After two consecutive months of rising unemployment in Illinois brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Department of Labor took the positive step of activating the Illinois Preference Act on July 1. Activation of the Act means that from this point forward until unemployment subsides 90% of workers on new and ongoing public works projects throughout the state must live in Illinois. This will help preserve jobs for Illinois workers and needed revenue for Illinois businesses and communities. Activation of the Act triggers certain notification responsibilities on the part of public bodies who undertake these projects. For more information, see the following FAQs: