Over 6,500 local governments -- ranging from counties and municipalities to obscure mosquito abatement districts -- and 100,000 government officials make Illinois government the most complex of any state in the Union. James F. Keane and Gary Koch have compiled this handbook, written by 19 experts in the field, to help take the mystery out of Illinois local government. Using a systematic evaluation of the different types of government at the municipal, township, and county levels, the contributors explain how these units operate, what problems they face, and how they interact with each other and with state and federal governments. Highlighting part one is State Comptroller Roland W. Burris’ overview of local government. Specific units of local government, including municipalities, counties, townships, public school districts, and other special districts, are explained in part two. The effects of various laws -- including the Illinois Home Rule -- and financial regulations are covered in part three. The chapter on campaign and election laws, written by William McGuffage, legislative liaison for the attorney general’s office, tells how to run for office. H. Brent De Land, executive director of the Illinois Community Action Association, offers clues on how to find, apply for, and receive grants. Part four discusses support services, the media, special interest groups, and community relations. Richard Burd, chief of Local Government Management Services in the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, offers insight on getting the most from such services. The editors look to the future in part five, outlining six emerging trends for local government: requests for services will increase, as will the need for more revenue; there will be a strong movement to consolidate local government; professionalism will be stressed: public accountability will increase: more emphasis will be placed on public image; and uniformity among local governments will emerge.