In order to assist Kankakee residents to be informed on the referendum question they will be asked on the ballot this fall, the City of Kankakee will host two Home Rule information sessions in coming weeks to discuss the scope of Home Rule authority and how the City has used it.  The public is invited to attend to hear City department heads and elected officials present on how Home Rule impacts their roles, initiatives, and responsibilities to the community.

The two information sessions will be held in the Fourth Floor Auditorium of the Kankakee Public Library (201 E Merchant Street) in Downtown Kankakee at the following dates and times:

• Thursday, September 29, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 13, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Home Rule is a designation created under the 1970 Illinois Constitution for municipalities with a population over 25,000 or those that vote by referendum to become a Home Rule unit.  It provides the municipality greater autonomy and authority to pass ordinances that address local issues, particularly in areas of zoning, public safety, economic development, public finance and taxes, administrative adjudication, and more. 

After the 2020 U.S. Census indicated that the City of Kankakee had fallen below the 25,000 threshold, Illinois law requires that a referendum be held asking residents if the City shall cease to be a Home Rule unit.  A vote of “No” is a vote to retain Home Rule, and a vote of “Yes” is a vote to eliminate Home Rule authority.

For more information, contact David Guzman in the City of Kankakee Mayor’s Office at (815) 933-0500.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building, and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov

 

Download the Press Release - CITY TO HOST TWO INFO SESSIONS ON HOME RULE