Better Government Association

The Better Government Association is Illinois’ only non-partisan, full-service watchdog organization with investigative, civic, and policy teams that work for transparency, efficiency, and accountability in government in Chicago and across the state. We shine a light on waste and wrongdoing in government, hold elected officials accountable, litigate for open records and meetings, advocate for good government and empower citizens to engage and act.

How We Operate

The BGA’s Investigations team and Policy team operate autonomously, with internal policy and practices that ensure the separation of journalism and advocacy. The Investigations team produces objective, high-impact reporting that enlightens readers and leads to better government in Chicago and across Illinois. The Policy and Civic Engagement teams work in a non-partisan manner to advance good government in Illinois, taking action at times in response to BGA investigations.

Editorial Independence Policy

We subscribe to standards of editorial independence adopted by the Institute for Nonprofit News:

Our organization retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our organization. We maintain a firewall between news coverage decisions and sources of all revenue. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of donors or their products, services or opinions. We accept gifts, grants, and sponsorships from individuals and organizations for the general support of our activities, but our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support. Our organization may consider donations to support the coverage of particular topics, but our organization maintains complete editorial control of all coverage. We will cede no right of review or influence of editorial content, nor of unauthorized distribution of editorial content. We will accept anonymous donations, for general support only, and only under conditions that safeguard and protect the editorial independence of our organization in compliance with INN's Membership Standards.