The Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies Civic Leadership Academy and Illinois City/County Management Association held the fourth annual Illinois Financial Forecast Forum: Private Sector Views that will Impact the Public Sector on January 27, 2012 to discuss pertinent economic and financial issues affecting local governments in Illinois. We explored economic conditions and the pressures each exerts on local government fiscal health and gather information to incorporate in your strategic planning, financial forecasts, budget development, and economic development plans. Speakers included Rick Mattoon, economist, Chicago Federal Reserve, residential real estate expert Chris Huecksteadt, Metrostudy, automotive industry expert Carl Woodward, Woodward & Associates, David Boulay, Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center, and C. Kelly Cofer retail and commercial real estate expert. State Treasurer, Dan Rutherford, also provided an update of the state's economy.