News

A new study estimates that planned Illinois data centers could generate $57 billion in investment, 120,000 jobs and $300 million in additional annual property tax revenue over the next decade. But rapid growth is also raising concerns over electricity demand, water use and proposals that could limit local governments' ability to offer data center incentives. 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.

NACo’s Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) met on September 30 to discuss federal funding, proposed OMB and Census changes, property tax pressures and other emerging issues affecting counties. County officials also identified data center development, alternative revenue sources, federal grant conditions and unfunded mandates as priorities for future discussion. Click on the title to read the article.

Illinois is preparing for significant changes to its public defense system as major provisions of the State Public Defender Act take effect January 1, 2027. The new framework will increase state involvement in public defender appointments, funding, reporting and performance standards while retaining county-based public defender offices. ISACo examines the implementation timeline and key issues counties should be watching as the new system takes shape. Click on the title to read the article.

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.

Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $4.6 million in grant funding to 49 grantees to attract visitors and support tourism across the Illinois. The awards include $2 million to support projects along Route 66, $2 million to market destinations and attractions across the state, and $654,000 to promote Illinois internationally. “Millions of people visit Illinois every year, and we want them to experience more of what our state has to offer from Route 66 to the Chicago skyline,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These grants will help local partners reach travelers across the country and around the world and show them what they can discover here in the Middle of Everything. More visitors mean more customers for our restaurants, hotels, and shops, supporting local jobs and businesses in communities throughout Illinois.”

Illinois is taking another step toward regulating artificial intelligence with the creation of a new state AI Cabinet. The advisory group will examine AI safety, critical infrastructure, data centers and government procurement while developing recommendations that could have implications for county governments. Click on the title to read the story.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the great achievements of Latino community leaders. Treasurer Frerichs honored nine individuals: the Spanish-language play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs, Bulls and Blackhawks; a brother and sister who own several Chicago-area restaurants; a Chicago high school principal; an airport concessions firm founder; a registered nurse and clinical coordinator; the organizing director of Chicago’s hospitality workers union; the chief curator at the National Museum of Mexican Art; and an Illinois state senator.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are encouraging eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support income eligible households with utility costs for natural gas, propane, and electricity. Applications will open October 1, 2026, and will remain open through August 13, 2027, or until funds are exhausted. “No working family should have to decide between heating their home and putting food on the table,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Making life more affordable for Illinoisans means offering support to those struggling with raised monthly costs, including utility bills. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides eligible households with the critical assistance needed to stay warm through the winter months.”

The Great Lakes Regional Forum convened to examine the rapid expansion of data centers and the implications for local governments, including water use, infrastructure demands, land use and community benefits. The Forum also received updates on federal water policy, including the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and reauthorization of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Click on the title to read the article.

Significant federal changes are reshaping the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Illinois. Expanded work requirements are already in effect, while increased state administrative costs and future benefit-sharing requirements could create substantial new fiscal pressures. ISACo examines the current status of SNAP, Illinois’ response and what these changes could mean for counties and the communities they serve. Click on the link to read the article.

On September 16, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its version of the 2026 Farm Bill, including provisions affecting rural infrastructure, water and wastewater systems, health care, childcare, broadband, conservation and access to USDA assistance. ISACo highlights key provisions of interest to Illinois counties as the legislation moves forward in Congress. Click on the title to read the article.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in August, down -0.2 percentage point from July, and up +0.4 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised July unemployment rate was 4.9 percent. Total nonfarm payrolls decreased over-the-month in August, down -4,400 (-0.1%) to 6,175,600. The July monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +11,700 to +15,300. The August payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation today announced the launch of a new campaign designed to immediately connect the public to lifesaving information about the Illinois Newborn Infant Protection Act, commonly referred to as the Baby Safe Haven Law. This critical law provides parents in crisis with a safe, anonymous and legal alternative to infant abandonment. Under the law, a parent may hand an unharmed newborn, up to 30 days old, to staff at a designated safe haven and walk away – no questions asked and without fear of prosecution.

Access to phone and broadband service is vital for keeping residents plugged into emergency services and local resources. September 13-19, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), along with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), and National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA) are promoting Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week. Lifeline offers monthly discounts to help eligible residents access voice or broadband services.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (ID-FPR) issued medical cannabis dispensary licenses to 37 existing dispensaries which, beginning to-day, may serve both adult use customers and medical patients at the same location. Providing existing dis-pensaries with the ability to opt-in for a medical dispensary license greatly increases patient access across the state, while also eliminating unnecessary red tape for regulators and consumers alike. This change also allows newer dispensaries issued under social equity lotteries the chance to serve medical patients, level-ing the playing field for small businesses.

The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked new federal mail ballot requirements from taking effect ahead of the November 3 general election, allowing Illinois county election officials to continue preparations under existing procedures. Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, Governor JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul welcomed the decision, which avoids significant changes to ballot mail procedures just weeks before Election Day. Click on the title to read the article.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced over $26 million in available grant funding for the Illinois Grocery Initiative. This includes funding for the New Stores ($20.8 million) and Equipment Upgrades Grant Programs ($750,000). Illinois is also launching the new Grocery Rescue Program ($4.5 million), geared toward helping reopen grocery stores that have closed in the last year. Applications are open and grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Local grocery stores are the backbone of communities across the state – keeping our people healthy and fed, growing local economies, and keeping our neighborhoods thriving,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This latest round of funding from the Illinois Grocery Initiative will keep quality, affordable groceries close to home for Illinois families while supporting small businesses across the state.”

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released the Illinois Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). The report builds on the state’s Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), which the agency submitted to U.S. EPA in 2024 as part of the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. The Illinois EPA won a $430 million grant under the CPRG program to implement programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Following broad public outreach, the CCAP provides an actionable roadmap to meet Illinois’ carbon reduction goals. Analysis in the Plan found that Illinois has reduced planet-warming greenhouse gas pollution by 32% since 2005, but more action will be needed to meet the state’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050. The plan models a set of policies that, if adopted by the General Assembly, would reduce emissions in the state by 72% from 2005 levels by 2050 and finds that implementing these policies would produce $21 billion per year in net benefits by 2050.

The State Treasurer’s Office made $1.45 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio during Fiscal Year 2026, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Treasurer Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. He is responsible for investing state revenue in the state investment portfolio.

The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) joined civil rights enforcement agencies including the District of Columbia’s civil rights enforcement agency to provide a joint comment urging the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to preserve longstanding federal workforce demographic reporting requirements that help agencies identify and address employment discrimination.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is responding to an outbreak of measles in Douglas County, Illinois, involving at least four cases. An outbreak is defined as three or more cases that are connected by a common exposure source or epidemiological link.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced applications are now open for the sixth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline, and boosts diversity in the construction industry and building trades. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

Ahead of Labor Day, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, labor leaders, and state legislators on Thursday highlighted a new law that will allow him to make investments to build more affordable housing.