The Civic Federation and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago invite you to join us for Taxing Times, Smarter Strategies: Resilient Tax Structures for a Changing Economy taking place Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 8:30 a.m, to 1:30 p.m. CT at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

As governments across the country grapple with economic shifts, rising costs, and changing demographics, what does it take to build a tax system that’s fair, effective, and built to last?

Join leading voices in public finance, government, and policy for a dynamic half-day forum exploring how Illinois—and states like it—can rethink revenue structures and spending strategies to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s demands.

Both in-person and livestreaming options are available.

FEATURED SESSIONS:

How Did We Get Here? The Evolution of Illinois' Tax System: A look at the development of Illinois' major tax streams - and how we compare nationally.

Revenue Resilience: Lessons in Sustainable Tax Structures: Panelists will explore real-world models from peer states and key principles of durable, equitable tax design.

Smart Spending: Aligning State Spending with Efficient Service Delivery: This panel will discuss how states are approaching investment and impact in an era of constrained resources.

Beyond the Numbers: Rebuilding Confidence in Government Systems: A fireside chat on restoring public trust through transparency, engagement, and good governance.

SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS INCLUDE:

Sophia DiCaro, Executive Director, Utah Office of Planning and Budget

Steve Edwards, Executive Vice President for External Affairs and Civic Engagement, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Joe Ferguson, President, Civic Federation

Elizabeth Kepner, Business Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Shelby Kerns, Executive Director, National Association of State Budget Officers

Michael Pagano, Dean Emeritus, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago, former Director of UIC's Government Finance Research Center

Kim Rueben, Senior Advisor, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

Jared Walczak, Vice President of State Projects, Tax Foundation

Paula Worthington, Senior Policy Advisor, Civic Federation; Professor, University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy