Company Profile

Company Description:

For nearly 100 years, the Better Government Association has fought corruption, waste, secrecy and inequity by shining a spotlight on the workings of government in Illinois. 

The BGA was founded in 1923 by a small group of clergymen, lawyers and businessmen. The founders believed that “public officials under close scrutiny would serve the public better; that the best voter was an informed one and the best citizen was an involved one.”

In the mid–1950s, that scrutiny began to take the form of investigative reporting, leading to some of the most significant journalistic exposés published in Illinois.

Today, the BGA has grown to comprise nine investigative journalists. With growing expertise in data journalism, this team digs in deeply to access and analyze public records, revealing stories and connections that legacy media no longer have the time and resources to pursue.

Under the leadership of President and CEO David Greising, today the BGA also proudly claims an active policy team that advocates for more fair and efficient government through reforms. We fight for transparency by testifying and filing suit to protect and enforce open meetings laws and win access to public records.

Through civic engagement and community building, we also work to inform and engage citizens, equipping them with information, techniques and tools to demand government accountability.