This special edition of the Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views E-Newsletter includes a link to an analysis of Governor Pritzker's SFY 2027 Budget proposal. The Governor delivered his State of the State and Budget Address at noon today. The Newsletter also raises concerns about a new housing agenda proposed by the Governor.
Budget Address
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Governor JB Pritzker presented his proposed Fiscal Year 2027 state budget to the Illinois General Assembly. The $56.0 billion General Funds proposal aims to balance core investments in education and human services with fiscal responsibility.
The Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) has prepared an analysis of this proposal to help you understand how these state-level priorities will impact county-maintained infrastructure, public safety operations, and shared revenues over the coming year.
Link: View ISACo’s Analysis of the SFY 2027 Budget Proposal
Please note that the Governor’s proposal serves as the initial blueprint for the state’s fiscal priorities. Over the coming months, the Illinois General Assembly will provide significant input before a final budget is enacted. ISACo will remain actively engaged in Springfield to monitor legislative developments and advocate for the interests of county governments.
Housing Agenda Preempts Local Control
In addition to the budget proposal, Governor Pritzker unveiled a sweeping housing agenda that would significantly reshape how land use and zoning decisions are made at the local level, raising serious concerns for counties about the erosion of local control. While the proposal combines legislative changes, regulatory updates, and new capital investments, much of it relies on a broad preemption of local authority that has traditionally allowed communities to tailor development policies to local conditions and infrastructure capacity. The plan calls for the adoption of uniform statewide zoning policies, including smaller minimum lot sizes, higher allowable residential densities, the legalization of accessory dwelling units, reduced parking minimums, authorization of third-party building inspections, and the creation of a statewide framework for impact fees.
This proposed loss of local authority over land use and zoning decisions is of concern to ISACo and will be a key issue we discuss with legislators and the Governor's Office this spring. ISACo will share more details once they emerge.
Become an ISACo Member!
Is your county a member of ISACo? If not, why not?
ISACo is a statewide association whose mission is to empower county officials to provide excellent service to their residents.
ISACo member counties are comprised of forward-thinking public servants who recognize that the challenges confronting county governments require new and innovative ideas, collaborative solutions and collective advocacy at the state and federal levels of government.
Members of the association will benefit from education and training opportunities, peer-to-peer networking, shared resources and robust representation before policymakers at various levels of government. ISACo creates and connects county officials to these opportunities and successfully equips them to make counties ideal places to live, work and play.
If your county is interested in discussing membership in ISACo, please contact Member Services and Communications Manager Tiffani Homer at (217) 679-3368 or thomer@isacoil.org. ISACo member counties are listed here. Thank you for your consideration.