CHICAGO (Feb. 23, 2026) — The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, a regional coalition representing 275 cities, towns, and villages across northeastern Illinois, today expressed opposition to Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed reduction to the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) formula rate from 6.47 percent to 6.28 percent of individual income tax revenues distributed to local governments.
“Protecting LGDF revenues is one of the main items on our Legislative Agenda,” said Gerald Bennett, Chair of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Legislative Committee and Mayor of the City of Palos Hills. “While the Governor’s proposal indicates that the total dollar amount of LGDF distributions would remain essentially flat, similar adjustments in past years have created long-term challenges for municipalities across Illinois.”
The LGDF provides a direct share of state income tax revenues to municipalities, supporting essential services such as public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and other critical local operations.
“We are opposed to reducing the LGDF formula rate,” said Neil James, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. “Local governments rely on a stable and predictable LGDF to fund essential services, maintain infrastructure, and meet the needs of our residents. Maintaining growth in this funding stream is important to ensure communities can continue delivering the quality services residents expect and deserve.”
John Noak, Chair of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and Mayor of the Village of Romeoville, added: “We look forward to discussing our concerns regarding LGDF reductions with our Legislative Members and Leadership. This is a serious concern to each community within the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus region and across the state.”
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus will continue to advocate for maintaining and increasing the current LGDF formula rate to ensure Illinois communities have the resources necessary to serve their residents effectively.
About the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is a membership organization of 275 cities, towns, and villages working collaboratively to strengthen northeastern Illinois communities through cooperative action, advocacy, and policy leadership.
