Infrastructure Trust Approved Without Proper Taxpayer Protections

Illinois PIRG

Chicago– Today the Chicago City Council voted 41-7 to establish the Chicago Infrastructure Trust, despite many continued, substantial concerns from aldermen, Illinois PIRG and other advocacy organizations, and members of the public.

The Chicago Infrastructure Trust will be a not-for-profit organization designed to leverage private dollars to help rebuild Chicago’s public infrastructure. The ordinance to establish the Trust was approved despite concerns over a lack of public protections including enforceable oversight, transparency and accountability measures.

“It’s disappointing that many aldermen haven’t learned from the mistakes of the parking meter deal and passed an ordinance without adequate public protections built into it,” said Celeste Meiffren, Field Director with Illinois PIRG. “The Trust does not ensure that taxpayers receive a fair value, the conflict-of-interest and transparency provisions do not go nearly far enough, and it was pushed through the City Council so quickly that there was not adequate time for these concerns to be addressed.”

“Illinois PIRG commends the seven aldermen that were willing to vote ‘no’ on this ordinance. Unfortunately, their leadership was not enough to stop this fast moving proposal,’ said Meiffren.