The man who has led Rockford through a downtown renaissance and a pandemic-era recovery is leaving city hall. Tom McNamara, the two-term mayor of Illinois’ third-largest city, will step down to become the next CEO of the Illinois Municipal League (IML), according to a report from MyStateline.
The move ends a tenure that began in 2017 and positions McNamara at the head of an organization that represents nearly 1,300 municipalities across Illinois. The IML lobbies the state legislature on issues like shared revenue, pension reform, and infrastructure funding — battles McNamara knows firsthand from the mayor’s chair.
A career shift from local leadership to statewide advocacy
McNamara’s transition is not a retirement but a pivot. The IML CEO role puts him in charge of shaping policy that affects every city and village in Illinois. For Rockford, his departure means the city must now navigate a leadership vacuum at a time when federal infrastructure dollars and post-pandemic recovery programs are still flowing.
Under McNamara, Rockford secured major investments in the Health Sciences Campus, reduced violent crime in targeted neighborhoods, and stabilized the city’s finances. Critics, however, pointed to persistent poverty and sluggish population growth as unfinished business.
What this means for Rockford residents
For the 150,000 people who call Rockford home, the immediate change is uncertainty about who will lead the city’s day-to-day operations. The city council, which operates under a strong-mayor form of government, will have to decide whether to appoint an interim mayor from among its members or launch a special election.
Business leaders who worked closely with McNamara on the Rockford Area Economic Development Council will be watching closely. The mayor was a key cheerleader for the region’s aerospace and manufacturing sectors, and his departure may slow some ongoing negotiations.
Timeline of the mayor’s decision
McNamara first ran for mayor in 2017, unseating a long-time incumbent. He easily won re-election in 2021. The Illinois Municipal League’s search for a new CEO began earlier this year after its longtime leader, Brad Cole, announced his retirement. McNamara’s name emerged as a leading candidate in recent weeks, culminating in the current announcement.
The exact date of his resignation remains unannounced, but transitions of this nature typically allow for a handover period of several weeks.
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
Confirmed: Tom McNamara will leave the mayor’s office to become CEO of the Illinois Municipal League, as first reported by MyStateline. Unclear: The specific resignation date, the name of any interim successor, and whether a special election will be required or if the city council will appoint a replacement until the next scheduled election in 2025.
The Illinois Municipal League’s role and why it matters
The IML is one of the most influential lobbying groups in Springfield. It fights for municipal home rule authority, opposes unfunded state mandates, and negotiates on behalf of cities for a fair share of state income tax and sales tax revenue. By choosing a sitting mayor as its CEO, the IML signals that it wants a leader who has negotiated budgets, battled police unions, and answered to a city council — not just a policy wonk.
Risks and balanced view
Leaving mid-term carries risks for Rockford. Some residents may see it as an abandonment of unfinished commitments. The city’s next leader will inherit ongoing projects like the redevelopment of the former Rockford Mall site and the implementation of the 2024 public safety plan. Supporters of McNamara argue that his move to IML actually benefits Rockford by putting a local voice at the center of statewide policy fights.
Wider trend: Mayors moving to advocacy roles
McNamara’s move follows a pattern: former mayors of medium-sized cities taking helm of state municipal leagues. Former Springfield mayor Mike Houston did similar work, and outgoing Elgin mayor Dave Kaptain joined a regional planning body. The trend reflects a growing recognition that cities need experienced local government hands, not just lobbyists, to navigate complex statehouse politics.
Practical guidance for Rockford residents
Residents should monitor the Rockford City Council’s upcoming meetings for the appointment of an interim mayor. Those interested in the succession process can attend council sessions live or view them online. If a special election is triggered, voters can expect a shorter, more intense campaign season. Business owners with active city contracts should reach out to the mayor’s office for continuity assurances.
Future outlook
The Illinois Municipal League will gain a mayor who understands both the fiscal squeeze of small cities and the potential of public-private partnerships. Rockford, meanwhile, will test whether its recent momentum is tied to one man or embedded in a broader collaborative culture. The next 90 days will reveal much.
Our take
Tom McNamara’s departure is a genuine loss for Rockford’s day-to-day governance, but it may be a net gain for Illinois cities overall. Having a mayor in the IML’s corner means the concerns of medium-sized industrial cities — not just Chicago suburbs — will have a stronger voice in Springfield. Rockford’s challenge now is to turn this transition into an opportunity rather than a setback.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Mayor Tom McNamara officially leave office?
An exact date has not been announced. Typically, mayoral resignations in Illinois allow for a transition period of several weeks. The Rockford City Council will set the timeline.
Who will replace Tom McNamara as Rockford mayor?
Unless a special election is called, the city council will appoint an interim mayor from among its members or from the public. The permanent replacement will be determined by the next election cycle.
What does the Illinois Municipal League CEO do?
The CEO leads the IML in lobbying state government on behalf of Illinois municipalities, provides legal and policy resources to member cities, and advocates for home rule authority and fair revenue sharing.
Did Tom McNamara finish his term?
No. His current term began in 2021 and was set to run until 2025. He is leaving mid-term to accept the IML CEO position.
