We are living through very hard times: ICE raids, systemic violence, a nearly nonexistent safety net, financial stress, and so much more. Local governments cannot face these challenges in isolation; we must do more with less, and the need for partnership has never been greater.
In challenging times, collaboration is more than just a good idea: it’s essential. This is the core belief behind IGOV, a table where two representatives from each local governing body meet monthly to align efforts, share challenges, and build common ground. Members change every two years after local elections. Since this group’s initiation in July, IGOV has continued to build relationships, coordinate efforts, and share strategies. We are proud of the conversations and connections we have fostered between governing bodies during that time.
A policy that works at one board table, like embedding gun safety literature into registration forms, can be duplicated at another. ICE-free zone policies grow stronger when more boards sign on. (In Oak Park, three boards now have them!) And when we adjust meeting schedules just a little, moving one board to a new night with fewer conflicts, constituents can engage more fully. These are the types of outcomes we can expect to see with strong collaboration.
During our monthly meetings, we also hear from local leaders to better understand local needs and see how our governing bodies can better support and intersect. This year, we’ve heard from leaders at the Community Mental Health Board, Beyond Hunger, the Collaboration for Early Childhood, and the Community Fridge Project.
Today, we are writing to introduce IGOV’s new webpage, hosted by the Oak Park Public Library. It features our updated mission, vision, guiding values, and co-created resources. The first of these resources is the Guide for Running for Office in Oak Park, Illinois, a project years in the making. It reflects the work of many elected officials over time, a lot of collaboration between boards, and a special partnership with the library for hosting the page. Thank you, library staff. The guide stands as a tool for anyone considering joining an elected board. It clearly outlines what it takes to run for local office.
IGOV is laying the groundwork for better collaboration in the future because core services cannot thrive in a vacuum. When governing boards work together, the initiatives we create are more widely utilized, more comprehensive, and earn deeper community investment. We encourage you to explore our new webpage, engage with IGOV’s mission, and hold all of us accountable to the collaborative spirit these times require and our future demands.
Kristina Rogers, chair
Oak Park Library Trustee
Lou Anne Johanesson, executive coordinator
Township Clerk