CHICAGO (WLS) — The clash over Chicago’s 2025 budget left many alderpersons frustrated and skeptical of the mayor’s office.

The lack of trust has driven some city council members to push for strengthening a city research office that many taxpayers aren’t familiar with. This office could play an essential role in providing critical analysis of the city’s budget and significant financial decisions, directly affecting residents’ services and tax obligations.

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The City Council Office of Financial Analysis (COFA) was created to provided independent oversight at city hall.

However, COFA typically operates with no more than two staff members and often fails to meet deadlines for its required reports. The office does not have guaranteed funding, has limited access to necessary data, and relies on the discretion of senior city finance officials, whose operations it is meant to evaluate and assess.

Currently, as the city council aims to regain some oversight of city expenditures, it is turning to this watchdog for guidance. This comes after efforts to increase the office’s small team by more than double.

The Illinois Answers Project took a close look at this issue. To read more of their reporting, click here.