This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views E-Newsletter includes a summary of the 2026 General Election results, comments filed by ISACo on the proposed 2030 census rule, the October County Quarterly Newsletter, unemployment rates for September, information about Medicare Open Enrollment dates and assistance, the grant stewardship program for natural areas, articles ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, information about upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) webinar opportunities, appreciation for ISACo corporate partner IPBC and an invitation for counties to join ISACo. 

General Election Results

The November 3, 2026, general election reshaped the political landscape at the federal level while determining the leadership and composition of Illinois state government. Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress, Illinois voters elected statewide constitutional officers and expanded upon the House and Senate supermajorities in the Statehouse. 

ISACo's election results summary is available via this link. ISACo will update the summary as needed.

ISACo Submits Comments on Proposed 2030 Census Rule

ISACo submitted formal comments to the U.S. Census Bureau on November 2, 2026, expressing concerns about proposed changes to residence criteria, population classifications, and demographic data collection for the 2030 Decennial Census.

The comment letter is available via this link. 

October County Quarterly

ISACo's October County Quarterly Newsletter is available by clicking on the image below. Topics include: 2026 Veto Session; federal farm bill; federal SNAP changes; property tax sales and surplus equity law and more!

Unemployment Rate Down for Third Consecutive Month

On October 16, 2026, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced that the unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in September, down -0.1 percentage point from August, and up +0.1 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised August unemployment rate was 4.7 percent. The press release is available via this link. 

Medicare Open Enrollment Period Assistance

With the Medicare open enrollment period set to begin on Thursday Oct. 15, older adults looking to change their existing Medicare plan can receive free, personalized assistance through the Illinois Department on Aging’s (IDoA) Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP).

To make this process easier for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers, Illinois’ SHIP program offers statewide health insurance counseling services through a network of 300 sites and 1,000 trained and certified counselors. Illinois has trained 200 new SHIP counselors over the past year, and all counselors have received additional training on how to assist you during Open Enrollment.

The press release is available via this link. 

Grant Supports Stewardship of Illinois Natural Areas

On October 15, 2026, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced $697,816 in grants to support 14 grants stewardship programs managed by land trusts on land protected by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC).

The list of recipients is available via this link. 

What We're Reading

Massachusetts Could Set a New Standard for AI Safety (Governing)

Report: Illinois Tax Revenue from Gambling Increased 19% Last Year (CapitolNewsIllinois)

Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program Surpasses $1B Goal in Two Years (CapitolNewsIllinois)

Upcoming NACo Webinars

NACo has announced the following upcoming webinar opportunities. ISACo is a proud partner with NACo and encourages counties to participate in NACo membership and activities.  

Supreme Court Preview for Local Governments: 2025-2026 Term

Monday, November 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CST

Hosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join legal experts in a discussion of the new Supreme Court term and what decisions local governments should watch. The Supreme Court will rule on several major cases this term, including issues related to:

• The intersection of religious exercise and land use / zoning authority
• Whether the Second Amendment prohibits state and local governments from banning semi-automatic rifles
• The continued viability of neutral laws of general applicability that may impose burdens on religion
• Preemption of local government lawsuits seeking damages from oil companies related to climate change
• Questions about excessive fines and criminal forfeiture law

Registration is available via this link. 

Secure & Responsible AI: Building Trust and Cyber Resilience in Local Government

Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CST

As artificial intelligence transforms how local governments deliver essential services, county leaders face a critical challenge: how can they embrace AI innovation while protecting sensitive data, managing cybersecurity risks, and maintaining public trust?

Join IBM experts and Sunny Hwang, CIO of New Hanover County, N.C., for an insightful discussion on secure and responsible AI adoption in local government. Drawing on real-world experience implementing award-winning AI-powered solutions for human services and emergency response, the panel will explore how counties can balance innovation with effective governance, data protection, and cyber resilience.

Attendees will gain practical perspectives on navigating evolving AI risks, building public confidence, and responsibly leveraging emerging technologies to improve government services.

Registration is available via this link. 

CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT   

 

IPBC is a partnership of Illinois local government entities who are committed to the philosophy of risk pooling and working together to provide cost-effective health and related benefits to their employees and their families.

Click here to learn more about IPBC.

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