Infrastructure Issues and Spending Practices
Abstract
This paper examines patterns of infrastructure investment in Illinois municipalities
since the end of the Great Recession. By evaluating the status of infrastructure in
52 municipalities using expenditure information from a 2018 survey of mayors, it
summarizes the strategies being used and the degree to which municipalities are
responding to fiscal stress by diverting resources from current services to offset capital
needs. The results show that the overall condition of streets has deteriorated, whereas
bridge structures are faring better. Water and sewer rates generally remain sufficient to
sustain service, though some facilities need upgrades.