City of Chicago, IL

Chicago's O'Hare $1.77 billion offering took center stage this week with the city offering a diverse structure to lure buyers.

The Minnesota Airports Commission is also in the bond market with a $386 million deal this week, followed by Chicago's $1.77 billion transaction next week.

Chicago put its message on fiscal progress directly to bondholders at the annual investors conference last week.

Chicago projects a $127.9 million gap looms in 2023. That's down from the $306 million projected in May and the $867 million from last year's forecast for the coming year.

Chicago will conduct a full-court press of the buy side next week.

Fitch and S&P moved the district's outlook to stable as its balance sheet weathered the COVID-19 storm and pension overhaul legislation removes the threat of looming insolvency.

Chicago laid out three options for updating Soldier Field whether or not the Bears stay, but had little to say on financing plans beyond offering naming rights, league financing and debt as options to be explored.

State Rep. Mark Batinick said he’s generally not a fan of red light cameras, but if they are going to be used, the fines should go to a source “that needs it and removes any motivation to simply use the cameras as a way to further tax the public.”

The proposal offers no suggestions on financing the project, which, if completed, could allow the stadium to host a Super Bowl or NCAA tournament.

The investors conference allows city officials to pitch investors on its pandemic recovery and future fiscal prospects while investors get the chance to scrutinize those efforts and pose their own questions.

From disclosure to issuance labels, the Chicago finance team is shaping ESG practices that are top of mind for municipal market.

As summer beckons, it's time for a reporters' roundtable with some of the Bond Buyer's senior staff. Yvette Shields, Karen Pierog, Keeley Webster and Thomas Nocera talk with Chip Barnett about what's hot in their regions and what municipal bond market participants should expect to see in the months ahead. (25 minutes)

Chicago's decades-long casino chase has moved closer to reality with Mayor Lori Lightfoot banking on the fiscal jackpot to help fund the city's pensions.

Chicago hasn't shied away from using its relationships with investment banks to pursuit of larger social goals, but it hasn't always gone the city's way.

Chicago's preliminary projected gap in the next budget, when Mayor Lori Lightfoot has vowed to reach structural balance, is down from an $867 million estimate.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot chose a $1.7 billion proposal from Bally's over two rival plans as the city looks to casino gambling as a new source of revenue.

Joliet closed on two federal WIFIA loans that mark a milestone in the the city's plans to overhaul its water infrastructure.

Chicago must navigate council concerns over crime, traffic, gambling addiction, and labor demands as it moves closer to choosing a casino development proposal expected to generate $200 million in annual revenue.

Joliet is embarking on a $784 million project to replace old water mains and design and engineering work for a new transmission line from Lake Michigan.

The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority projects a fiscal 2022 shortfall in hotel tax collections needed to repay the annual state advance that covers debt service.