Local Government Law

PRE-ORDER This handbook gives attorneys a detailed breakdown of the business, composition, financing, and legislative and regulatory frameworks of the special districts that provide essential services for communities of all sizes throughout Illinois.

A summary of recent Illinois case law and Public Access Counselor (PAC) opinions regarding the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). (December 2025)

Explore the unique ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence in local government law, from hallucinated case law and confidently wrong “legal” advice to client misuse for drafting ordinances or policies. Learn how to address misinformation in the community, copyright concerns, and oversight obligations under the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, while developing practical AI policies for your office or firm.
Originally presented as part of Local Government Law Institute 2025.

Effective collaboration between units of government can lead to better outcomes for communities—but it requires careful planning and clear agreements. Take a practical look at intergovernmental cooperation, offering tips for drafting solid Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) and avoiding common pitfalls. Topics will include legal considerations, best practices, and real-world examples—such as school districts and municipalities working together on impact fees and infrastructure needs.
Originally presented as part of Local Government Law Institute 2025.

Learn a step-by-step methodology for dealing with employment claims, focusing on strategies for managing state and federal agency claims, Illinois Labor Relations Board proceedings, and litigation practice.
Originally presented as part of Local Government Law Institute 2025.

Hear from an engaging panel of faculty members for a wide-ranging conversation on federalism and how it shapes the everyday work of local government attorneys.
Originally presented as part of Local Government Law Institute 2025.

Managing public spaces means balancing free speech rights with practical concerns. This session explores how the First Amendment applies to government property—like meeting rooms, parade routes, and protest areas—and offers guidance on handling controversial users, First Amendment audits, and forum classifications. Learn how to navigate these issues while maintaining compliance and public trust.
Originally presented as part of Local Government Law Institute 2025.

Economic development projects often require complex negotiations between municipalities and developers. This session brings together experienced government attorneys and private-sector professionals to discuss how they work together—and why. Through a point–counterpoint format, panelists will explore key incentives, legal considerations, and the practical push and pull on both sides of the table. Gain insight into the strategic thinking behind successful development agreements and how collaboration drives results.
Originally presented as part of Local Government Law Institute 2025.

The Courts, the Illinois General Assembly, and the US Congress have been very busy in 2025 on multiple critically important matters related to governmental bodies at all levels. We’ll cover the most important judicial and legislative activities from 2025 and their impacts on Illinois local government.
Originally presented as part of Local Government Law Institute 2025.

This program introduces the factors that affect construction bids for public projects. The program starts by discussing the requirement that public projects be publicly bid. It then covers applicable statutes, and exceptions to those rules. The discussion then continues with an overview of bid process, and ends with a look at other circumstances that can affect public bids.

The 13th Annual Local Government Law Institute is a must-see program for attorneys practicing in local government law. This year’s program features updates on caselaw and legislation, economic development incentives, employment law pitfalls, First Amendment issues in public spaces, intergovernmental cooperation and IGA’s, and federalism. The program concludes with an ethics session on the evolving role of AI in local government law offering both valuable knowledge and practical skills to strengthen your practice.

This guide breaks down the key mechanisms local governments use to raise and manage revenue, offering insight into tools like TIF districts, assessments, pension oversight, and public-private development strategies.