Short-Term Housing Rental Found to Violate R-1 Zoning CodeBy John M. O’Driscoll & Courtney WillitsLocal Government Law, April 2022As vacation rental companies such as VRBO and AirBnb expand their property bases, it is important for municipal attorneys to understand what regulations are contained in zoning codes and how the courts have interpreted them.
Tax Increment Financing Concepts for the FutureBy Herbert J. KleinLocal Government Law, March 2022An overview of the numerous ways in which the Illinois Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act authorizes cities, towns, and villages in Illinois to work with other taxing bodies and developers to use tax increment financing to stimulate local economic activity for the benefit of the entire community.
Case Summaries: October 2021 – January 2022By Phil Lenzini, Matt Dione, Brian Flynn, Chris Jump, Lisle Stalter, Todd Flemming, & Josh HermanLocal Government Law, February 2022Summaries of recent cases of interest.
Illinois Supreme Court Invalidates Cook County Taxes on Firearms and AmmunitionBy Michael J. SmoronLocal Government Law, February 2022In Guns Save Life, Inc. v. Ali,the Illinois Supreme Court determined that Cook County’s ordinances imposing taxes on the retail purchase of firearms and ammunition, respectively, violated the uniformity clause of the Illinois Constitution.
Public Act 102-0694: Second ‘Safe-T Act’ Trailer BillBy Jason BlumenthalLocal Government Law, February 2022In January 2021, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 3653, now known as Public Act 101-0652 or the Illinois Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today Act, changing the landscape of criminal justice throughout Illinois.
Chicago Netflix Tax UpheldBy Michael J. SmoronLocal Government Law, February 2020In Labell v. City of Chicago, the appellate court upheld the city’s amusement tax on streaming video, streaming audio, and online gaming services.
Communities Embracing Potential of Opportunity ZonesBy Jay Augustyn, Shelly A. Scinto, & James M. SnyderLocal Government Law, December 2019The Opportunity Zones incentive is a community investment tool established by Congress in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to encourage long‑term private investments in low‑income urban and rural communities nationwide with the goal of developing those communities.
Amendment to the municipal code limits authority to appoint fire chiefsBy Jennifer Gover BannonLocal Government Law, June 2019SB 2619, which was signed into law in November 2018, expands the list of qualifications and certifications a person must possess in order to be appointed a fire chief, acting chief, department head, or other position responsible for day-to-day operation of a fire department.
Uncuff the fire and police pension fundsBy C. John McCauleyLocal Government Law, June 2019In the event that the attempt at consolidation of downstate fire and police pension funds fails to become law, there is a substantial possibility that reamortization would be the only relief available.
Local governmental immunity for recreational propertyBy Brian MurphyTort Law, June 2013The recreational property immunity is a powerful affirmative defense and a game changer of which attorneys for both plaintiffs and defendants should be aware.
An overview of TIF districtsBy Leslie HairstonWomen and the Law, October 2008The stated purpose of the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, 65 ILCS 5/11-74.4-1 et seq. (West) hereinafter referred to as the TIF Act, in the State of Illinois is to provide a mechanism for local governmental units in Illinois to spur economic development, in specific geographic areas that are deteriorating and/or declining, by providing gap financing for projects that would not occur without such public assistance.
Case noteBy Alfred M. Swanson, Jr.Local Government Law, October 2003Tort Immunity Act limitations period does not apply to construction. Hager v. II In One contractors, Inc., The City of Chicago, and Public Building Commission, 1-01-4222, September 5, 2003; Reid, J.
Can a bank foreclose on an annexation agreement?By Christian SpesiaLocal Government Law, March 2000The Village Administrator calls to tell you that the Village has been named a defendant in a mortgage foreclosure suit.
An overview of the Freedom of Information ActBy Roger HuebnerLocal Government Law, January 2000Recent press reports have criticized public bodies for supposed non-compliance with provisions of Illinois' Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In fact, even before the next regular session of the General Assembly, there is legislation pending to amend FOIA.
Are you insured when the circus comes to town?By E. Regan Daniels ShepleyLocal Government Law, December 1999Every town sees thempermit requests from organizations sponsoring a circus, carnival, festival or other "special event."
A guide to annexations and annexation proceduresBy Sharon L. EisemanLocal Government Law, December 1999Division 1 of Article 7 of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/7-1-1, et seq.) provides for several means of annexing property to a municipality. The following outline is intended as a guide for municipal staff and officials.
What might lie ahead with Illinois RFRABy Janet N. Petsche & Eric J. FuglsangLocal Government Law, November 1999"Will police officers be allowed to refuse to guard abortion clinics based on their religion?"
State Gift Ban Act—Attorney General OpinionBy Lynn PattonLocal Government Law, August 1999Recently, Attorney General Jim Ryan issued an opinion regarding the implementation of the provisions of the State Gift Ban Act (added by Public Act 90-737, effective January 1, 1999, to be codified at 5 ILCS 425/1 et seq.)
