This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes an update about efforts to address public transit operations and funding, shares information about a new funding opportunity for Green Infrastructure Grants, highlights Teacher Apprenticeship program recipients for job training and economic development in the state, provides an update from the State Treasurer's Office about state and local investment earnings, includes information about a Disaster Proclamation issued by Governor JB Pritzker for damage caused by severe weather that impacted various Illinois counties in July, shares what ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, announces upcoming Public Surplus and National Association of Counties (NACo) webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner Constellation Telecom and invites counties to join ISACo.
House Speaker Welch Establishes Public Transit Working Group
Transit agencies that serve the counties and municipalities in northeastern Illinois (CTA/Metra/Pace) are facing a $730 million budget shortfall in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026. Factors contributing to this shortfall are the expiration of federal COVID funding and declining ridership compared to pre-pandemic levels.
On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch announced a new working group to address the problems confronting the transit agencies. Speaker Welch outlined the intent and purpose of the working group:
“We have a real opportunity to not only improve our public transit system but transform it into a world-class system our communities can depend on,” said Speaker Welch. “As we approach some important budget conversations surrounding public transit, we must also discuss how we can make it safer, more reliable and accessible, and environmentally conscious. We’ve had incredible success with our previous working groups, and I’m confident this dynamic and diverse group of lawmakers will produce the same results.”
The working group consists of 15 state representatives from across the Chicagoland area. Appointed members are as follows:
Members of the Public Transit Working Group include:
- Representative Dagmara Avelar (Romeoville)
- Representative Diane Blair-Sherlock (Villa Park)
- Representative Mary Beth Canty (Arlington Heights)
- Representative William “Will” Davis (East Hazel Crest)
- Representative Mary Gill (Mount Greenwood)
- Representative Matt Hanson (Batavia)
- Representative Barbara Hernandez (Aurora)
- Representative Hoan Huynh (Chicago)
- Representative Natalie Manley (Romeoville)
- Representative Rita Mayfield (Waukegan)
- Representative Anna Moeller (Elgin)
- Representative Yolanda Morris (Chicago)
- Representative Marty Moylan (Des Plaines)
The Illinois Senate Transportation Committee has held four subject matter hearings since July to discuss the public transit challenges.
ISACo will provide updates concerning policy proposals and events as the General Assembly addresses public transit issues.
New Funding Opportunity for Green Infrastructure Projects
On August 27, 2024, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Interim Director James Jennings announced a grant opportunity with $5 million in funding for projects that will improve water quality in Illinois. The Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO) Program was made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan.
The GIGO Program seeks proposals for projects containing green infrastructure best management practices (BMPs) that prevent, eliminate or reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate localized or riverine flooding in Illinois’ rivers, streams and lakes. Projects that implement "treatment trains" (multiple BMPs in series) and/or multiple BMPs within the same watershed are encouraged, as they may be more effective and efficient than a single large green infrastructure BMP. BMPs may be located on public or private land.
The press release is available via this link.
$1.5 Million Awarded in Grant Funding to Job Training and Economic Development Teacher Apprenticeship Program Recipients
On August 26, 2024, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) awarded $1.5 million in grant funding to three Illinois universities through the Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) Teacher Apprenticeship Program. This pilot program will provide career pathway opportunities and supportive services for successful placement into the teacher workforce.
The full list of recipients and press release is available via this link.
Record $1.5 Billion In Investment Earnings for State Portfolio During FY24
On August 28, 2024, the State Treasurer’s Office made a record $1.495 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio during Fiscal Year 2024, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced.
Also in Fiscal Year 2024, which ended June 30, the Treasurer’s Office made a record $1.05 billion in gross investment earnings for cities, villages, school districts, counties and other units of government that take part in the highly rated Illinois Funds local government investment pool the State Treasurer’s Office operates. The Illinois Funds has received the highest rating of AAA from Fitch, a national credit ratings agency.
The press release is available via this link.
Disaster Proclamation After Severe Weather and Flooding Affects Multiple Counties in Illinois
On August 30, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker issued a Disaster Proclamation following the severe weather and flooding that affected Cook County, Henry County, Fulton County, St. Clair County, Washington County, Winnebago County and Will County on July 13 through July 16. This proclamation comes after the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), in collaboration with local governments, concluded extensive field work to assess the damage and destruction caused by the storms in communities across Illinois.
The press release is available via this link.
What We're Reading
Landscape Maintenance Supplies and Equipment are Often Near the Top of Local Government Shopping Lists (American City and County)
Pritzker Disaster Proclamation Could Help South Suburbs Receive Federal Storm Assistance (Chicago Tribune)
Illinois to Accept Designs for New State Flag. Here's How to Submit a Design (State Journal-Register)
As Illinois Receives Praise for its Cannabis Equity Efforts, Stakeholders Still Working on System’s Flaws (Capitol News Illinois)
Upcoming Public Surplus Webinar Dates
Public Surplus will be offering 20-minute webinar sessions to interested individuals to learn more about Public Surplus and its online auction site. Participants will also be guided on how to register, or re-register to create a new account.
Public Surplus is an online auction platform that offers services to local government agencies.
ISACo has partnered with Public Surplus to provide large discounts for our county members when it comes to doing online auctions, specifically real estate sales.
