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As the summer draws to a close, Illinois finds itself at the intersection of state politics, national headlines, and local economic debates.

 

Governor Pritzker’s National Spotlight

Governor Pritzker has recently been in the spotlight for his support of Texas Democrats fleeing Texas redistricting battles. We asked Power Poller’s, what’s your take on the Governor’s actions?

33% Strongly disagree

10% Somewhat disagree

10% Somewhat agree

40% Strongly agree

7% Uncertain

Why Are People Leaving Illinois?

People are moving out of Illinois at a notable rate, with the state experiencing net domestic outmigration for over a decade, though the pace has slowed somewhat in recent years. What do you think is the biggest reason people are moving out of Illinois?

57% High taxes/fiscal burden

17% Rising cost of living and housing affordability

8% Crime and public safety concerns

10% Weak job market and economic stagnation

0% Poor public education

8% Political and ideological dissatisfaction

 

The Bears and the ‘Mega Projects’ Proposal

As of August 2025, Bears President Kevin Warren has publicly urged lawmakers to pass legislation during the fall veto session that would designate large-scale developments like their proposed $3-5 billion stadium mixed-use project as “mega projects.” This would lock in property tax assessments at the site’s current vacant-land value (around $33 million) for up to 40 years, rather than reflecting the massive value increase from improvements. The Bears would then be permitted to negotiate an annual payment with local officials in lieu of a standard property tax payment. Without this, Warren claims the project won’t proceed. Should the Illinois legislature pass the ‘Mega Projects’ property tax-break bill for the Bears?

25% Yes

66% No

9% Uncertain

 

Presidential Powers in Washington, D.C.

President Trump has deployed the National Guard to Washington D.C. and has announced he will use the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to place the D.C. police under his control.  What do you think of this decision by the President?

28% This move is necessary, though crime has fallen in D.C. it still remains too high for police to handle alone

16% This move is unnecessary but well within the powers of the President

50% This move is potentially an overreach of Presidential Powers and could set a bad precedent if unchallenged

6% Unsure / too soon to tell

Gerrymandering Battles Across State Lines

Some states, including Illinois and California, have announced they will gerrymander their congressional maps in response to Texan plans to get rid of five Democrat-held seats. What do you think of this response?

29% This will lead to more partisan division

22% Necessary to balance the efforts of other states

30% Illinois is already gerrymandered significantly, so this will have little impact

13% Gerrymandering based on recent electoral maps may backfire as the base of both Republican and Democratic Parties has been in flux

6% Too soon to tell

 

Final Thoughts: What This Month’s Poll Says About Chicago

From sports stadium funding to national politics, Illinois decision-makers and influencers are engaged on a wide spectrum of issues. August’s Power Poll captures the pulse of a state balancing local priorities with national influence.

Stay tuned for the next edition of the Chicago Power Poll and don’t forget to give the Power Poll podcast, hosted by Thom Serafin a listen.

 

Note: The Serafin Power Poll captures the perspectives of regional decision-makers and thought leaders in the Chicago metropolitan area with consistency. While not a scientific survey, it offers a clear and insightful gauge of prevailing sentiments, much like a reliable weathervane tracking the direction of Chicago’s winds.