Founded in 1836, McHenry County began as an agricultural community, which grew substantially in the 1990s in 2000s to become the sixth largest county in the State of Illinois. Today, the county is comprised of a patchwork of rural and urban communities in the northwest region of the Chicago metropolitan area, and it boasts a population of approximately 312,800 residents.

Property taxes in McHenry County remain high, and the County Board is committed to lessening its burden on residents by encouraging smart, sustainable development that expands the tax base. The County Board recognizes that a strong, vibrant economy also is dependent upon the preservation and protection of the county’s natural, agricultural, and cultural resources, as the county’s rural character and natural areas attract visitors, new residents and businesses to the county.

Unfunded mandates and added regulations from both the State and the Federal Government have increased the cost of county operations, and they threaten the county’s fiscal strength and opportunities for tax relief.

Partnerships with federal and state legislators are essential for enabling the County to provide high quality services in a fiscally responsible manner. The 2025 Legislative Program was developed in coordination with the full County Board, county departments and regional stakeholders. The Program includes legislative priorities to sponsor and priorities to support. Sponsored priorities are those sponsored by McHenry County. Supported priorities are those sponsored by other partner organizations. Each priority contains a brief description and proposed legislative action in accordance with the McHenry County Legislative Tenets. 

To learn more about McHenry County's legislative priorities, select 2025 Legislative Program.

 Legislative Advocates

Established in 1976 and formalized in 2001, the McHenry County Council of Governments is a cohesive network of governmental bodies who seek to foster cooperation between all levels of government. The purpose of the McHenry County Council of Governments is to uphold and advocate for principles of effective local government, facilitate solutions to regional issues, and otherwise lessen the burdens of government.

The Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) is a statewide association whose mission is to empower county officials to provide excellent service to their residents. ISACo member counties are comprised of forward-thinking public servants who recognize that the challenges confronting county governments require new and innovative ideas, collaborative solutions and collective advocacy at the state and federal levels of government.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) represents the interests of America's counties, serving as a powerful voice in federal policymaking and a vital part of our nation's intergovernmental system.  With a membership of over 1,500 county elected and professional officials, NACo brings together leaders from across the country to shape national policies, share best practices and strengthen counties for a stronger America.

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