Fresh every budget cycle

Field notes for tracking Chicago's money

We turn raw civic data into clear playbooks for operators, watchdogs, and agencies. See what matters, get the numbers that prove it, and ship your next move faster.

Overtime tracked
$680M citywide
Budget items tagged
120+
Median read time
5 min
Analyst reviewing Chicago budget documents

Inside Chicago's 2025 Budget Priorities

A department-by-department look at the $16.6B plan, including the capital projects pulling the most funding and contract line-items poised for vendor competition.

Explore supporting data
Team planning outreach using city payroll data

How to Turn City Payroll Data Into Daily Outreach

Build micro-segments from open payroll records, script intros that reference overtime surges, and deliver value before the pitch. We share templates that keep response rates high.

Launch the salary tool
Contractor walking a Chicago construction site

Field Guide: Tracking Permits Before Seasonal Demand Hits

We map inspection surges, highlight neighborhoods primed for maintenance outreach, and share follow-up cadences that win repeat municipal business.

See permit feeds