Blurb about why Forefront rocks, caption for photo

Forefront monitors local policy proposals primarily to defend against regulatory changes that are unfavorable to the sector’s ability to partner with local governments to support community well-being. Periodically, the policy team engages more closely with local governments on key efforts (i.e., a complete Census count) in which cross-sector collaboration is vital. Forefront works closely with our philanthropic and nonprofit members and our Policy Committee to develop and/or identify local proposals that significantly impact our sector.

For more information, contact our team at PublicPolicy@MyForefront.org.

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Local Priorities

Human Services Workforce Advancement Ordinance: The Chicago City Council recently enacted the Human Services Workforce Advancement Agreement (SO2019-9497.pdf). Forefront submitted testimony opposing this ordinance, based on feedback from stakeholders, and will work with impacted stakeholders stay informed about next steps. The enacted did not contain a religious exemption but did exempt hospitals; it requires licensed essential services providers with City contracts that have 20+ employees to establish a labor peace agreement or collective bargaining agreement as a condition of contracting with the City. Similar proposals are pending at the State level; watch for related updates. Please send questions to the policy team at publicpolicy@myforefront.org.
Chicago Lobbying and Ethics Rules: Chicago has unique regulations for anyone that lobbies the City of Chicago, including nonprofits. If you lobby the City of Chicago, please review our summary of Lobbying Rules for detailed information about maintaining compliance. Forefront is actively working with City and Chicago Board of Ethics staff to clarify the City’s Lobbying ordinance for nonprofits, which may include a permanent fee waiver and minimum threshold for time and money spent on lobbying before registration is required. More information will be provided if and when a related ordinance is introduced.
ARPA Allocations: Early in the process of allocating ARPA dollars, Forefront attended a meeting with the Chicago Mayor and her staff to emphasize the importance of capital, unrestricted, and multi-year funding for the nonprofit sector. To track local ARPA allocations (including outside of Chicago), 1) visit Greater Chicago Together for information about state, county, and city ARPA funding opportunities; 2) bookmark this specific site to watch for grant opportunity announcements made available through the Chicago Recovery Plan; 3) use Chicago Community Trust’s Federal Recovery Funds database; 4) see related links on Forefront’s Federal Agenda page under Federal Budget.
Fair Elections Ordinance: Forefront is monitoring the Fair Elections Ordinance (O2022-2483), which would create a system to publicly fund municipal elections for the offices of mayor, clerk, treasurer and all 50 aldermen. This proposal is supported by Forefront partner Common Cause.

Related Resources

City of Chicago
City of Chicago Governmental Ethics Ordinance
Chicago Recovery Plan
The City of Chicago released the We Will Chicago draft framework plan, which will be presented to the Plan Commission in 2023. You can review a draft and submit feedback here.
City of Chicago Amendment Sexual Harassment Rules for Employers
Cook County
Engage Cook County
Forefront’s summary of Changes to Lobbying Rules in Illinois (2022)
Cook County – Office of the President: Racial Equity
Advocates for Local Governments – Illinois Municipal League, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus

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Local Priorities

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