News & Projects
Our work Is expansive, and so are the stories that shape the Chicago region’s civic ecosystem.
This space is designed to inform, inspire, and celebrate the collective efforts to create a more vibrant, equitable, and prosperous Chicago region for all.
From partner spotlights and project updates to deep dives on key initiatives, we share the moments, milestones, and ideas that reflect our collaborative approach.
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Commercial Property Tax Report Implementation
Civic Consulting Alliance has been a partner in advancing Cook County's property tax reform efforts, leveraging deep system knowledge and cross-agency expertise built over years of related work. When the County released a report on commercial valuation practices in December 2024, CCA was tapped to turn roughly 20 recommendations into a workable plan.
CCA developed detailed initiative charters with clear ownership, milestones, and timelines, facilitated a structured prioritization process to sequence reforms around the upcoming assessment cycle, and designed a PMO framework to keep stakeholders aligned and progress on track. The result is a credible implementation plan that makes Cook County's property tax system more accurate, transparent, and equitable — reducing appeals, stabilizing revenues, and protecting historically overburdened communities.
Cook County Bureau of Asset Management Strategic Plan
The Bureau of Asset Management (the Bureau) comprises three departments responsible for constructing, developing, and maintaining Cook County’s approximately 200 unique properties, which total over 19 million square feet. The Bureau has also seen significant changes in its responsibilities, including a new Build Up Cook program and an expanding Capital Program.
Plan of Action for Regional Transit: A collaborative effort to reform our transit system
CTA, Metra, and Pace are heading toward a fiscal cliff as emergency federal assistance is expiring and ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels. Without action, a $730 million (20%) budget shortfall is projected for 2026. This will lead to service cuts of 30 to 40 percent and a vicious cycle of lower ridership and fare revenue, which, in turn, would require further budget cuts.
“Civic Consulting Alliance was instrumental in getting the Cut the Tape initiative off the ground quickly. Their in-depth research on peer cities and insightful stakeholder engagement helped us identify ways to streamline the City’s real estate development process. This not only saved us valuable time but also ensured we targeted the highest-impact solutions that will lead to more affordable housing and vibrant commercial corridors throughout Chicago.”
Kenya Merritt, Deputy Mayor of Business and Neighborhood Development, City of Chicago