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The article compares the economic conditions in various cities in America, focusing on a shortfall involving six of Chicago, Illinois' retirement funds, fiscal problems in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the expectation that the city of St. Louis, Missouri will underperform in relation to its regional neighbors such as Indianapolis, Indiana. Hurricane Katrina's economic impact on New Orleans, Louisiana is mentioned, along with the stabilization of the housing market in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The article discusses the different challenges confronting Rahm Emanuel as the mayor of Chicago, Illinois. It notes that Emanuel must address several issues left by his predecessor, Richard M. Daley, such as fiscal problems, high murder rates in some parts of the city and neglected infrastructure. Moreover, it is noted that Emanuel believes that his job requires him to make right decisions to prevent the city from collapsing. Information about the life and career of Emanuel is also provided.

The article reports that the concrete pavement industry, in conjunction with Illinois Department of Transportation, has developed new techniques to meet public agencies' resurfacing needs. Following a Whitetopping open house at District 1 headquarters in Schaumburg. The Prairie Group made the decision to put the techniques into practice and Whitetop the roadway leading to its quarry on N. Lorang Road near Elbum. The entrance to the quarry is on a public township road for which the centerline sits exactly on the border between Kaneville and Blackberry townships.

Reports on the decision of the Chicago Resource Center (CRC) to offer grants for gay organizations in Chicago, Illinois. Reasons for the move of the CRC; Amount handed to the chosen organizations; Emphasis on helping develop programs for the gay and lesbian community.

Reports on the conduction of the U.S. Labor Against the War's leadership assembly in December 2004 in Chicago, Illinois. Number of attending delegates from labor organizations; Aim of the group to stop the militarization of the American society and the world; Recommendation to transfer funding from war efforts to education; Impact of the loss of funds from the federal budget on domestic programs; Launch of an educational campaign developing a curriculum to schools and community colleges revealing the budget priorities of the U.S. government between the military and health and education.

Reports on the testimony of Illinois Lieutenant Governor Patrick Quinn to the U.S. Veterans Affairs Committee regarding innovative state efforts to assist military personnel in June 2004. Explanation for the concept of Military Relief Fund; Amount distributed by the state to assist military officials; Resolution passed by the National Lieutenant Governors Association.

The article reports on the fiscal challenges of Rahm Emanuel, the successor of Mayor Richard Daley, in Chicago, Illinois. It outlines the report released by Emanuel which projects that the budget deficit of the city will reach 700 million dollars. It highlights the reorganization plan proposed by Emanuel which is expected to be approved by the City Council.

Reports that Republican lawmakers has charged Illinois Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich's administration with including misleading information regarding the state's financial condition in a bond deal that was sold September 2005. Background of the information being disputed; Citation of a document informing readers that a reduction in some pension benefits would result in a lowering of the state's required annual contribution to the underfunded pension systems; Statement of state Senator Christine Radogno on the issue.

Reports on the plan of the city of Chicago, Illinois to include in its upcoming new-money and refunding bond sale a tranche of retail-oriented securities that will be marketed to individual investors. Goal of the move to broaden the city's investor base; Structure of securities that will be issued to investors; Order period for the transaction.

This article presents a list of largest homebuilders in Chicago, Illinois. Of the 25 homebuilders on the list, 19 increased local revenues. Fordham Co., which in 2003 sold 80% of the 227 units in its namesake tower at 25 E. Superior St., led the group with an increase of 231.0%. Some of the companies are Fordham Co., Kennedy Homes LP, MCZ Development Corp., Neumann Homes Inc., Ryland Homes, etc.

The article offers information on the fiscal crisis of the state of Illinois. Topics include the need for Governor Bruce Rauner to address issues on taxes, education, and business reforms, the temporary income tax hikes that were implemented in 2011, and Rauner's mandate regarding spending freeze in the state's government. It also mentions other issues facing Illinois such as the possible rise in pension payments, general fund deficit, and unpaid bills.

The article presents a report by the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability which highlighted the combined burdened of unfunded local state pension liabilities in Chicago, Illinois. Indicated is that the unfunded obligations has already reached 103 billion U.S. dollars as of 2010. Also noted is that the Chicago Laborer's fund is headed toward insolvency in 2035 and that will reach its tipping point by 2030. One of the funds reviewed indicated an increase in obligations.

