DuPage County adopts 2025 federal legislative program; members press for local control, warn of HUD staffing risks

DuPage County’s legislative committee approved a resolution adopting the county’s 2025 federal legislative program (LEGR-0001-25) during its meeting on Jan. 14, 2025, after members discussed language emphasizing local control of federal community development funds and raised concerns about potential cuts to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) field staff.

The program was moved and seconded by committee leadership and adopted by voice vote. Chair Desar moved to approve the legislative program, calling it the county’s federal legislative priorities for 2025. Committee discussion focused on wording in the draft and how county priorities should reflect changes in federal policy.

The agenda item drew comments from Member Greg and county staff. Greg said he had expected Mary Keating to attend and wanted confirmation that Keating had been involved in drafting the program. Mary Keating, identified in the meeting as a Human Services staff member, said she had reviewed and revised language to avoid conflicts with executive orders and had added a provision stressing “local control of community development programs.” Keating said emphasizing local control was important “in the current administration” and argued that programs run locally should retain local management.

Keating also warned that if HUD field staff are cut substantially, local governments could face delays in approvals for environmental reviews, plan amendments and fund releases. “If HUD staff being cut by 50 to 75% … if there’s nobody there to approve our plans or approve our amendment or release the funds, then we’re dead in the water,” she said, urging the committee to consider requesting regulatory relief or other measures should federal staffing shrink.

Committee members also discussed federal policy shifts cited in the chair’s opening remarks, including recent congressional and executive actions referenced by the chair: letters and bills from members of Congress and Governor Pritzker’s state budget highlights. The chair noted recent federal and state developments as background for the county’s priorities, including citations of the Safer Communities Act in the draft and questions about whether programs created under prior administrations remain in effect.

Members approved the resolution after discussion. In other business the committee also approved legislative minutes (motion 25-0089) that had been moved and seconded earlier in the meeting.

Committee members were reminded of two upcoming advocacy opportunities. The chair said the county plans a March 19 trip to Springfield coordinated with the Illinois Association of County Officials (ISACO) and that staff will distribute details; staff and members also mentioned a separate Washington trip occurring that same week. The chair characterized the county’s legislative program as a living document and invited members to send updates to staff during the year.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve legislative minutes (25-0089): moved, seconded, adopted by voice vote (no recorded roll-call votes provided in transcript). - Resolution adopting DuPage County’s 2025 federal legislative program (LEGR-0001-25): moved, seconded, adopted by voice vote (no recorded roll-call votes provided in transcript).

Ending

Committee members voted by voice to adopt the two motions and adjourned without further business. Staff will circulate the Springfield trip invitation and continue to refine the federal legislative program as issues emerge.