ILCMA Summer Conference 2026 Recap!

ILCMA Summer Conference 2026 Recap!

The @ILCMA Summer Conference did not disappoint! It was another three-day event filled with educational sessions, networking and social events that brought local government professionals from around the state together – in the City of Peoria! View a recap of the conference with Local Gove Stories podcast hosts, @Melanie Santostefano and @Danny Langloss – as they interviewed @DawnPeters, @KimberlyRichardson, @HaleyHoltz, @JoeyDienberg, @JacobSmith, @AndieTrucco @ScottHartman, @ScotWrighton, @YatesMcLaughlin, @SarahSchillerstrom and @AndrewBuckwinkler about their conference experiences! #ILCMA #LocalGovStories #Podcast

ILCMA Local Gov Stories Episode Twenty-Three

Great leaders aren’t born with a title – and can start their journey by raising a hand. And the strongest leaders now are investing in what comes next, by creating opportunities for future leaders to grow, learn, and lead. On the latest Local Gov Stories Podcast, join hosts @DannyLangloss, and @Melanie Santostefano – who interviews @Ashley Palbitska, Assistant to the City Manager and Deputy City Clerk for the @City of Highland Park. You’ll learn about Ashley’s 20-year journey in several roles – all at the City – and how stepping beyond her day-to-day responsibilities has shaped her career and understanding of the profession. She also encourages others at similar stages in their careers to seek out new opportunities whenever possible! Tune in for insights on leadership planning and growth, career development, and how local government can be proactive in preparing the next generation of public service leaders. Be sure to get registered for the ILCMA Summer Conference! We can't wait to see you in Peoria! #LocalGovStories #LeadershipDevelopment #SuccessionPlanning #PublicService #FutureLeaders #ILCMA

ILCMA Local Gov Stories Episode Twenty-Two

New episode alert! Watch the next Local Gov Stories Podcast featuring an interview with Cody Moakes, the Chief of Staff for the City of Marion. Cody takes a deep dive into explaining the many aspects of Star Bonds, an economic development tool that differs from TIF Districts – by relying on generated sales taxes instead of real estate taxes. Join your hosts Melanie Santostefano and Danny Langloss and learn more about this opportunity to attract new development to your community. The deadline to apply for a Star Bond is coming soon – so give it a view! Registration is now open for the ILCMA Summer Conference! Be sure to check the ILCMA calendar to find information on the many upcoming ILCMA and affiliate events! https://www.ilcma.org/calendar/ [https://www.ilcma.org/calendar/]

ILCMA Local Gov Stories Podcast Winter Conference Recap

Local Gov Stories Podcast Hosts @Melanie Santostefano and @Danny Langloss sat down with veterans of the profession and seasoned municipal and county managers - all the way to the next generation of public servants from across Illinois at the recent @Illinois City/County Management Association Winter Conference. Fresh ideas were shared, along with real-world takeaways from keynotes and educations sessions – and one powerful theme came up repeatedly: that local government is more than a profession, it’s a strong community of professionals that show up for each other to continually advance leadership.

ILCMA Local Gov Stories Podcast Episode Twenty-One

THE LATEST LOCAL GOV STORIES PODCAST IS OUT! Hosts @MelanieSantostefano and @DannyLangloss talk with the City of Arcola’s first-ever Administrator, @BillWagoner – who’ll share the many unique attractions in Arcola, along with his plan already in the works to increase partnerships, support business growth and build a stronger community. Plus, Winter Conference keynote @CourtneyClark joins the conversation with a powerful preview on how she believes we can all navigate change more effectively, by learning to adapt, grow, and thrive - in both our work, and our lives. Do you have a “Local Gov” story to share? Email ilcma@niu.edu [ilcma@niu.edu] and be a part of the podcast! #ILCMAProud #LocalGovStories #LocalGovernmentLeaders #PublicService #ILCMA