Park districts distinguish themselves by leading their fellow governmental entities in such cooperation. Units of local government and school districts may contract and otherwise associate with individuals, associations, and corporations in any manner not prohibited by law or by ordinance. Participating units of government may use their credit, revenues, and other resources to pay costs and to service debt related to intergovernmental activities. The State shall encourage intergovernmental cooperation and use its technical and financial resources to assist intergovernmental activities. This provision of the Illinois State Constitution has spawned many books, articles and attorney general opinions on intergovernmental cooperation.
Some publications also offer samples of intergovernmental agreements.
For a list of such publications, call the IAPD offices. Peter M. Murphy is general counsel for the Illinois Association of Park Districts.