Counties Count!

As artificial intelligence companies invest billions in new computing capacity, data center development is accelerating across Illinois and the nation. But recent calls from AI industry leaders for more cautious and deliberate development raise questions about the long-term assumptions driving that growth. In this episode of Counties Count! Podcast, ISACo Executive Director Joe McCoy discusses what county officials should consider when evaluating data center projects—including infrastructure costs, electricity and water demands, financial risk, technological change and the importance of preserving local decision-making authority.

A new statewide poll, first reported by Capitol Fax, reveals overwhelming concern about housing affordability—and strong bipartisan support for legislative action. In this episode of the Counties Count! Podcast, we look at what voters are saying, how proposed solutions like “missing middle” housing could reshape communities, and what it all means for counties navigating the balance between state policy and local control.

In this episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast we break down the landmark appellate decision in Equity Solar Illinois v. County of Grundy, which clarifies the limited role of non-home-rule counties in siting commercial solar facilities. The court affirmed that under the 2023 "Solar Amendments," a county must approve a special use permit if the applicant meets all technical state standards, effectively rendering the board’s role ministerial rather than discretionary. This ruling signals that traditional zoning considerations, such as community compatibility or future municipal expansion plans, are no longer valid grounds for denial if state requirements are met. We explore how the "shall be approved" statutory language strips local boards of their traditional legislative authority to block compliant renewable energy projects. Join us as we discuss the significant implications this loss of local control has for county officials navigating Illinois’ aggressive clean energy mandates.

As Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield for an election-year legislative session, one theme dominates the conversation: affordability. In this episode of Counties Count, we break down what House and Senate leaders from both parties are signaling for the months ahead — from budget pressures and shrinking federal support to energy policy, insurance regulation, and revenue debates. 

This episode of the Counties Count! Podcast explores the fascinating journey of Thanksgiving as a national holiday, spotlighting President Abraham Lincoln’s pivotal role and the cultural changes that have reshaped the celebration over generations. This interesting journey connects the threads from Illinois history to the Thanksgiving table of today.

In this episode of Counties Count, host Joe McCoy breaks down Illinois’ complex property tax system and how it affects county governments across the state. From the behind-the-scenes administrative role counties play to the challenges of funding essential services under tax caps and regional disparities, we explore why property taxes are both a lifeline and a constraint. Whether you’re a policymaker, public official, or just trying to make sense of your tax bill—this episode sheds light on the structural pressures facing counties and what reform could look like.

In this episode, we break down the major transit funding package approved during the fall veto session — one of the most consequential transportation actions in recent years. We explore what’s in the bill, why lawmakers pursued it, and how it affects transit systems across Illinois, from the Chicago region to downstate counties. Tune in for a clear, accessible discussion designed to help county officials and community leaders understand the policy implications and what comes next.

This episode of the Counties Count! Podcast explains how a Sangamon County Circuit Court ruling may clarify the relationship between county boards and Veterans Assistance Commissions. We’ll review the 2023 changes to the Military Veterans Assistance Act (MVAA) that reshaped that relationship, the dispute that followed, and what the court’s decision means for counties across Illinois.

In this episode of the Counties Count! Podcast, we break down the ongoing federal government shutdown and what it means for Illinois counties. From federal grants and reimbursements to essential services like health care, transportation, and nutrition programs, county governments are on the frontlines of managing the fallout. Join us as we explore the challenges and potential long-term effects.

Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, who passed away at 79, left behind a reputation for fiscal discipline, bipartisanship, and integrity. In this episode, we reflect on his journey from Charleston to the Statehouse, his accomplishments in education and government reform, and the enduring lessons of his public service.