Civic Federation records

The scene was set on November 12, 1893 when William T. Stead, editor of the London Review of Reviews and known as a crusader against vice in England, made two speeches in Chicago. In these speeches, Stead asked what need to be done to better the conditions in Chicago. Present at the second meeting was W. C. Pomeroy, President of the Waiters Union, who called for the appointment of a committee of twenty-one to serve as a civic federation. The select group of five included L. T. O’Brien, representing labor; Professor Edward N. Burris, representing education; T. W. Harvey, representing commerce; Dr. H. Thomas of the People’s Church, representing religion; and Jane Addams, representing women. The five proceeded to select over forty individuals with the goal of forming a concentration of non-political and non-sectarian leaders to advance municipal, philanthropic, industrial and moral interests in Chicago. This group would become known as the Civic Federation. By 1894, the group received its first charter and held its first meeting. Lyman J. Gage was elected the first president while Mrs. Potter Palmer was elected as the first vice-president. Early initiatives include gambling, prostitution, corruption, clean streets, sanitary food, and the New Chicago Charter, also known as “Home Rule” to consolidate the revenues and taxes currently deriving from multiple townships and government structures.

By 1910, the focus of the Civic Federation shifted its emphasis to the monitoring public funds and how taxpayer money was distributed for use amongst local government bodies for services and infrastructure. Their analysis of bonds, budgets, federal aid, tax revenues, and other funds throughout the Chicago area led to their advocacy for or against legislative and city initiatives as well as to further analysis into the areas funded such as education, health, parks, pensions, sanitation, transportation, or urban planning. Beginning in 1910, their research and advocacy efforts were published and distributed as bulletins. Since that time, the work of the Civic Federation has grown to encompass statements made before various boards, organizations, and government bodies; news releases; regular and specialized reports; and collaboration with various community leaders.

In 1932, the Civic Federation merged with the non-profit Chicago Bureau of Public Efficiency. This advantageous union brought skilled staff and additional membership to support the organization. Financed through a subscription-based membership of commercial business, professional firms, private citizens, and other groups, the Civic Federation operates through a combination of dedicated staff members and representatives from these contributing organizations who serve on various committees and the Board of Directors. Over the years, the Civic Federation has consistently examined the myriad sources of urban revenue and its distribution. The core areas of examination have remained over the years, but different committees and analysis shift in emphasis over the years to reflect the larger city and state initiatives and planning such as the creation of the Deep Tunnel project or the creation of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA).