Illinois Government Research no. 46 1978: Local Roads and Bridges in Illinois: Problems and Alternatives

In recent years the deteriorating condition of local roads and bridges, pointed up by bridge failures causing deaths and many injuries, has become a concern in Illinois and many other states. Serious as this problem is, it should be viewed in a broader context, one raising fundamental questions of public finance and political organization. In particular, the viability of small governmental units such as townships is being questioned: Can they raise adequate revenues and administer the services under their control effectively? The local road and bridge problem was addressed in a study of 186 townships in ten western Illinois counties undertaken during 1975-76. In this article, issues deriving from the basic question raised above are examined in light of information gained during the course of the project, particularly from personal interviews with local road commissioners. The advantages and disadvantages of several approaches to solving the problem are then examined.published or submitted for publicatio

Rural Illinois in the 1990s: On the Rebound?

Rural areas of Illinois experienced a widespread population rebound between 1990 and 1995.2 These recent population gains in Illinois are consistent with a broader rural population growth revival nationwide. Rural Illinois gain nearly 24,000 residents between 1990 and 1995, according to recently released estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau.3 The population grew in 47 of the 74 nonmetropolitan counties in Illinois during the period. Migration to rural areas accounted for most of this population gain. Most urban areas in Illinois also gained population during the first half of the 1990s. The recent population gains in rural Illinois are modest, but they represent a significant change from the substantial population losses in the same areas during the 1980s

Understanding Factors Contributing to Community Change

This paper describes the work of the Community Change Network, a collaboration of university researchers and practitioners to understand the factors that contribute to lasting community changes. It describes the resources available as well as what has been accomplished regarding this issue

Illinois Government Research no. 53 1981: Local Governments and Property Taxes

This paper seeks to shed light on the role that governmental structure plays in property tax collections, using 1977 Census of Governments data for Illinois counties. No attempt is made to justify or critique certain types of government as being more efficient or preferable to others. Rather, the concern here is whether more complex delivery systems lead to higher property taxes and, if so, how much higher. This paper is organized into two parts. The first section discusses recent changes in government structure, some of the reasons for these changes, and their implications for local finance. The second section reports an empirical analysis of determinants of property tax collections.published or submitted for publicatio

Guidebook and Resources for Starting Community Supported Enterprises

In collaboration with Jacob Smith, NIU and David Ivan, Michigan State UniversityBy Norman Walzer, Northern Illinois University, in collaboration with Jacob Smith, NIU, and David Ivan, Michigan State University. (2019) In 2014, the North Central Regional Council for Regional Development published a report that examined 20 Community Supported Enterprises (CSEs) operating across the U.S., plus listed many others in operation at that time (Walzer and Sandoval, 2014). The CSEs mainly involved grocery-related stores and eating establishments typically in small towns. The enterprises fit the CSE model because they had local investment and were motivated by a social purpose, often to build social capital and improve quality of life. In several instances, these CSEs have closed due mainly to adverse financial conditions but with important lessons learned in the process. Others are profitable and flourishing. Growing interest in a CSE approach among public officials and community leaders generated interest in preparing a guidebook to help other groups chart a course to evaluate, and possibly start, a local CSE. Providing that assistance is the main purpose of this guidebook. It is not a manual providing a set course of action because each situation differs in market conditions, financial interests, and willingness of residents to invest or otherwise participate in financing the project. Nevertheless, common features among successful CSEs are highlighted in this Guidebook. It builds on the previous report by examining additional CSEs that vary in organizational structure, goods or services delivered, or financing approaches. In addition, more attention is paid to who was involved in the organizational effort and how the venture was marketed to potential investors. The intent is to provide sufficient information that readers interested in launching a local effort will gain insights into how to proceed even under different scenarios.Financial support for this project was provided by the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development through a grant to the NIU Center for Governmental Studies collaborating with the MI State Extension and the UW Extension. The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs provided financial support for this project

Community Supported Enterprises as a Local Investment Strategy

Aging business owners, declining markets because of population declines, and slow local economies have threatened essential businesses in many small rural communities. In response, local groups have organized efforts in which residents pool their funds to purchase or reinvigorate a threatened business that adds significantly to quality of life. These Community Supported Enterprises have grown in popularity with the advent of Crowd-funding techniques. Norman Walzer, of CGS, describes the results of a national survey of how CSEs are organized, managed, and operated, along with their successes