Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Civic Consulting Alliance?
- Who makes up Civic Consulting?
- What does Civic Consulting do?
- Why does the model work so well?
- Why do business partners participate?
- Is Civic Consulting a government entity?
- Who can use Civic Consulting?
- How is Civic Consulting funded and how does it charge?
- How does Civic Consulting decide what projects to work on?
We are a partnership that reshapes how the city works. We build pro bono teams of our own staff, business experts, and government leaders. Together we figure out workable and enduring ways to make our city more livable, affordable, and globally competitive.
Our staff includes seasoned professionals, with experience leading a series of projects from conception through implementation to effect long-term change. They draw on talent from major firms and government agencies to form project teams. A volunteer board oversees our work.
We are focused on making our metropolitan area more livable, affordable and globally competitive. Our work requires expert resources applied in increments over a long period of time to implement projects that together produce tangible results, such as higher graduation and employment rates, reduced government costs, and less red tape for businesses. Government agencies neither have the capacity, time, nor expertise to address the issues we undertake.
Our approach is designed for results. We stage a series of projects to create a sequence of results that, over time, addresses complex issues and opportunities. Teams are tailored for each specific phase, ensuring that world-class talent is used most effectively. Our government partners commit to implementing the changes we jointly identify as necessary, and we work with them to steward that implementation. This results in a very high success rate for our work, engendering trust and confidence in our service.
The partnerships we build aspire to see Chicago become one of the greatest cities in the world and our partners want to contribute to that vision. In becoming involved, partners demonstrate their commitment to the city and can be assured their work will make a real impact. Establishing implementation as a fundamental principle means that our teams facilitate and experience rewarding change on each project, thus making Civic Consulting the most effective way for firms to work pro bono on metropolitan issues.
No. Civic Consulting Alliance is independent of the City of Chicago. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and an outside resource for local government to tap into.
Civic Consulting works primarily with large city government. Historically, the majority of work has been for the City of Chicago and its sister agencies.
Civic Consulting provides its services free of charge. A small core staff is supported by funding from the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago, one of the oldest organizations representing the business, professional, educational and cultural leaders of the Chicago region, and foundations that understand the value the organization provides. For every dollar invested in our organization, we are able to provide approximately ten dollars in service to our clients, thanks to the civic commitment of partners who contribute pro bono teams.
We only take on projects where we believe we have the opportunity for significant impact. Projects are chosen by the size and scope of the issue, as well as by our ability to effect change. Large, pressing problems affecting a broad swath of businesses and residents get top priority. Our goal is to find workable and enduring answers with tangible results.