The Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) is a statewide association committed to strengthening county government and ensuring Illinois counties have a strong and effective voice in Springfield and Washington, D.C.
We believe people deserve honest, ethical, transparent and innovative government that looks out for their interests and responds to their needs. We promote these values through our work with county officials and our partners in governance at the local, state and federal levels.
Our approach can be summarized in three words:
Inform. Advocate. Lead.
Inform
Effective county leadership requires timely and reliable information.
ISACo monitors legislation, administrative actions, state and federal policy developments, funding opportunities and emerging issues affecting Illinois counties. We translate complex developments into practical information county officials can use.
Through our legislative reports, News and Views E-Newsletter, policy resources, issue analyses, The County Lens, Counties Count! Podcast and other communications, ISACo helps county leaders answer two important questions:
What is happening and what does it mean for counties?
Our partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo) also connects Illinois county officials with national policy developments, resources, best practices and opportunities.
Advocate
Counties need a strong voice when decisions affecting local government are made.
ISACo represents county interests before the Illinois General Assembly, state agencies, Congress and the federal government. We monitor legislation, develop policy positions, communicate county priorities and work directly with policymakers on issues affecting county government and the residents counties serve.
Illinois is a large and diverse state. The priorities of an urban county, a suburban county and a rural county will not always be identical. ISACo recognizes and respects those differences while identifying common interests and pursuing policies that benefit counties and their residents generally.
Our advocacy seeks to strengthen county resources, protect local decision-making authority, oppose unnecessary mandates and preemptions, and ensure county officials have a meaningful voice in developing policies they will ultimately be responsible for implementing.
Lead
County government must address today's responsibilities while preparing for tomorrow's challenges.
ISACo works to identify emerging issues, understand their implications for counties and develop resources that help county officials respond.
Issues involving artificial intelligence, data centers, housing, energy, public safety, transportation, public health, taxation and federal policy demonstrate how quickly the environment in which counties operate can change.
ISACo strives to help county officials understand these developments early, participate in the policy discussions surrounding them and prepare for what comes next.
Turning Information Into Action
ISACo's role extends beyond reporting what is happening.
We help county officials understand it, influence it and prepare for what comes next.
Our policy committees provide opportunities for county officials to help shape legislative priorities and organizational positions. Our communications provide timely intelligence throughout the year. Our state and federal advocacy brings county perspectives directly to policymakers. Our partnerships connect counties with additional expertise, resources and opportunities.
Together, these activities support a larger objective: better-informed county officials, stronger county institutions and more effective government for Illinois residents.
A United Voice for Diverse Counties
Illinois' 102 counties differ considerably in population, geography, economy and local needs. Those differences are a strength, but they also require thoughtful representation.
ISACo provides a forum where different county perspectives can be heard and balanced while building consensus around shared priorities.
Today, almost 80 percent of Illinois residents are served by ISACo member counties.
That growing statewide presence strengthens our ability to inform policymakers, advocate for county priorities and help shape the future of county government in Illinois.
Join ISACo
ISACo membership connects counties with timely policy intelligence, effective state and federal advocacy, emerging-issue resources, educational opportunities, partnerships and a statewide network of county leaders.
Most importantly, membership gives counties a voice in determining the priorities ISACo advances on their behalf.
Be informed. Be represented. Help lead the future of Illinois county government.
ISACo is organized exclusively for non-profit purposes and will operate at all times in the manner contemplated by section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code or by such other provisions of the Code that will assist ISACo to accomplish its non-profit purposes. ISACo is committed to the highest standard of ethical conduct and transparency in the pursuit of our mission.