated meetings of the Chicago City Council that took place in December of 2022. In the standard version, aldermen spoke in favor of Red Line Extension (RLE) tax-increment financing (TIF). In the premium version: opposition to the RLE TIF, and what that says about TIF in Chicago generally; an overwhelming--but somewhat puzzling--approval by aldermen of a replacement for one of their peers; an activist alderman scuffled with Mayor Lori Lightfoot over a gun-control ordinance; and another attempt by aldermen to take control of committee chairmanships from the mayor. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.5 minutes.

Jonathan Silverstein, a budget analyst fired by the city's Council Office of Financial Analysis, explained his recent report: "The Real Cost of the Chicago Police Department." In the standard version, Silverstein revealed the city of Chicago's unusual budgeting practice: Many costs attributable to police are left out of CPD's budget allocation. In the premium version: how other major cities handle their police budgeting; the effect of Chicago's budgeting scheme on taxpayers; the city's persistent, if not mysterious, tendency to under-budget CPD's overtime costs; and why Silverstein's revelations are coming now. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 10.6 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to and evaluated meetings of the Chicago City Council that took place in October and November of 2022. In the standard version, aldermen challenged Mayor Lightfoot's administration about how and whether the proposed 2023 budget resurrects the Dept. of Environment. In the premium version: the education committee's acting chair disputed Lightfoot's attempt to appoint a different chair; and aldermen spoke for and against the mayor's proposed city budget. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 13 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben assessed the September, 2022 meeting of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen argued over a proposed rezoning of Chicago Housing Authority land for a soccer facility. In the premium version: zoning committee chair Ald. Tom Tunney maneuvered to further the soccer facility scheme; an aldermanic appointment by Mayor Lori Lightfoot portends a showdown over council autonomy; and a North Side alderman waved a knife while protesting a police misconduct settlement. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 11.3 minutes.

In an audio interview with Ill. government veteran Kevin Lamm, Dave Glowacz explored a 1980 state constitution amendment that fundamentally changed the state House. In the standard version, Lamm explained the big switch in 1980 from cumulative voting in House districts. In the premium version: Pat Quinn's citizen referendum; a more polarized House of Representatives; Tom Quinn argues for the switch; and ranked choice voting as a successor to cumulative voting. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 7 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben analyzed the July, 2022 meeting of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, members of the public remain cut off from aldermen. In the premium version: Ninth Ward Ald. Anthony Beale's speed camera curb goes down; boosted enforcement against illegal drag racing; and the mayor defends her NASCAR race scheme. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 9.3 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben dissected June, 2022 meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, the ethicality of a non-election aldermanic turnover in the 24th Ward. In the premium version: more legislative twists and turns for Ninth Ward Ald. Anthony Beale's attempt to raise the speed at which Chicago's speed limit cameras are triggered. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 10 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben evaluated May, 2022 meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen showed their upset with a ward remap compromise--and with each other. In the premium version: pointed objections to Mayor Lightfoot's casino project; aldermen tussle over the mayor's proposed new curfew rules; and an effort to grill city officials about youth safety comes to a surprising conclusion. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 10 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben evaluated April and May, 2022 meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen oppose Mayor Lightfoot's $12.5 million proposal to distribute 100,000 prepaid transit cards and 50,000 prepaid gas-station cards. In the premium version: aldermen speak in favor of the transit and gas giveaway; a convoluted vote on the giveaway; a trance of TIF gifts; 9th Ward Ald. Anthony Beale push to cut speeding tickets thwarted again; and Ald. Brendan Reilly bets against a temporary casino in the 42nd Ward. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 10 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben evaluated March, 2022 meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, excitement and confusion over the council's first-ever use of electronic voting. In the premium version: dismay and righteousness at the mayor's proposed casino super-committee; the special council session to approve a new 11th Ward alderman; and the current drama around the effort to create a council legal staff. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 7.5 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to and opined on parts of 2022's February meeting of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen discussed the city's policy around a particular (but not unique) proposed purchase of a former Aldi grocery store in a TIF district on the West Side. In the premium version: aldermen heap honors upon Ill. Secretary of State Jess White and citizen-at-large George Blakemore; the final part (perhaps) in the saga of Mayor Lightfoot's appointment for the head of COPA; and the latest on the proposed ordinance that lets the city seize assets of gang leaders. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.6 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben evaluated the Chicago City Council's "unfinished business" in evidence at its meetings that took place in January, 2022. In the standard version, 9th Ward Ald. Anthony Beale worked, again, at the Jan. 26 full council meeting to establish a legislative parliamentarian and legal staff. In the premium version: the full drama that unfolded on Jan. 26 around Ald. Beale's effort; the fate of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's emergency spending measure; and aldermanic frustration with the mayor's nominee to head the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 9 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben assessed the December 2021 meeting of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen clashed over fiscal responsibility versus rewarding bad guys in settlements of police misconduct lawsuits. In the premium version: Mayor Lightfoot responds to criticism by her former chief lawyer; the continuing saga of Ald. Anthony Beale's quest for council legal staff; the mayor's emergency spending ordinance gets felled, then jumps back up; Ald. Anthony Napolitano's final speech before colleagues OK housing against his wishes; the pandemic-caused seating of council members; and Ald. Carrie Austin's medical emergency. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.9 minutes.

