News

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that the State of Illinois has received approval for 240 qualifying census tracts from the U.S. Department of the Treasury as part of Opportunity Zones 2.0, completing the State's evaluation and engagement process for the next round of federally-designated Opportunity Zones. A map of the approved tracts can be found on DCEO's Opportunity Zones webpage.

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 legislative races determined the makeup of the Illinois General Assembly. ISACo provides an overview of key election results and their potential implications for county government. The article will be updated as additional results become available.

The Illinois State Association of Counties (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. ISACo's comments emphasize the importance of accurate and comprehensive census information for Illinois' 102 counties, particularly its role in federal and state funding allocations, congressional representation, county redistricting, infrastructure planning, and the delivery of essential public services. The Association also raises concerns about increased reliance on administrative records, potential population undercounts, and the availability of reliable demographic information. ISACo urges the Census Bureau to withdraw or substantially modify the proposed rule to preserve census accuracy and ensure that county governments have the information necessary to serve their communities effectively. Click on the title to read the letter.

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) announced nearly $500,000 for the second quarter of FY2027 in grants to support organizations providing vital services to veterans and their families across Illinois. The grants are part of the Veterans’ Cash Grants program, which aims to address critical issues facing veterans, including homelessness, post-traumatic stress treatment, behavioral health treatment, and workforce development. The grants are funded through proceeds from the Illinois Lottery’s $5 7x Bingo Multiplier ticket. The Veterans Scratch-Off Lottery Ticket grant is a yearly competitive reimbursement grant offered quarterly to nonprofits, tax-exempt entities, and governmental organizations that assist veterans in need. Eligible organizations may apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 annually. Each quarter, IDVA's committee reviews applications and awards grants to groups that have demonstrated proven need.

Get Covered Illinois will kick off the 2027 annual open enrollment period on November 1, helping Illinoisans compare plans, apply for financial help and enroll in coverage. With federal changes signed into law by President Trump affecting access to affordable health insurance, the state's official marketplace is committed to connecting Illinoisans to high-quality, affordable health coverage.

Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed November 2026 as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month in Illinois, encouraging residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding Illinoisans that it is time to get immunizations against seasonal respiratory illnesses, like flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The reminder comes after IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra received his annual flu and COVID-19 shots during a visit to the Winnebago County Health Department.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is marking National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25-31, 2026. This year’s observance follows the state’s move to implement universal lead testing, which took effect July 1, 2026. Each month in Illinois, hundreds of children around the state are found to have elevated levels of lead in their blood, which can lead to developmental and learning difficulties and other health issues. “Universal lead testing is an essential tool for identifying and helping children who have been exposed to lead,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “It’s equally important to identify and remove sources of lead exposure before a child is in harm’s way. This week is all about reminding Illinoisans to take the steps to prevent lead poisoning and keep our children safe.”

ISACo staff attended an October 22 briefing where National Association of Counties (NACo) staff outlined federal policy priorities affecting county governments, including transportation funding, disaster assistance, federal grant requirements, and SNAP and Medicaid implementation. NACo also highlighted plans to strengthen grassroots advocacy and help counties communicate the local impacts of federal decisions to Congress. The article includes a link to NACo's Advocacy Hub. Click on the title to read the article.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $2.4 million is available in tourism funding through the Tourism Attraction Grant Program ($1.8 million) and the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($600,000). Eligible entities can apply for grants to develop and improve new and existing tourism attractions through the Tourism Attraction Grant Program and grants to support and attract events and festivals through the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

-Grant money awarded to small nonprofits that provide food and economic & workforce development programs -Funding comes from fees that larger nonprofits pay to file annual reports – not from tax dollars -Application period for next round of grants will begin January 1, 2027

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today 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. Total nonfarm payrolls decreased over-the-month in September, down -7,200 (0.1%) to 6,164,500. The August monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -4,400 to -8,300. The September payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that digital asset kiosk operators have refunded more than $750,000 to Illinois consumers since the Digital Asset Kiosks Act (DAKA) took effect last year, providing financial relief to consumers who reported being victims of scams or fraud involving digital asset kiosks. “When we put meaningful protections in place, we expect those protections to make a difference in the lives of Illinoisans,” said IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. “More than $750,000 returned to consumers is a clear indication that the Digital Asset Kiosks Act is doing exactly what it was intended to do. IDFPR will continue its efforts to demonstrate that innovation and consumer protection can, and should, go hand in hand.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) was recognized by its national housing peers for strengthening the pipeline of emerging housing developers and its workplace culture on October 5, at the 2026 National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan. IHDA received two Annual Awards for Program Excellence:

