Local government leaders from across Illinois gathered in Chicago on July 22, 2025, for a Public Development Academy (PDA) Leadership Roundtable to discuss shared challenges and collaborate on forward-looking solutions. ISACo President Matthew Prochaska and Executive Director Joe McCoy participated in the Roundtable. The Roundtable was moderated by PDA's Vice President of Enrollment and Managing Director, Luke Afeman.
ISACo President Matthew Prochaska, PDA VP Luke Afeman
and ISACo Executive Director Joe McCoy
The session brought together elected officials, public safety professionals, IT experts, and administrators to candidly address the financial and operational headwinds local governments face in today’s climate.
Confronting Budget Uncertainty with Resilience
A central focus of the roundtable was the impact of sudden and significant federal and state budget reductions, particularly in health, public safety, and grant-funded programs. Leaders from both large counties and smaller municipalities described the urgency of reassessing spending plans, reallocating resources, and identifying alternative funding opportunities—including partnerships with private-sector entities. A recurring theme was the importance of proactive budget forecasting and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure continuity in delivering essential services.
Rebuilding and Sustaining Public Trust
In an era of heightened public skepticism, participants emphasized that transparency and authentic community engagement are non-negotiable. Leaders shared strategies such as hosting community forums, issuing public apologies for past policy missteps, and investing in educational materials to clarify government processes. Rebuilding trust, especially among younger and marginalized populations, requires consistent communication and a willingness to engage the public in shaping solutions.
Embracing Technology with Guardrails
The group explored how emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence and cloud-based tools—are reshaping government operations. From automating document processing to managing large datasets like body camera footage, AI is proving useful in enhancing efficiency. However, participants voiced strong concerns about data governance, privacy, and the potential pitfalls of unregulated AI adoption. There was consensus around the need for clear policies, human oversight, and robust training to ensure responsible use of technology.
Adapting to a Hybrid Workforce
The transition to remote and hybrid work models was another key discussion point. While some departments have adapted quickly, others face challenges related to management, morale, and equity. Leaders agreed on the value of investing in training for managers to navigate this evolving work environment and support staff effectively across different modalities.
Collaboration as a Lifeline
Smaller jurisdictions shared how mutual aid agreements and inter-agency partnerships are vital to maintaining service levels amid staffing and budget constraints. Creative community programs and collaborative initiatives were highlighted as low-cost but high-impact tools for building resilience and maintaining visibility.
Roundtable attendees
Action Commitments
Several key action items emerged from the roundtable, including:
- Policy Sharing: Participants will review and share existing AI and data governance policies.
- Community Education: Clear, accessible information will be developed to educate the public on government functions and budget realities.
- Technology Training: Members will evaluate and recommend credible training programs on AI and cybersecurity.
- Resource Sharing: Attendees committed to exchanging materials and best practices across jurisdictions.
Moving Forward
The roundtable concluded with a commitment to continue the conversation. As Illinois counties navigate a period of financial tightening and technological transition, forums like this one are proving essential to fostering collaboration, innovation, and public confidence.
The Professional Development Academy works with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and other organizations to focus on developing the leadership capability of the frontline because these are the most important leaders in any organization. They make up 60% of any company’s management rank and directly supervise 80% of the workforce. They are also the least prepared to succeed. Over three-quarters of executives believe their frontline managers do not receive sufficient tools and training to develop into highly effective leaders and that same group of executives believes this negatively impacts performance.
Better frontline leaders positively impact performance. When frontline leaders improve, their teams become more dynamic, their companies create greater value to those in the communities in which they serve, and those frontline individuals leading the way, well, they realize their fullest leadership potential as people.
ISACo values our relationship with PDA and encourages county officials and their staff to avail themselves of the valuable training opportunities they offer through the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy. Learn more about PDA here.