Intergovernmental Cooperation

Since its inception, intergovernmental cooperation has been the backbone of WCMC’s programs and services. Whether fostering an exchange of information to ensure the efficient, effective, and equitable operation of local government; utilizing joint resources to enhance the public safety and welfare; or uniting for the study and solution of common problems, WCMC members have joined forces and led the way. Today, the Conference continues to respond to the changing needs of its members and their citizens. Please explore the ongoing programs built and sustained through intergovernmental cooperation.

Building and Codes Mutual Aid Agreement

Members of the West Central Municipal Conference are encouraged to consider a new regional initiative that enhances the public safety and welfare of west suburban Cook County.

The WCMC Building and Codes Committee has developed a Mutual Aid Agreement that is a valuable resource for municipalities in the event of catastrophic or emergency situations.

Recognizing each community’s individual limitations in responding to serious occurrences, a coordinated effort such as the one proposed will assist in evaluating and inspecting structural damage. It will also help make buildings safe and fit for occupancy in the aftermath of an emergency.

While participation in the WCMC Building Department Mutual Aid Agreement is voluntary, it is hoped that member municipalities would support other west Cook County communities when necessary. Similarly, their resources would be available to participants on a reciprocal basis. Our goal is 100% membership participation throughout the region.

Following the tragedies of September 11, 2001, we must be prepared for emergency situations – both natural and man-made. This Agreement provides a unique opportunity to do so.

Below is a list of communities that have received board approval to participate in the WCMC Building and Codes Mutual Aid Agreement. If you have any questions or need a copy of the agreement, please contact Len Cannata.

Village of Brookfield
Village of Elmwood Park
Village of Forest Park
Village of Franklin Park
Village of Hillside
Village of LaGrange
Village of LaGrange Park
Village of Lyons
Village Of Norridge
City of Northlake
Village of North Riverside
Village of River Forest
Village of Riverside
Village of Rosemont
Village of Schiller Park
Village of Stone Park
Village of Summit
Village of Western Springs

Clean Air Counts

The Clean Air Counts campaign is a region-wide effort to improve air quality and reduce smog throughout northeastern Illinois. It is organized into five campaigns aimed at different constituencies. All governing bodies, including municipal governments, park districts and school districts are encouraged to participate in the Communities campaign.

Many clean air activities and policies are easy to enact and implement. They can save big dollars and do not require specially trained staff. There are three levels of participation which allow communities at all stages of clean air activities to participate in a three-tiered award system:

Bronze – Raise awareness of air quality problems and how to combat them.

Silver – Commit to reduce emissions through simple measures that improve air quality.

Gold – Demonstrate leadership by implementing a comprehensive policy to reduce emissions.

Currently, a group of municipal “early adopters” are completing their applications. If you are interested in more information and joining the Clean Air Communities campaign, please refer to their website www.cleanaircounts.org or contact Jim Caporusso.

Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund

The Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund (IMET) was developed in July 1996 as a cooperative endeavor to assist Illinois municipalities with the investment of their intermediate-term dollars. IMET was established as a non-profit investment fund under the Illinois Municipal Code. Currently serving more than 100 municipalities and related governmental bodies, IMET is a fund with a fluctuating net asset value and an average maturity of one-to-three years. Designed for municipal funds that may be invested for more than one year, IMET invests exclusively in US government-backed securities (Treasuries and agencies). Due to its investment policies and objectives, IMET continues to receive the highest Aaa/MRI rating available from Moody’s Investor Service.

IMET is a one-to-three year investment fund controlled by and for municipal managers and finance officers to enhance investment opportunity. IMET is designed as an investment vehicle for funds not required to be spent in the near term and are available for investment in securities with average maturities.

For more information on IMET, please contact their Executive Director Laura F. Allen at 847-296-9200, ext. 38 or log on to www.investIMET.com.

Metropolitan Mayors Caucus

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus was founded by Richard M. Daley in December 1997, in conjunction with the Mayors of the suburban Chicago area. It is a voluntary collaboration among the City of Chicago, the Dukane Valley Mayors and Administrators, the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, the Lake County Municipal League, the McHenry County Municipal Association, the Northwest Municipal Conference, the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, the Southwest Conference of Mayors, the West Central Municipal Conference, and the Will County Governmental League. The Caucus represents 270 municipalities within the six-county Chicago region and a population of over eight million.

It provides a forum for the chief elected officials of the region to cooperatively develop consensus and act on common public policy issues and multi-jurisdictional challenges. With a foundation of collaboration and consensus-based decision making, it serves a number of functions for its partner organizations and local governments:

• The Mayors Caucus is a voice for a regional approach to issues and challenges, such as: economic development, school funding and tax reform, workforce readiness, energy reliability and security, air quality, funding for transportation and other infrastructure, housing, and emergency preparedness.

• The Caucus cooperates with leaders and agencies from the private, non-profit and public sectors that seek to work toward the common goal of improving the region’s well being.

• The Caucus provides a forum for the discussion and resolution of issues that impact the region’s overall quality of life.

• The Mayors Caucus develops consensus positions on a broad range of key issues facing the Chicago region and advocates for their adoption at the federal, state and local levels of government.

For additional Mayors Caucus information please contact their Executive Director, Dave Bennett at 312/201-4505.

Public Works Emergency Mutual Aid Agreement (NEIMAN)

Members of the West Central Municipal Conference are encouraged to consider a new regional initiative that enhances the public safety and welfare of west suburban Cook County. The Northeastern Illinois Mutual Aid Network (NEIMAN) Public Works Emergency Mutual Aid Agreement is a joint effort of the WCMC Public Works Committee in cooperation with the Northwest Municipal Conference and the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association. NEIMAN supersedes the mutual aid agreement in west Cook County that several WCMC members executed ten years ago.

Recognizing each community’s individual limitations in responding to serious occurrences, a coordinated effort such as the one proposed will assist in sharing personnel, equipment, and materials. While participation in NEIMAN is entirely voluntary, it is hoped that member municipalities would support other suburban communities when necessary. Similarly, their resources would be available to participants on a reciprocal basis. Our goal is 100% membership participation throughout Cook County.