Back by (somewhat) popular demand!
“TIF 101” Returns To The CivicLab
Category Archives: Activism
CivicLab Profiled In Progress Illinois
The CivicLab was profiled in the June 27th edition of Progress Illinois.
“July marks one year since the CivicLab, a non-profit organization, opened its “democracy design studio” in the West Loop of Chicago.
Looking ahead, one of the CivicLab’s co-founders says big plans are in the pipeline for year two of the co-working space, which is dedicated to collaboration, education and innovation for social change and civic engagement.
Seven organizations focused on issues such as housing justice, voter registration and health care are currently working out of the CivicLab’s storefront, located at 114 N. Aberdeen St.
Other activists, designers, educators and tech experts also gather and do research at the space, which is housed in a rehabbed 1890s firehouse that sits across the street from Harpo Studios, where “The Oprah Winfrey Show” was previously filmed.
In addition to offering a place where people can collaborate, the CivicLab hosts educational workshops and is behind the volunteer-based TIF Illumination Project, which is working to promote transparency around Chicago’s controversial tax increment financing (TIF) program.” [read the full article]
Get Civic Smart @ The CivicLab
Come by and visit The Civic Lab @ 114 N. Aberdeen Street. Take a workshop. Teach a workshop. Co-work here. Intern here
.
Take The “Future of TIFs in Chicago” Survey
The TIF Illumination Project has Illuminated 147 TIFs across 25 wards. Over 2,000 people have been at these meetings and over 40 media stories have been written about our work. We’d like to know what YOU think should now be done with or to the TIF Program in Chicago. Remember, in 2012 TIFs extracted almost $500 million in property taxes from Chicago property tax payers.
PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY. THANK YOU!
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.
CivcLab Loft Space Available June 1!
Come June 1st, the lo
ft space at The CivicLab will be available! We have a great location in the West Loop blocks away from the Morgan St. El stop, and the Hasted Bus. Amenities include a full kitchen, private bathroom, conference room, business class Internet access, cheap copies, a shop for building stuff and a space for classes and events. Most importantly – a community of fabulous co-workers doing amazing projects to advance the public good. Become part of America’s only co-working space dedicated to civic engagement and social justice! For information, contact Benjamin Sugar at cowork@civiclab.us. Learn more about our space.
Knight News Challenge On
Can you help The CivicLab advance through the Knight News Challenge? We’re seeking support to evolve our Civic Illumination work. 
Full House @ The CivicLab on Running For Local Office
The amazing Kitty Kurth and Kevin Lampe give democracy training all over the world. This morning they are at the CivicLab giving a workshop on how to run for local office. We have people from all over the city here seeking civic knowledge. Some will run and others plan on helping others to run.
About The CivicLab & The TIF Illumination Project
Check out this great video shot by the folks at the Progressive Democrats of America. It’s 28 minutes long and lays out what the CivicLab is all about and how The TIF Illumination Project works AND reveals the details of the 12 TIFs of the 27th Ward. Whew!
The TIF Illumination Project Is One Year Old!
We launched the TIF Illumination Project at the Chopin Theater one year ago! What a wild ride it’s been. Here is an account of the work we’ve done. Comments are welcome.
CivicLab Launches Next Phase Of Civic Illumination
On February 1 ten volunteer researchers braved the blankets of snow falling on Chicago to gather at the CivicLab to launch the next phase our our Civic Illumination work. We are now looking at the New Market Tax Credit Program and hedge fund activities in Chicago. This six minute video introduces the work and the reason for undertaking it. To get more details or to volunteer, contact Tom Tresser at tom@civiclab.us.