Issues Facing Illinois Municipalities
Norman Walzer and Robin A. Johnson
Project Abstract
The national economic recession since 2000 has created substantial fiscal pressure on many Illinois cities, especially those that have lost major employers. Cities in sparsely populated nonmetro areas have been hit harder than those in more suburban growth areas. Local public officials have had to take several actions in response to the economic setbacks including postponing capital projects and, in some instances, not filling positions.
The IIRA, in cooperation with the Illinois Municipal League, conducted a survey of 440 municipalities in 2002. The questionnaire covered a broad range of issues including economic conditions, fiscal trends, infrastructure conditions, management practices and other topics. The response rate was 65 percent and the data set contains much information that will be useful for local officials. The findings should also be of interest to academics.
Deliverables Expected from Project
The results from this survey will be provided at several levels. First, a series of articles on various topics was published in the Illinois Municipal Review during spring 2003.
Second, a project report summarizing the survey findings will be published in fall 2003. Data will be presented by location and by size of city.
Third, presentations on the findings will be made at various professional meetings such as the Illinois Municipal League Conference in 2003.
Fourth, several papers will be submitted to refereed academic and professional journals and other outlets.
