With a total of 6,968, Illinois tops the list when it comes to states with the most units of local government, according to a new report from the U.S. Census Bureau. Local governments include counties, municipalities, townships, independent school districts and special districts (fire districts, water districts, library districts). Find an interactive map of the history of special district statistics at http://www.census.gov/govs/go.

The number of local governments in Illinois serves as another reminder of why the Illinois Association of REALTORS® local Government Affairs Director (GAD) program is so important. See how the GADs are fighting for REALTORS® and protecting private property rights at every level of Illinois government.