Public Policy

It is our goal to develop and support citizen advocacy initiatives that direct and draw on the power of individuals to educate policymakers on issues of vital importance to the mission of park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies.

Since 1980, legislation endorsed by the IAPD has passed 92 percent of the time. Thanks in large part to the work of the IAPD, Illinois citizens enjoy more than 337,000 acres for recreation, parks and conservation.

Legislative advocacy involves countless hours of research, preparation, relationship building, education and image building to create a successful advocacy program. It is an ongoing commitment to further the association's reputation as a proactive and trustworthy source of legislative information to our membership, the media, the Illinois General Assembly, the governor and members of Congress.