Mount Vernon Mayor John Lewis participated in the announcement of the Illinois Municipal League’s (IML) annual “Moving Cities Forward” legislative platform on March 4, 2024, in Springfield. This initiative aims to bolster the long-term viability of all 1,294 municipalities in Illinois by advocating for critical legislative changes.
The “Moving Cities Forward” program seeks to secure full funding for state-shared revenues, including the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF), and to empower local authorities in managing housing programs. Other significant proposals include the implementation of a local Motor Fuel Tax (MFT), modernization of public notice requirements, and streamlining state permitting processes. Mayor Lewis serves as the IML First Vice President and expressed his enthusiasm about the event, emphasizing its significance for local communities.
“This annual gathering highlights how decisions made in Springfield directly impact the municipalities we represent,” Lewis stated. He noted that recent legislative actions have increasingly shifted power from local governments to state control, which could undermine local governance.
According to the IML’s news release, Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed budget for the State Fiscal Year 2027 includes a reduction in LGDF from 6.47% to 6.28% of individual income tax revenues. Municipal officials are urging the General Assembly to restore the LGDF to its previous level of 10%, a threshold maintained for decades until cuts in 2011. This funding is viewed as essential for supporting local services and maintaining the partnership between state and local governments.
“Local governments are where residents feel impacts first,” said Sheila Chalmers-Currin, IML President and Village President of Matteson. “Shifting costs to the local level makes Illinois less affordable for residents.” She emphasized that a reduction in LGDF funding would limit options to either raise local taxes or cut crucial services such as public safety and infrastructure.
Another important aspect of the advocacy is the support for non-home rule municipalities, which currently face restrictions on imposing local MFTs. The IML is pushing for legislation that would allow all non-home rule municipalities to impose a local MFT of up to three cents per gallon, providing them with a vital revenue source for maintaining roads and infrastructure.
“Local officials know their communities best,” Mayor Lewis remarked. “This proposal offers every community a necessary tool for supporting local infrastructure.”
In addition to revenue generation, the “Moving Cities Forward” platform emphasizes the protection of municipal authority over land use and zoning. Governor Pritzker’s budget proposal includes provisions that may preempt local control in these areas.
“Municipalities in Illinois differ greatly in terms of geography, population density, and housing demands,” said Rita Ali, IML Second Vice President and Mayor of Peoria. “Statewide mandates often overlook the unique needs of our communities. Preserving local authority allows us to address housing needs effectively.”
The initiative also seeks to modernize public notice requirements, enabling municipalities to share information online, which could reduce costs while maintaining traditional publication options. Additionally, the platform advocates for establishing clear timelines for state agency permit reviews to reduce delays that can exceed one year. Such delays can significantly increase project costs and hinder infrastructure development.
“Many essential public services that protect the health, safety, and welfare of Illinois residents are delivered at the local level,” stated Brad Cole, IML Chief Executive Officer. “We are asking lawmakers to equip municipalities with the necessary resources and authority to serve their residents effectively.”
For further details on IML’s 2026 “Moving Cities Forward” legislative platform, visit movingcitiesforward.org.
