Illinois Legislative Action Committee (ILAC)

The Community Associations Institute (“CAI”) and in particular, the Illinois Chapter, have dedicated themselves to political involvement on behalf of their members. The Illinois Legislative Action Committee (“ILAC”) represents the interests of CAI – Illinois Chapter members with respect to federal, state and local legislation and regulatory activities. Condominiums and other community associations are significantly affected by statutory changes. State and local legislation can either solve current problems or significantly and adversely affect the operations and governance of community associations. It is crucial that CAI-Illinois’ position be considered by those that make our laws in Illinois. ILAC is the primary voice for community associations in the Illinois legislature and municipal governments.

ILAC actively interacts with other organizations to achieve common goals. ILAC is non-partisan and serves only to further the interests of the community association constituency.

ILAC serves three important functions for the Chapter and its members. First, ILAC takes a pro-active role and develops legislation for introduction in the Illinois legislature, and reviews, monitors, supports or opposes pending federal, state and local legislation or regulations, and collectively takes “a position” on each bill, which is then conveyed to elected officials in Washington or Springfield – ILAC also enrolls the efforts of the Chapter membership in influencing the course of proposed legislation through letter-writing campaigns; second, ILAC provides educational services to the Chapter membership, conducting sessions each year to update Chapter members on legal and legislative developments affecting community associations, and ILAC members contribute articles to Common Interest magazine; and third, ILAC monitors growing trends and develops strategies to protect community associations, and promotes, communicates, and implements CAI public policy at the state level.

Each member of ILAC must be a current member of CAI. The Illinois Chapter Board nominates individuals to serve on ILAC (based on recommendations from ILAC) and submits the names to CAI’s National Government & Public Affairs Department each January. CAI’s president makes appointments to ILAC based on recommendations by the Illinois Chapter Board.

ILAC is currently comprised of sixteen members from CAI – Illinois Chapter. ILAC has a chairman, secretary, treasurer, and “at large” members. The Chapter Executive Director is also invited to participate in meetings in order to become familiar with ILAC activities. One member of ILAC acts as liaison with the Chapter Board, and advises the Chapter Board and CAI of its activities. ILAC membership represents a cross-section of the general membership of the Chapter and currently includes the following areas of specialization: accountant, attorney, insurance professional, property manager, and homeowner.

ILAC generally meets monthly for one hour at lunchtime, and meetings are conducted by teleconference – so you do not have to leave your office or home to participate.

CAI members residing in Illinois pay a $15.00 legislative support fee when joining or renewing their CAI membership. These fees are collected by CAI and distributed to ILAC on a monthly basis. The only members who are exempt from paying the fee are members who belong to public interest organizations or groups.