In a significant shift for Illinois municipal governance, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara has announced his resignation to assume the role of president and CEO of the Illinois Municipal League (IML). This transition marks the end of McNamara’s nine-year tenure as Rockford’s mayor and the beginning of a new chapter in his career, focused on advocating for the state’s nearly 1,300 municipalities.

The announcement, made on July 27, 2026 came as a surprise to many, but McNamara emphasized that this opportunity aligns with his commitment to public service and his desire to support cities across Illinois. His resignation will take effect on August 30, 2026 paving the way for a special election in April to fill the remaining two years of his term.

McNamara’s journey from alderman to mayor

Tom McNamara’s political career began in 2013 when he was elected as an alderman. His dedication and leadership quickly propelled him to the mayoral office in 2017. McNamara’s popularity was evident in his subsequent elections, securing a second term unopposed in 2026 and winning a third term with a remarkable 78% of the vote in 2026. As the son of former Rockford Mayor John McNamara, his political lineage and personal integrity have been cornerstones of his career.

Before entering public office, McNamara built a career in the insurance industry, bringing a unique perspective to his political roles. His tenure as mayor was marked by a focus on economic development, community safety, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. Notably, under his leadership, Rockford opened the Family Peace Center in 2026 a pioneering initiative in Illinois.

The Illinois Municipal League’s critical role

The IML serves as a vital advocate for municipalities, representing their interests at the state and federal levels. One of its primary roles is to push back against mandates imposed by the state without adequate funding. Recently, the IML successfully retained the 6.47% share of the state income tax allocated to the Local Government Distributive Fund and stalled ambitious elements of Governor Pritzker’s BUILD housing plan.

McNamara’s statement underscored the importance of his new role: “At a time when the state is placing more mandates and reducing funding for cities, I feel called to step up and advocate on behalf of our cities and their residents.” His experience and vision will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of state and federal policies affecting local governments.

A smooth transition and future prospects

McNamara’s resignation has set in motion a series of events to ensure a smooth transition. The Rockford City Council will select an acting mayor from among the 14 aldermen, requiring the support of eight members. McNamara has expressed optimism about the city’s future and has not ruled out endorsing a candidate if necessary to maintain stability.

Reflecting on his tenure, McNamara acknowledged the progress made but also the challenges that lie ahead. “The story of Rockford is still being written, and I genuinely believe our best chapters are ahead of us,” he said. His emotional remarks highlighted the personal sacrifices made during his time in office, particularly the impact on his family.

As McNamara prepares to take on his new role, he leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service and a commitment to the betterment of Rockford and Illinois municipalities. His transition to the IML promises to amplify his advocacy efforts, ensuring that the voices of local governments are heard and represented at the highest levels.