ISACo

As interest in locally grown food and community-based agriculture continues to rise, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is inviting individuals and families to take part in the 2026 IDOA Community Garden, a hands-on opportunity to grow fresh produce, build food security, and connect with agriculture in the heart of the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Nearly $40,000 in grants for 24 schoolyard habitat projects throughout Illinois have been awarded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Foundation for the 2026 application period.

The U.S. House has passed the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644) by a bipartisan 390–9 vote, marking the most significant federal housing reform effort in more than a decade. The bill would modernize key housing programs, streamline regulations and expand local flexibility for counties to address affordable and workforce housing needs. As the Senate prepares to consider its own proposal, counties are watching closely to ensure the final package preserves local flexibility, strong partnerships and practical tools to boost housing supply. Click on the title to read the article.

Congress is beginning work on the next federal surface transportation bill, and the decisions made in Washington will have major consequences for Illinois counties. As policymakers consider shifting away from discretionary grants and toward more state-controlled formula funding, counties risk losing access to critical infrastructure dollars unless the system is fixed. This article outlines why counties are pushing for a fairer share, what changes are needed, and how ISACo and NACo are working to ensure counties aren’t left behind. Click on the title to read the story.

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability’s (COGFA) January 2026 Monthly Briefing offers a snapshot of Illinois’ fiscal health, highlighting strong estate tax growth, mixed General Funds revenue performance, declining federal revenue payments, and the impact of the state’s recent tax amnesty program. The report also reviews key economic indicators shaping revenue trends and budget planning for the remainder of FY 2026—making it essential reading for county officials tracking the state’s financial outlook. Click on the title to read the story.