The article reports on the Cook County, Illinois board hearing on the proposed amendments to President Todd Stroger's $3.2 billion 2008 budget on November 27, 2007 and a possible vote of the overall spending plan on November 30. The board president proposed budget closes to an estimated $241 million deficit by an increase of sales tax to 2.75 percent from 0.75 percent. Stroger also proposed doubling the gasoline tax to 12 cents from 6 cents.

The article reports on the presentation of the proposed $3.2 billion budget of Cook County,Illinois for 2008 by board president Todd Stroger. The proposal relies on $240 million in additional revenue from an increase in the county's sales tax to 2.75 percent from 0.75 percent. Stroger told the Board of Commissioners that the new revenue will cover the $240 million deficit. He estimated that the sales tax increase would generate $460 million.

The article reports that Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley has taken for granted tax-increment financing (TIF) in the city. It was stated that Mayor Daley truly loves TIF and at several times, he uses them well. Moreover, as in any long term relationship, Daley increasingly has taken for granted TIFs that more than $386 million in TIF revenue is becoming available every year which is spent on frills and not priorities.

The article reports on the credit profile of some school districts that rely heavily on premium bond structures in Illinois. The rating agency found that the state's school district sector does not face immediate credit pressure from the use of premium bond structures. The author discusses the impact of the use of capital appreciation bonds on some school districts.

The article reports on the formation of a committee in Chicago, Illinois to explore the feasibility for the city to bid for the 2016 summer Olympics. The committee will be composed of civic and business leaders. According to mayor Richard Daley, he will divert local tax to finance any improvements or facilities needed to host the Olympics.

Reports on the approval of the Columbus City Council to the second phase of a three-part, bond-funded development project in Columbus, Illinois. Anticipation for the River South Community Authority to issue bonds for the project; Cost associated with the undertaking; Approval of a new five-year capital plan for the city.

Reports on the support for the issuance of bonds by members of the Cook County Forest Preserve District in Cook County, Illinois. Purpose of the issuance to pay for improvements in the district; Recommendation for the city to create a long-term capital plan.

Reports on the termination of the lawsuit filed by Wood River Township in Illinois to stop repayment of multi-million dollars of bonds issued by its own hospital as of December 9, 2002. Refusal of the Madison County Associate Circuit Judge about the township's eligibility to file the lawsuit; Accusations of the township on the hospital; Decision of the hospital's board to collect taxes to fund operating expenses.

Reports on developments pertaining to the lawsuit filed by Wood River Township, Illinois, that seeks to halt repayment of bonds issued for a hospital and recoup taxpayer funds already paid to investors. Scheduled hearing of the case on February 2001; Appearance of the parties involved in the litigation before a madison County Circuit Court Judge on December 15, 2000.

Reports that the Chicago Park District will market general obligation issue to benefit several museums and aquariums, as part of the state of Illinois' debt program. Park District officials' optimism that other local governments that benefit from cultural institutions will shoulder some of the financial burden; Use of proceeds from the bond sale for the funding of various maintenance and construction projects.

Reports on Illinois Governor George Ryan's decision to stick with his $12 billion infrastructure package, despite calls from some lawmakers to scale back. Efforts to reconfigure the funding sources for the package; Key provisions in the package; Terms of the program unveiled by Ryan in early May 1999.

Reports on campaign research conducted by Republican incumbent, Senator Walter Dudycz in Chicago Illinois on his opponent Robert Martwick Junior and Township Trustees. Rate at which the trustees were paid; Funds in the Township's bank account.

States that the JCCC Foundation, a group bankrolled by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago, Illinois, donated one million dollars in grants to area schools and civic and cultural organizations. How the grants will be used; Number of organizations receiving grants.

Presents news items about local finance in Illinois. Amount of general obligation bonds Chicago plans to issue as part of Mayor Richard Daley's `Neighborhoods Alive' campaign. Amount of federal law enforcement money the city is willing to share for Cook County's police and court costs.