In an audio interview, Ald. Anthony Beale of the Ninth Ward spoke of a proposed ordinance that would let Chicago's City Council hire its own legal department. In the standard version, Beale described the legal staff's proposed roles. In the premium version: the key role of council parliamentarian; why council members have stymied a vote; and Beale's "fiery exchange" with Mayor Lightfoot. Length 2.5 minutes. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.)

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben evaluated November 2021 meetings of Chicago's City Council, the mayor, and Police Board. In the standard version, a controversy erupted over a mayoral appointment for the permanent head of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. In the premium version: Mayor Lightfoot's emotional reaction to Ald. Walter Burnett (27); a proposed lawsuit settlement could affect how the police dept. allocates cops citywide; aldermen clash over the decennial redrawing of ward boundaries; and another top manager leaves the Office of Inspector General. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 11.1 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben assessed October meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, outgoing Inspector General Joe Ferguson warned council members about things to come. In the premium version: a mayoral proposal for people to opt out of the Chicago Police "gang database"; the council prolongs a TIF district near Lincoln Yards; Ald. Anthony Beale (9) tries--and fails--again to move stalled ordinances; Ald. Ray Lopez (15) emulates Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) in a parliamentary manuever; and police union Pres. John Catanzara pressures aldermen around a vaccine-related power shift. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 9.5 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben probed a a September meeting of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen debated a collective bargaining agreement with the Chicago Police patrolman's union. In the premium version: council members discussed a limit on the distribution of single-use foodware; Ald. Jim Gardiner (45) gave an apology to the full council; Ald. Anthony Beale (9) tussled with Mayor Lightfoot and other council members over speed limit cameras; and, at its August meeting, the Chicago Plan Commission debated low-income housing near O'Hare airport. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 10.6 minutes.

In an audio piece, housing specialists and others talk about how the creation of low-income housing in Chicago is tied to higher-income apartments--pursuant to a new Illinois incentive for developers. The standard version gives previews of comments made in the premium version by these speakers: Gov. JB Pritzker; state Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-39); Chicago housing consultant John McDermott; author Dr Robert Chaskin; Ohio State Univ. professor Dr Rachel Kleit; and Related Midwest executive Jacque Sandberg. Length 2.5 minutes. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.)

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben digested slices of July 2021 meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen traded wildly different takes on the proposed Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. In the premium version: aldermen zealously argued for and against the elected public safety commission; council members considered a rule to streamline approval of public way permits, while retaining aldermanic prerogative; and an illuminating exchange between a city lawyer and aldermen over a lawsuit payout in the case of a shooting by police. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 9.6 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben heard and critiqued parts of the June 2021 meeting of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, a parliamentary manuever on a mayoral appointment results in an unexpected, early adjournment. In the premium version: Mayor Lightfoot forces the approval of another appointment; the mayor brings the meeting to a close over fervent aldermanic objections; at a June 25 meeting, a mayoral ally thwarts a mayoral plan that'd weaken aldermen; and aldermen grill the police superintendent at a special July 2 meeting. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 9 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to and evaluated parts of the May 2021 meeting of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen tried to delay environmentally challenged affordable housing in the 12th ward. In the premium version: racial equity talk fails to stop a cannabis dispensary expansion; a parliamentary move brakes a Lake Shore Drive renaming, but puts a sponsor into overdrive; and a council character gets cut off. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.5 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to audio from April 2021 meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen wrangled over expansion of a North-Side cannabis dispensary. In the premium version: Mayor Lightfoot cuts off an alderman's mike, channelling Richard J. Daley; wildly differing cost estimates for a police complaint database; reporters who "roll around in the depths of cesspools" of mayoral rumor; and profanity erupts over the renaming of Lake Shore Drive. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.4 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to audio from the March 2021 session of the full Chicago City Council. In the standard version, alderman argued over a proposed resolution calling for condemnation of violence in India. In the premium version: debates over a building demolition surcharge pilot in Pilsen and Logan Square; lining up for and against industrial zoning regulations to address environmental concerns; and controversy over a proposed guaranteed income. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.8 minutes.

