This year’s Annual Luncheon celebrates the Better Government Association’s 100+ year record of advancing a more transparent, equitable and accountable government for all the people of Illinois through investigative journalism, policy advocacy and community engagement that hold power to account and drive meaningful reform.
11:30 AM Reception | 12:00 PM-1:30 PM Luncheon
2025 Watchdog Award
Anne Lazar, Executive Director of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation
We are proud to honor the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation with this year’s Watchdog Award, accepted by Executive Director Anne Lazar. Through the legacy of its founder, Richard Driehaus, and under the leadership of Anne Lazar, the Foundation has been a driving force in strengthening investigative journalism to advance government transparency and accountability. It has more than doubled the number of investigative reporting grantees and increased giving for investigative journalism six-fold, expanding critical support for newsrooms across Chicago and Illinois. This deepened commitment ensures journalists have the resources to expose urgent issues, hold power accountable and empower communities. By significantly investing in independent investigative journalism, the Foundation has reinforced its essential role in fostering a more just and engaged society.
Featured Speaker
Ambassador Rahm Emanuel
BGA President & CEO David Greising will be joined in conversation with Ambassador Rahm Emanuel. Their discussion will draw on Ambassador Emanuel’s local and national leadership experiences, his legacy and lessons as Mayor of Chicago and White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama and the role of local and international diplomacy in exploring pressing policy and civic issues.
2025 Luncheon Co-Chairs
John A. Canning, Jr.
D. Carroll Joynes
Michael J. Sacks
Heather A. Steans
Please consider a check or wire transfer for gifts of $6,000+.
Event Contact: Livia Kenney
Please send payments to:
Better Government Association
c/o Development Office
223 West Jackson, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60606
About Better Government Association
Founded in 1923 by a group of business leaders, lawyers and journalists, the BGA centers its mission on the potential of effective governance and the indispensable role of journalism in enlightening the public, fortifying local communities and upholding the foundations of democracy through an informed and empowered electorate. A century later, the BGA stands as a leading catalyst for constructive transformation. Renowned for journalism and policy work, it has driven significant reforms and earned prestigious accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize. The policy team leads coalitions fighting for sound funding of state pensions and transparency in Illinois courts. With an annual budget of $5 million, the BGA advances this crucial work with a team of approximately 30 professionals committed to a more open, equitable and accountable government for Chicago and across Illinois. With the devastation in legacy journalism and the ethical and fiscal challenges facing Chicago and Illinois, the need for the BGA’s work is greater than ever.