An initiative launched by Cook County has helped shape a statewide effort that, together with the county’s program, has erased more than $2.4 billion in medical debt for approximately 1.5 million Illinois residents. Cook County became the first local government in the nation to use American Rescue Plan Act funds for medical debt relief, establishing a model that now reaches residents in all 102 Illinois counties. The county plans to continue supporting its program with county funds in 2027. Click on the title to read the article.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today 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 grants are part of the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program, which aims to increase the delivery of much-needed land and water stewardship activities to natural areas permanently protected within the provides funding to eligible land trusts for activities that protect and restore natural areas within the INPC system. Given the growing stewardship needs of natural areas throughout Illinois, this grant program funds projects that help land trusts expand staff and purchase equipment for these activities. The following grants were awarded:

The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) released today 2027 Plan Year rates for the Get Covered Illinois Marketplace. There are five health insurance issuers for Illinoisans to choose health plans from, and the statewide weighted average rate increase for individual plans is 14.1, down from 28.8 percent last year. The ACA Illinois rates posted online do not represent the actual premiums paid by the consumer. Health insurer rates are used to calculate the premium price after the benefit options selected by the consumer are applied.

Governor JB Pritzker announced attendance totals for the 2026 State Fairs exceeded 1 million for the second consecutive year. With an average cost of $145 for a family of four, the fairs are also ranked among the most affordable state fairs in the Midwest. This estimate includes parking, tickets, two ride passes, and food. Further, Du Quoin set a new attendance record and Springfield Grandstand ticket sales topped 72,000 reaching an all-time high – topping the record set in 2024. “Our State Fairs bring people together to celebrate all the things that make our state special. Affordable family fun remains a priority, and we delivered on that again this year in both Springfield and Du Quoin,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Beyond the entertainment value, both State Fairs positively impact Illinois’ economy and create opportunities to spotlight agriculture, our state’s number one industry.”

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that Viakable will invest $55 million to expand their manufacturing facilities in La Salle, where the company has been located since 2018. The company’s investment will create 50 new full-time jobs and retain 65 existing full-time positions, reinforcing Viakable’s commitment to growing in Illinois. This expansion project is a result of Governor Pritzker’s trade mission to Mexico in the spring of 2025, which focused on deepening economic ties and attracting new business investments to Illinois. This expansion demonstrates how the Governor’s efforts to strengthen international business ties are bringing new investment and jobs to Illinois communities.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office (CROO) recently released the State of Illinois’ 2026 Annual Cannabis Report, providing a comprehensive look at the work of state agencies responsible for cannabis licensing, regulation, public health, public safety, economic development and reinvestment during Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).

The National Association of Counties (NACo) and ISACo are inviting counties across the nation to participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans, November 4–11, 2026. Counties can show their support for veterans and their families by illuminating county buildings in green and encouraging residents and local businesses to do the same. NACo has developed a comprehensive toolkit with resolution templates, sample press releases, social media materials and other resources to help counties participate and raise awareness of the services and benefits available to veterans. Click on the title to learn more.

The Illinois Supreme Court will review a case that could significantly clarify the scope of county authority over commercial solar siting. The appeal in Tate Road Solar 1, LLC v. County of Winnebago follows conflicting appellate court decisions over whether counties retain discretion to deny or impose additional requirements on solar projects that meet statewide siting standards. The Court’s eventual ruling could have major implications for county zoning authority, renewable energy development and potentially the siting of battery energy storage facilities across Illinois. Click on the title to read the article.

he Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) announces the return of $9.3 million to consumers this year through its Life Policy Locator service for lost or unclaimed life insurance policies and annuities. “When families lose a loved one, they may not be aware of the life insurance benefits and annuities their deceased family member purchased for financial security,” said IDOI Director Ann Gillespie. “We want to help Illinoisans collect the funds they’re entitled to receive, and our Life Policy Locator is available at no charge.” Under Illinois law, insurance companies must attempt to find the beneficiaries of deceased policyholders when life insurance or annuity proceeds remain unpaid. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reports that millions of dollars in life insurance benefits remain unclaimed each year.

The Center for Digital Government announced the results of its 2026 Digital States Survey, a biennial evaluation of the technology practices of state government in all fifty states, on Thursday and raised Illinois’ overall grade to an A-, in addition to recognizing Illinois with an Outstanding Achievement Award for Constituent Digital Experience. “Illinois is showing what’s possible when we invest in modernization and put residents at the center of every digital service we build,” said Brandon Ragle, Secretary and State CIO for the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology. “This recognition reflects the measurable progress we’re making across government, and we remain committed to delivering secure, intuitive tools that meet the needs of our residents today and in the years ahead.”

As measles cases across the country increase, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding residents to protect themselves by confirming they are vaccinated against the disease. While the risk for getting measles remains very low for residents, vaccination is the most effective step people can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.