Check out the Drama Meter for Illinois

Illinois is seeing a growing push for secession, at least at the county level. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlights how more than 30 counties in Illinois have voted in favor of leaving the state and joining Indiana, citing economic and political frustrations. While this movement is mostly symbolic, it speaks to a broader issue in local economic development: what happens when communities feel they are being left behind?

At its core, economic development is about creating places people want to live, work, and invest in. When entire regions start exploring exit strategies, it’s a sign that they don’t see their future as viable under the current structure. While secession itself may not be realistic, the underlying grievances such as high taxes, restrictive policies, and a lack of economic opportunities are very real. And they are exactly the kinds of challenges that cities and counties must address if they want to remain competitive.

This debate isn’t just about Illinois. It’s about any community that feels disconnected from the decisions being made in its state capital. BusinessFlare® and Street Economics® have worked with communities facing similar frustrations. Many places lack the resources or influence to shape statewide policies, but that doesn’t mean they have to accept decline as their fate. The key is understanding what’s within their control.

Economic development isn’t just about big projects and incentives. It’s about understanding economic drivers, leveraging assets, and making realistic, market-based decisions. Whether a county stays in Illinois or moves to Indiana, businesses will still need customers, infrastructure will still require investment, and job seekers will still need opportunities. Instead of symbolic votes to leave, local leaders should be asking: What can we do right now to make our community stronger, regardless of state policies?

This is where Street Economics comes in. Our AI-driven models help cities and counties cut through the noise and focus on practical solutions. Whether it’s understanding why businesses aren’t investing, figuring out how to grow a local workforce, or making sense of retail trends, economic development doesn’t have to be dictated by state politics. Local leaders have more power than they realize, but they need the right insights to act.

The counties looking to secede from Illinois are making a statement. But statements alone won’t drive economic growth. Real change happens when communities take control of their own economic destiny. Not by leaving, but by leading.