In an audio interview, Alderman Andre Vasquez of Chicago's 40th Ward talked about a City Council resolution he co-sponsored that calls for a hearing on how Chicago will redraw ward boundaries. In the standard version, Vasquez defended his resolution from critiques by the council's Latino Caucus. In the premium version: questions about selecting an independent remap commission; how non-whites can represent whites; and avoiding the "back room." Length 5.1 minutes. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.)

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to audio from February 2021 sessions of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, Ald. Ed Burke (14) blasted Mayor Lori Lightfoot's proposal to apply $281.5 million of federal COVID-19 relief (via the CARES Act) to the police budget. In the premium version: Lightfoot's infamous Feb. 24 expletive; dense parliamentary maneuvers to force adjournment; warnings of federal scrutiny; and council concerns about resuming in-person meetings. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.3 minutes.

In this audio piece, members of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus blast a proposed independent commission for redrawing ward boundaries--prompting a contrarian response by Mayor Lori Lightfoot. In the premium version, hear the entire Jan. 27 Latino Caucus press conference. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 6.1 minutes.

In a discussion by journalists Dave Glowacz and Ben Joravsky, Dave and Ben listened to audio from several January 2021 sessions of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen voiced frustration with Metra pursuit of tax-increment financing for rail crossings. In the premium version: tension over Chicago's carjacking epidemic; another delay of a South Side community policing outpost; differing meanings of "transparent" redrawing of ward boundaries; and Mayor Lightfoot scolds aldermen on an immigration enforcement measure. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 8.2 minutes.

In an interview with Dave Glowacz on the Chicago Reader's Ben Joravsky Show, Dave and Ben analyzed audio from a December, 2020 City Council hearing about the botched police raid on the home of Anjanette Young, and from the council's full meeting. In the standard version, aldermen wondered why no staff from the Dept. of Law were present to answer questions. In the premium version: the cost and efficacy of search warrant-based raids; how long police must wait before busting down a door; police supe's frustration with "the Chicago way;" and the mysterious burying of an immigrant-related ordinance. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 6.9 minutes.

In this audio piece, we hear Chicago Inspector General (IG) Joseph Ferguson warn members of the City Council about departures of key officials--and the effect on reform of the Chicago Police Department (CPD). In the standard version, Ferguson explained the big turnover in the position of Deputy IG for Public Safety. In the premium version, Ferguson spoke of the "fiscal consequences" of departures by the other key players in Chicago police reform--and why their exit will stymie transformation of CPD. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 2.8 minutes.

In an interview with Dave Glowacz on the Chicago Reader's Ben Joravsky Show, Ben and Dave comment on audio from November 2020's approval by the Chicago City Council of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's 2021 budget ordinances. The standard version features an audio collage of aldermen voicing their support for and objections to the mayor's budget proposals. In the premium version: incongruous votes by some; the annual criticisms don't change, but the critics do; what happens to progressive revenue proposals; and an alderman plays the age card. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 7.5 minutes.

In an audio interview with former Chicago budget director Paul Vallas, Dave Glowacz explored ideas for the city of Chicago's 2021 budget. Length 6 minutes. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.)

In an audio interview with an inquisitive Chicago voter, Dave Glowacz explains one way to choose Cook County judges in a general election: by using the bar association recommendations found at voteforjudges.org. This episode is reprised from an October 29, 2016 interview. Length 16.1 minutes. (For the full-length video version, subscribe at chigov.com.)

In an interview with Dave Glowacz on the Chicago Reader's Ben Joravsky Show, Ben and Dave react to audio from October 2020 meetings of the Chicago City Council. In the standard version, aldermen want more say in approving TIF-funded projects. In the premium version: how minority-owned businesses get city contracts; how a proposed affordable housing ordinance got sidelined; and a proposed end to funding for cops in schools. (For the full-length version, subscribe at chigov.com.) Length 7.8 minutes.