The time is NOW to prepare for the statutorily required Annual Town Meeting, April 14^th, 2026. This webinar explores the list of what to expect in organizing and executing the annual event in all townships. Additionally, discussing a review of what powers the electors have at the annual township event.

A well-prepared budget is essential to responsible township governance and fiscal stability. This Lunch & Learn webinar will provide township officials with an overview of the township budgeting process, including key timelines, statutory requirements, revenue considerations, and expenditure planning. Participants will learn best practices for developing, reviewing, and adopting a legally compliant budget, as well as tips for maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the process. This session is ideal for both new and experienced officials looking to strengthen their understanding of township finances and budget planning

Join the Township Officials of Illinois for an informative Lunch and Learn webinar focused on the critical regulations governing drug and alcohol compliance in the trucking industry. Matt Wells and Shelly Miller of the Midwest Truckers Association will provide a clear and practical overview of federal requirements, recent regulatory updates, and best practices for maintaining compliance within township operations.

This session is designed for township supervisors, highway commissioners, clerks, and staff who oversee or work with commercial motor vehicle operations. Participants will gain a better understanding of employer responsibilities, testing procedures, recordkeeping requirements, and how to navigate the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Whether your township manages a small fleet or contracts with operators, this webinar will help ensure you remain compliant, reduce risk, and promote a safe workplace.

Township officials face a wide range of legal questions in their day-to-day roles. This Lunch & Learn webinar gives participants the opportunity to ask an experienced township attorney about common legal issues affecting township operations and governance. Whether you have a specific question or simply want to learn from the discussion, this interactive session will provide practical guidance to help officials navigate legal challenges with confidence.

Illinois’ Paid Leave for All Workers Act introduced new requirements for employers, including townships, that impact policies, payroll, and day-to-day operations. This Lunch & Learn webinar will provide township officials with a clear overview of the Act, including covered employers and employees, leave accrual and usage requirements, recordkeeping, and compliance deadlines. Participants will also learn how the law applies to township operations and what steps should be taken to ensure policies and practices align with statutory obligations. This session is designed to help township officials better understand the law and avoid common compliance pitfalls.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how local governments operate, communicate, and deliver services. This Lunch & Learn webinar will introduce township officials to the basics of AI and explore how it can be used responsibly and effectively in township operations. This session will help township officials understand the opportunities and limitations of AI and how to approach its use in a transparent and compliant manner.

The Comptroller’s Report is a critical component of township financial transparency and statutory compliance. This Lunch & Learn webinar will guide township officials through the purpose, required contents, and filing requirements of the report. Participants will gain a better understanding of common reporting terms, key deadlines, and frequent errors to avoid, as well as how the report supports accountability to residents and oversight agencies. This session is ideal for officials seeking greater confidence in preparing, reviewing, or submitting their township’s financial reports

 Annual audits are a key responsibility of township government and an important tool for financial oversight and accountability. This Lunch & Learn webinar will provide township officials with an overview of the audit process and what to expect when working with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Topics will include audit requirements, preparation tips, common findings, and how to respond to audit recommendations. Participants will also learn best practices for building a productive working relationship with their CPA to ensure a smooth, timely, and compliant audit. This session is valuable for both new and experienced officials involved in township financial operations.

Food pantries and General Assistance programs play a vital role in supporting township residents in need. This Lunch & Learn webinar will explore how townships can effectively administer and support food pantry operations while meeting their statutory General Assistance responsibilities. Topics may include eligibility considerations, coordination with local partners, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, and best practices for ensuring services are delivered fairly, efficiently, and with dignity. This session will provide township officials with practical guidance to strengthen assistance programs and better serve their communities.

The township levy is a critical component of funding township operations and services, and accuracy is essential to ensure legal compliance and financial stability. This Lunch & Learn webinar will walk township officials through the process of preparing and adopting a township tax levy. Topics will include statutory requirements, key deadlines, fund limitations, public notice considerations, and coordination with other township officials. Participants will gain practical insights and best practices to help avoid common errors and ensure the levy is completed correctly and on time.

Effective board meetings are essential to transparent, lawful, and productive township governance. This Lunch & Learn webinar will provide township officials with practical strategies for planning and conducting efficient board meetings that stay focused and compliant with statutory requirements. Topics will include agenda preparation, meeting procedures, roles and responsibilities, public comment management, and best practices for maintaining order and professionalism. Whether you are chairing meetings or participating as a board member, this session will help ensure meetings run smoothly and make the best use of everyone’s time.