Government Relations

The UIC Office of Public and Government Affairs, in collaboration with the University of Illinois Office of Government Relations, supports the advo­cacy efforts of the UI President and UIC Chancellor at the local, county, state, and federal levels. The office provides support for legislative efforts and strengthens relationships with government stakeholders. The office also collaborates with Illinois Connec­tion, the University of Illinois Alumni Alliance’s legislative advocacy network, on a range of advocacy-related projects.

UIC, located on the near west side of Chicago, works closely with Mayor Lori Lightfoot and its four representatives on the Chicago City Council – 27^th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, 28^th Ward Alderman Jason Ervin, 25^th Ward Alderman Daniel Solis, and 11^th Ward Alderman Patrick Thompson. The Mayor and aldermen work with UIC on community and economic development initiatives that benefit the city and its residents.

At the county level, UIC regularly collaborates with the office of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. The university is located within Cook County’s 2^nd District, represented by Commissioner Dennis Deer.

As an urban-serving university situated in Illinois’ largest city, UIC works closely with its partners in Illinois state government including Governor JB Pritzker. UIC is represented in the Illinois General Assembly by Representative Arthur Turner, 9^th District and Senator Patricia Van Pelt , 5^th District. The UI System budget and higher education funding is a priority for our legislators.

Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Congressman Danny Davis, Illinois 7^th District represent UIC at the federal level. UIC works with these legislators to provide resources that advance research and scholarship.

• Build support for bills, amendments, and ordinances in the Illinois General Assembly, Chicago City Council, and Cook County Board of Commissioners
• Monitor UI and UIC legislation in the Illinois General Assembly, Chicago City Council, and Cook County Board of Commissioners and providing updates to UIC leadership, colleges and units
• Build support and advocate for UIC budget-related line items in Springfield
• Engage legislative caucuses within city, state, federal government
• Collaborate with government agencies on higher education initiatives

To connect with Government Relations, email govt@uic.edu.