Counties Count!
by Illinois State Association of Counties
Latest episode
AI is Changing Fast. What Does That Mean for Data Centers and…
AI is Changing Fast. What Does That Mean for Data Centers and…
About this podcast
The Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) shares the latest state and local news impacting counties, interviews with state and local elected officials, insights from our legislative staff, discussions about the important role of county government in Illinois and more.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 26 episodes
- AI is Changing Fast. What Does That Mean for Data Centers and Counties? · 8 minAs artificial intelligence companies invest billions in new computing capacity, data center development is accelerating across Illinois and the nation. But recent calls from AI…
- Housing Pressure Builds: What Illinois Voters Want—and What It Means for Counties · 6 minA new statewide poll, first reported by Capitol Fax, reveals overwhelming concern about housing affordability—and strong bipartisan support for legislative action. In this…
- Solar Mandates and Diminished Discretion: Reviewing Equity Solar v. Grundy County · 5 minIn this episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast we break down the landmark appellate decision in Equity Solar Illinois v. County of Grundy, which clarifies the limited role of…
- Affordability, Uncertainty, and the Road Ahead: What to Expect from Illinois’ Spring Legislative Session · 7 minAs Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield for an election-year legislative session, one theme dominates the conversation: affordability. In this episode of Counties Count, we…
- From Lincoln to Today: How Thanksgiving Became What It Is · 14 minThis episode of the Counties Count! Podcast explores the fascinating journey of Thanksgiving as a national holiday, spotlighting President Abraham Lincoln’s pivotal role and the…
- The Property Tax Puzzle: Counties, Cashflow, and the CPI Squeeze · 11 minIn this episode of Counties Count, host Joe McCoy breaks down Illinois’ complex property tax system and how it affects county governments across the state. From the…
- Understanding Illinois’ New Transit Funding Solution · 14 minIn this episode, we break down the major transit funding package approved during the fall veto session — one of the most consequential transportation actions in recent years. We…
- Clarifying the County–VAC Relationship: Understanding the Sangamon County Court Decision · 6 minThis episode of the Counties Count! Podcast explains how a Sangamon County Circuit Court ruling may clarify the relationship between county boards and Veterans Assistance…
- When Washington Shuts Down: County Impacts of a Federal Gridlock · 18 minIn this episode of the Counties Count! Podcast, we break down the ongoing federal government shutdown and what it means for Illinois counties. From federal grants and…
- Remembering Former Governor Jim Edgar: A Legacy of Steady Leadership · 6 minFormer Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, who passed away at 79, left behind a reputation for fiscal discipline, bipartisanship, and integrity. In this episode, we reflect on his…
- Bipartisan FEMA Act Advances: What It Means for Counties · 6 minThe U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has overwhelmingly approved the bipartisan FEMA Act of 2025, sending it to the full House for consideration. The…
- Counties in the Classroom: Supporting Students Then and Now · 6 min · Season 1 Episode 15As Illinois kids head back to school, this episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast looks at the important role counties have played in supporting education—past and present…
- The Case for Civility: Leading Across Differences · 13 minThis episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast explores why civility isn’t just about being polite — it’s about building stronger, more effective local government. Drawing on…
- Fixing FEMA: What Counties Need from Disaster Reform · 17 minIn this episode, we unpack the urgent need for FEMA reform from a county government perspective. As natural disasters grow in frequency and intensity, counties are often on the…
- The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and What It Means for Counties and Communities · 21 minIn this episode, we break down the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and explore what it means for county governments and the people they serve. From funding shifts to…
- Transit at a Crossroads: Where Illinois Reform Stands Now · 16 minIn this episode of the Counties Count! Podcast we break down the latest developments in Illinois transit reform following the General Assembly’s spring session. Despite…
- Spring Session Wrap-Up: What Happened, What Didn't and What’s Next? · 13 minIn this episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast, Executive Director Joe McCoy breaks down the key takeaways from the adjournment of the 2025 spring legislative session. From…
- “Behind the Budget: What Might Reconciliation Bring for States, Counties and Taxpayers? · 15 minThis episode explores the federal budget reconciliation process and its far-reaching implications for state and local governments. Learn how this fast-track legislative tool is…
- Outdoor Fitness Court Opportunity for Illinois Counties by NFC · 11 minThis episode of the Counties Count! Podcast discusses free, accessible outdoor wellness opportunities for communities and schools across Illinois thanks to a continued…
- Defending Justice: What Public Defense Reform Means for Illinois Counties · 12 minIn this episode of Counties Count!, we dig into HB 3363—landmark legislation that could reshape how public defense works across Illinois. The podcast breaks down what the…
