Is Chicago More Corrupt Than Other Cities?
The Inspector General’s office has a broad mandate. Their job is to “promote economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity by identifying corruption, waste, and mismanagement in city government.” Basically, that means trying to clean up bad behavior in a city that is known for political corruption. Joe Ferguson led that office for 12 years, through three different mayors, a federal investigation of Chicago’s Police Department, and numerous scandals that have revealed racism, sexism, political patronage, and resulted in indictments of sitting alder people. He retired this month. Ferguson tells us how he kept pushing for more transparency and better government (even when it seemed like nothing would change), and answers the question: Is Chicago really more corrupt than other cities?
Guest: Joe Ferguson — Former Inspector General, City of Chicago
Related Links:
Related News Links:
Chicago Creative Worker Assistance Program
Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago
Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
West Ridge YMCA For Sale, Indie Concerts Archive, and Chicago’s Worst Trades
Chicago YMCA locations have fallen on hard times in recent decades. After the West Ridge location closed in 2021, neighbors fought to sav...
South Side Birthing Center, 75th Street Welcomes Visitors, and Chicago’s ‘81 Club’
Just in time for Black Doula Day, the kick off to Black Maternal Health Week, the Chicago South Side Birthing Center broke ground this we...
Broadview Protesters Face Trial, Farmers Market Prices Rise, and Where to Karaoke in Chicago
The trial against the Broadview Four, a group of high-profile protesters arrested and charged with conspiracy back in September, is set t...
Why Can’t the Sky Keep Stars? Plus, The Hideout’s New Ownership
Earlier this week, the Chicago Sky traded All-Star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream for two future first-round picks. Following...
What to Do on Route 66 in Chicago
In April 1926, Route 66 received its iconic number. The so-called Mother Road takes you all the way to California, but it begins in Chica...
Mayor Johnson vs CHA Board, Buses to O’Hare, and Hawks Miss Playoffs… Again
At the end of March, Chicago’s Housing Authority board voted 7-2 to appoint a new CEO. CHA has been without a permanent CEO since former...
'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium — Presented By City Cast Chicago
While both Chicago and Denver have a professional Women's Soccer team (go Stars!), Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a...
What Went Down At The Jeffs? Plus, Was Midway Blitz Martial Law?
Chicagoans are still asking if the feds will return to the city after Operation Midway blitz. WBEZ’s Curious City recently tackled whethe...
Accessing Immigration Courts, Regulating Prediction Markets, and Ranking Chicago Burgers
Why are immigration court watchers in Chicago struggling to observe virtual hearings? Will Illinois regulate rapidly growing prediction m...
Your Guide to April 2026 in Chicago
April showers are here, but luckily we’ve got your guide to what’s happening in Chicago this month — rain or shine. Host Jacoby Cochran i...