Welcome to the Town of the City of Galesburg
Township government is the oldest form of local government in North America, brought to the continent by Pilgrims in 1636 and established in Illinois in 1850. Known as the government of the “people next door,” it is built on the principle that local leadership best serves the immediate needs of the community.
Established in 1867, the Town of the City of Galesburg is a coterminous township sharing identical boundaries with the City of Galesburg. While townships are typically governed by eight elected officers—a Supervisor, Clerk, Assessor, Highway Commissioner, and four Trustees—Galesburg operates with a streamlined structure. Our City Council members serve as Township Trustees, the City Clerk serves as Township Clerk, and a Highway Commissioner is not needed since the city maintains the streets. Both the Supervisor and Assessor are elected officials.
Townships carry out essential, direct services for residents right where they live, including:
- General Assistance & Welfare Support: Offering temporary relief, emergency assistance, and vital resources to help residents during challenging times.
- Property Assessment: Ensuring fair, accurate, and consistent real property assessments to maintain a transparent local tax base.
- Community Health & Services: Preventing the spread of communicable diseases and supporting local programs, senior resources, libraries, youth committees, and public facilities that enhance quality of life.
Citizens also have a direct voice in their local government during the annual town meeting on the second Tuesday in April, reflecting true democracy in action. After more than 150 years in Illinois, township government continues to serve Galesburg residents with dedication and efficiency. Whether you are looking for assistance programs, property assessment information, or ways to get involved, we are here to serve you.