Empowering Voters - Defending Democracy

The League of Women Voters is a political organization that neither supports nor opposes candidates or parties and encourages informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area serves the people of Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Countryside, Indian Head Park, Hinsdale, Hodgkins, La Grange, La Grange Highlands, La Grange Park, Riverside, Western Springs and Westchester.

La Grange Village Board Celebrates 100 Years of the League!

On December 9th, the La Grange Village Board hosted a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area.  30 League members were in attendance as a proclamation honoring the League was read, and League leaders addressed the Board in thanks for this honor. A celebration followed at Milk Money on La Grange Road.

View the history of the La Grange League in this video, prepared with resources from the La Grange Historical Society! And read the article in the Chicago Tribune here!

Discussion of Jerusalem Demsas Book on Affordable Housing

When - Wednesday, January 29th, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm (discussion begins at 6:00 pm)

Where - La Grange Park Public Library Community Room, 555 N LaGrange Road, La Grange Park

The inadequate supply of Affordable Housing has been a challenge for many communities over the past few decades; it has also repeatedly been an issue that the League of Women Voters, at the local state, and national levels, has addressed, and it sometimes appears to be unsolvable.  A recently published book based on articles published in the Atlantic provides an interesting analysis of the problem as well as suggestions about how to begin to solve it.

Atlantic staff writer Jerusalem Demsas has written a brief (140 pages) paperback to introduce the issue.   (On the Housing Crisis, Land, Development, Democracy)   Members of the League and interested neighbors are invited to begin the new year with a discussion of her book. If you would like to join this discussion the book is available at Amazon and through local bookstores  ($12).  Local libraries also have a few copies.   Join us on January 29th for what should be a spirited and informative session. Please register for this event beginning on Monday, January 13, 2025 by emailing amartonffy [at] aol.com. Registration is limited to 35.

A Fair Way To Assess And Manage Stormwater: Learn from Western Springs and our MWRD

On Ocober 8th the League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area sponsored a program on stormwater management and assessment.  Our suburban properties all generate stormwater runoff, some more than others.  But how to share the cost fairly?  Western Springs Deputy Village Manager Casey Biernacki helped us all understand how their village’s Stormwater Utility Fee was proposed, implemented, and received in their village. You can view details on the Western Springs Web site. How does the Fee equitably assess the cost of runoff, and then redirect the funds to improve the village stormwater management system?  Public Affairs Specialist Patrick Thomas of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District then zeroed in on other local stormwater initiatives and on regional stormwater management. Lots of good material is posted at https://mwrd.org/what-we-do.

LWV of Illinois Releases Fact Checking Resources

In recent years double checking claims made by candidates, PACs, and other information providers has become more necessary than ever. A task force of the Illinois League of Women Voters has released a very useful summary of Web sites and other resources you can use to double check the information that you encounter. You can download the document here.

The Future of Salt Creek and Fullersburg Woods

On June 5th the League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area sponsored a program about the future of Salt Creek and Fullersburg Woods.  The Master Plan includes enhancements for visitors of the environs of the historic Graue Mill, strategic bank stabilization and extensive removal of invasive vegetation followed by strategic replanting. This presentation discussed the environmental benefits and need for the project, and provided a detailed update on the construction progress including the removal of the dam, selected clearing and vegetation management/restoration, and stream restoration.

 Learn About the Separation of Powers from An Expert

On February 3rd, The League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area sponsored a program on the separation of powers, featuring Professor Steven D. Schwinn of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. 

The separation of powers impacts everything from environmental protection to civil rights to consumer financial protection.  This issue is also impacting the Supreme Court—a change that could have numerous implications. You can listen to a recording of this program here.

Learn About BEDS and Housing Insecurity in La Grange

On February 8th, the League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area sponsored an informative program on the struggles of housing insecurity.  Erin Molek of BEDS discussed the history of BEDS, the impact of BEDS in the community, and how to get involved. Many individuals and families are teetering on the edge, just one hardship or crisis away from experiencing the uncertainty of housing loss. Together, as a community, we can make a difference. Join us in building a safety net and support system to assist those facing homelessness and housing insecurity. You can listen to a recording of this program here.

How Can We Improve Voter Engagement?

On Feb. 22nd, the League of Women Voters® of the La Grange Area sponsored a community chat with the Lyons township clerk about increasing voter engagement.  Elyse Hoffenberg, The Clerk of the Township of Lyons, sees increasing voter engagement and access as a key priority of her office and discussed past, present, and future plans related to mobilizing more people in our community to vote. She also presented some intriguing data regarding how and why voters engage as the do. You can view her Powerpoint here.