The University of Illinois Extension, in mid-May, conducted a survey of local community leaders and business owners on their concerns during and overcoming the coronavirus pandemic. Conducted from May 11th through May 25th, 163 local elected officials, business owners, and organization leaders from 58 Illinois counties were surveyed. Local governments, businesses, and organizations reported spending substantial time modifying operations in response to the pandemic to comply with public health guidelines. This includes event planning and rescheduling, shifting services online, modified procedures for social distancing, PPEs, and other measures to protect employees and the public. According to the survey, the biggest challenges local governments and businesses faced going forward included reduced revenues, disruptions of community life, and threats to health and safety, including mental health. Economic and budget concerns outweighed worries about a virus resurgence 7 to 1. Although 55% of respondents reported receiving “about the right volume of information,” nearly 40% reported receiving “too much,” and only 5% “too little” information. Information that was considered helpful included business-relevant information; local health data; and information on safety.
