In 2019, the Center for Government Studies assisted the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in development of a statewide, five-year economic development plan. The plan emphasizes revitalizing downstate ...

The City of DeKalb advanced to the semi-finals of the America’s Best Communities Competition. This report was the key piece in the City’s competitive entry. The report presents a number of projects designed to work ...

As health care budgets tighten and professional resources become more limited, critical access hospitals (CAHs) may need to consider collaboration as an option to maintain local viability, allowing CAHs to continue providing ...

As a result of the 2015 Task Force on Unfunded Mandates and Government Consolidation, CGS assisted the Lieutenant Governor’s office in conducting a survey of best practices in shared services among Illinois local governments. ...

As a result of the 2015 Task Force on Unfunded Mandates and Government Consolidation, CGS assisted the Lieutenant Governor’s office in conducting a survey of best practices in shared services among Illinois local governments. ...

Developing the Arts: A New Tool for Community Development Programs

Employment Changes in Downstate Illinois and Business Climate Perceptions

Do Home Rule Governments Work Better? A New and Different Perspective

Illinois’ Rural Communities: Ways to Improve Their Future Prospects

The Big Unknown: How Much Money Do Illinois' Local Governments Spend Annually?