News

Introduction

Stay informed with the latest media coverage and external news featuring GCI’s work and impact.

TIF Districts Raised Taxes but Failed to Spur Development, from WTTW

Posted on September 01, 2026

WTTW News reports GCI’s new TIF study that finds Chicago’s system raised property taxes, deepened inequities, and yielded limited growth.

New study finds Chicago TIF investments favor downtown

Posted on August 31, 2026

On FOX 32 Chicago’s Good Day Chicago, GCI Director Teresa Córdova discusses TIF inequities, neighborhood disinvestment, and needed reforms.

Juan González on Chicago Funding Real Estate, Not Services

Posted on August 28, 2026

On Democracy Now!, Juan González discusses GCI’s findings on Chicago TIF inequities, diverted revenues, taxpayer burdens, and needed reforms.

FOX 32 Chicago host interviews Great Cities Institute researcher Juan González in the studio, with the Chicago skyline behind them.

Chicago Report - Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Posted on August 28, 2026

On FOX 32 Chicago’s Chicago Report, Juan González discusses GCI’s findings on TIF inequities, taxpayer burdens, and proposed reforms.

Aerial view of downtown Chicago, showing the skyline, high-rise buildings, highways, rail lines, and surrounding neighborhoods near Lake Michigan. (Curtis Waltz / aerialscapes.com)

Study Questions Chicago’s TIF Payoff; Developers Defend Its Impact

Posted on August 28, 2026

Crain’s Chicago Business reports GCI research finding that Chicago’s TIF system raised property taxes while favoring downtown development.

A person walks along a path through a tree-lined green space in Chicago, with a brick residential building visible in the background. Photo credit: Jamie Kelter Davis for The New York Times.

Chicago Development Program Left Poor Areas Behind, Study Says

Posted on August 27, 2026

From New York Times article, GCI researchers find Chicago’s TIF disproportionately benefits downtown while raising taxes and deepening inequities.

Group photo of UIC faculty, staff, and community leaders standing together in front of a colorful mural during a Latine community recognition event.

Chancellor’s Committee on Status of Latinos recognizes notable members

Posted on May 13, 2026

CCSL honored Teresa Córdova for advancing Latino communities through scholarship, leadership, mentorship, and equity-centered partnerships.

A gallery wall displays framed posters and student artwork focused on Latino and Latinx history and social justice. The posters include messages such as “Our History Matters,” “Latinx History Matters,” and “We Deserve Credit Too,” along with collages of historical figures, cultural symbols, and images related to civil rights movements. The colorful display is mounted on a purple wall with a mural partially visible on the left.

Funding Cuts, Shrinking Philanthropy Threaten Latino Arts

Posted on March 10, 2026

Article highlights Latino arts funding disparities in Chicago, citing Great Cities Institute research and efforts supporting Latino theater visibility.

ASN Releases GCI Youth Joblessness Findings and Urges Action

Posted on February 12, 2026

ASN highlights a recent GCI report exposing Illinois youth joblessness crisis and calling for major workforce investment.

A room full of business leaders listened to, pictured above from left, T. William Lester, Dean Jon Gould, Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and Raiven Greenberg present the findings from a survey on the impacts of immigration and tariff policies. Photos by Karen Tapia

OC businesses lose $59M following immigration enforcement

Posted on January 27, 2026

Research shows intensified immigration enforcement devastated Orange County businesses, with Matt Wilson of GCI co-authoring key economic impact analysis.