Through a partnership with ISACo, Illinois counties are eligible to list items with a reduced buyer's premium, which will encourage competitive bidding on surplus items listed. With Public Surplus, buyers are responsible for all service fees, and it costs counties nothing to use the service.
Public Surplus will also provide a 10 percent rebate to ISACo on each sale so that the Association can continue to offer a high level of service at minimal cost to members.
The webinar will take place on the following dates:
- September 11, 2024, at 11 am CST
- October 10, 2024, at 2 pm CST
- October 22, 2024, at 3 pm CST
Please contact Member Services and Communications Manager Tiffani Homer at thomer@isacoil.org to sign up for the webinar.
Upcoming NACo Webinars
NACo has announced the following upcoming webinar opportunities. ISACo is a proud partner with NACo and encourages counties to participate in NACo membership and activities.
Maximizing Taxpayer Value: Sedgwick County's Strategic Approach to Managing Public Funds
(Thursday, September 5, 2024, 10:00am-11:00am CST)
In this session, Brent Shelton, Deputy CFO, Sedgwick County, Kan. will share his insights and success stories in utilizing data to optimize the County’s liquidity, maximize returns and enhance overall financial performance. The data provided by this innovative program was exactly what the County was looking for and confirmed their need for an objective third-party to substantiate and elevate their cash management and investment practices. Join NACo EDGE and three+one to discover how these strategic decisions have generated new revenue for Sedgwick County.
This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Growing the Early Care and Education Workforce through Apprenticeships
(Thursday, September 5, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)
Early care and education (ECE) providers are often called the workforce behind the workforce because access to childcare allows parents to work and further their education and training. However, the ECE field struggles with high rates of turnover and difficulty recruiting new workers because of low wages and poor benefits. Apprenticeships are one strategy to help the ECE workforce pursue additional education and credentials while being compensated and supporting during their learning. Join this webinar to hear how counties are utilizing apprenticeship programs to grow childcare supply and strengthen local economies.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Q3 Tech Xchange Focus Group: What Are You Doing to Create a Strong Data Governance for Your County?
(Friday, September 6, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm CST)
Join NACo for a robust discussion that unpacks best practices in data governance. Do you know where your data "crown jewels" are located? Do you struggle with “Shadow IT”? Do you have a data asset inventory? How is your data preserved and secured against technology failures or cyber-crimes? Counties are comprised of individual departments, many with independent elected officials. Current data governance strategies need to account for data in all forms: on premise, cloud, storage providers (e.g. OneDrive, DropBox), collaboration platforms (e.g. Teams, Webex), email, non-digital (paper), removeable media, etc. A strong governance model will cover data from creation to coordinated and planned deletion. If time permits, the association between a strong governance policy and the effective management of right-to-know requests will be explored.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Serve Your Constituents Through Better Cybersecurity
(Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)
In today’s world, cybersecurity is a critical component of effective governance and risk management. Join NACo and Celerium on September 17 at 1 PM ET for an informative webinar tailored for county governments on how they can serve their constituents through better cybersecurity.
This session will provide an overview of strategies and best practices to enhance your county’s cybersecurity and risk management posture. Learn how to proactively address the unique challenges faced by local government entities, including protecting citizen information and mitigating emerging threats.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
NACo Cyberattack Simulation: Financial Access
(Monday, Sept. 23 - Friday, September 27, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)
Financial transaction systems are prime targets for cyber threats due to the value and sensitivity of the data. This cyber simulation assesses risks and fortifies safeguards within financial access systems. The simulation involves breaches from unauthorized access to financial systems, often obtained through what seem to be legitimate contacts, but in reality, are not. The simulation seeks to foster a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in securing financial access to systems, enabling the development and testing of proactive strategies to mitigate cyber risks effectively. Insights derived from this simulation will empower institutions to fortify their cybersecurity posture, implement stringent controls, bolster incident response capabilities, and proactively defend against evolving cyber threats targeting financial infrastructure.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Constellation Telecom
Constellation Telecom is comprised of business telecom leaders who bring over 100 years of combined experience and knowledge – and no ties to any telecom provider or agency.
Constellation Telecom is able to obtain vendor quotes from hundreds of vendors for Phone Service, Phone Systems, both on Premises and also Cloud based, as well for Internet circuits, Cabling and IT support. The company will offer special pricing to ISACo members that will result in cost savings for participating counties.
Additional information about Constellation Telecom is available via this link.
Become an ISACo Member!
Is your county a member of ISACo? If not, why not?
ISACo is a statewide association whose mission is to empower county officials to provide excellent service to their residents.
ISACo member counties are comprised of forward-thinking public servants who recognize that the challenges confronting county governments require new and innovative ideas, collaborative solutions and collective advocacy at the state and federal levels of government.
Members of the association will benefit from education and training opportunities, peer-to-peer networking, shared resources and robust representation before policymakers at various levels of government. ISACo creates and connects county officials to these opportunities and successfully equips them to make counties ideal places to live, work and play.
If your county is interested in discussing membership in ISACo, please contact Member Services and Communications Manager Tiffani Homer at (217) 679-3368 or thomer@isacoil.org. ISACo member counties are listed here. Thank you for your consideration.