Friday, December 4, 2026
Live at UBS Tower, Chicago and via Webcast
8:00 – 8:55 Registration Opens or Log into the webcast via your account at www.iicle.com
8:55 – 9:00 Welcome & Announcements – Program Moderators
Steven M. Elrod, Elrod Friedman LLP, Chicago
Peter M. Friedman, Elrod Friedman LLP, Chicago
9:00 – 9:45 Caselaw and Legislative Update
The Courts, the Illinois General Assembly, and the US Congress have been very busy in 2026 on multiple critically important matters related to governmental bodies at all levels. We’ll cover the most important judicial and legislative activities from 2026 and their impacts on Illinois local government.
Peter M. Friedman, Elrod Friedman LLP, Chicago
9:45 – 10:30 Fifth Amendment and Regulatory Takings
John Murphey will present a session addressing plaintiffs’ attorneys’ increasing use of federal and state takings theories in place of traditional constitutional challenges to many local government regulatory structures.
John Murphey, Odelson, Murphey, Frazier & McGrath, Ltd., Evergreen Park
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 11:30 Controversial Land Uses and Contested Public Hearings
Controversial development proposals often generate heightened public scrutiny and challenging hearings before local boards and commissions. Examine the legal and practical considerations surrounding contested land-use matters, including strategies for conducting orderly public hearings, developing a clear record, and navigating competing municipal, developer, and community interests.
Steven M. Elrod, Elrod Friedman LLP, Chicago
Harold W. Francke, Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle, LLC, Schaumburg
11:30 – 12:15 Lunch (included for in-person attendees)
12:15 – 1:00 Data Centers, Solar, and Battery Storage
Data centers, solar facilities, and battery-storage projects can present local governments with complex development, regulatory, and community-relations issues. Explore current industry developments, potential incentives, public opposition, and practical considerations for evaluating and responding to these proposals.
Faculty TBA
1:00 – 1:45 FOIA and Open Meetings Act Developments
Review significant 2026 developments under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act. Explore recent guidance, recurring compliance challenges, and practical approaches to common and hypothetical situations involving public records and government meetings.
Faculty TBA
1:45 – 2:15 Employment and Labor Session
Examine timely employment and labor law developments affecting Illinois local governments. Gain practical guidance for addressing evolving workplace requirements, managing risk, and responding to common personnel challenges in the public sector.
Melissa A. Hall, Ancel Glink, Chicago
2:15 – 2:30 Break
2:30 – 3:30 Civility and Ethics in Local Government Law
(1.0 Professional Responsibility CLE, pending approval)
Returning audience favorite Richard Gleason examines the ethical and professional challenges that arise in local government practice. Through practical insights and engaging examples, explore how civility, sound judgment, and professional responsibility can help attorneys navigate difficult interactions and maintain public trust.
Richard Gleason, Illinois ARDC, Chicago
3:30 – 4:00 View from the Bench: Local Government Lawyers & Effective Advocacy
Justice Sanjay Tailor offers a judicial perspective on effective advocacy and the important role of local government lawyers.
Justice Sanjay Tailor, 1st District Illinois Supreme Court
4:00 Adjourn - to the Cocktail Reception!
Please join us for networking with drinks and appetizers at the conclusion of the program.
Many thanks to our 2026 Planning Committee:
Steven M. Elrod, Elrod Friedman LLP, Chicago
Peter M. Friedman, Elrod Friedman LLP, Chicago
John Murphey, Odelson, Murphey, Frazier & McGrath, Ltd., Evergreen Park
