Public Policy Case Studies

Long-range planning

Client

Kane County Development Department

Situation

Two unincorporated areas petitioned Kane County, Illinois to become municipalities. But establishing new villages raises a variety of legal, financial and political issues. The county’s land use plan does not encourage the incorporation of small villages.

Solution

McElroy Associates researched how the proposed incorporations would affect utilities, public safety and tax revenues. Our efforts included interviews with village budget directors in Kane County.

Result

County planning officials used McElroy Associates’ research to explain the ramifications to elected officials, news media and the general public. In one case, the county board refused to place the issue on the ballot. The second request was rejected by voters.