Skip to content

About Joliet Township

Township Government is the most democratic form  of government with direct input from the residents. 

Joliet Township History

Joliet Township was incorporated on
November 6, 1849.

The first election took place in 1850, but the township’s foundation was laid some twenty years earlier by pioneer settlers who came to the region by way of an old Indian trail known as the Sauk or Sac Trail. These early settlers were attracted to the area by its rivers and streams and the forests which grew along their banks, usually in small scattered groves, but sometimes in large belts of timberland many miles long.

Charles Clement, was the first Supervisor elected in Joliet Township, and he served a total of three years in that position. On January 10, 1850, the Board of Supervisors met for the first time. Each town had one representative. The population in 1850 was approximately 4,650.

The residents of 1850 were concerned about their crops, jobs, schools, the newly built I&M canal and improving their quality of life. During these early years of settlement, the adventurous and resourceful pioneers established a solid foundation upon which the present day communities in Joliet Township have flourished.

Locally, Joliet Township was incorporated on November 6, 1849. The first election took place in 1850, but the foundation for township government was laid some twenty years earlier by pioneer settlers who came to the region by way of an old Indian trail known as the Sauk or Sac Trail. These early settlers were attracted to the area by its rivers and streams and the forests along their banks.

Charles Clement was the first Supervisor elected in Joliet Township, and he served a  total of three years in that position. On January 10, 1850 the County Board of Supervisors met for the first time. Each town had one representative. The population in 1850 was approximately 4,650.

Serving more than 86,000 residents

Our values and beliefs require that we:

  • Treat each employee with respect and give them an opportunity for input on how to continually improve our service goals.
  • Treat each employee fairly and with mutual respect. The Township does not tolerate discrimination of any kind and encourages all Township Supervisors and department heads to involve employees in problem solving and the creativity process. When problems arise, the facts should be analyzed to determine ways to avoid similar problems in the future.
  • Provide the most effective and efficient corrective action, to resolve customer service issues, to ensure our constituent’s satisfaction and that the problem not be repeated in the future. In this way, we will maintain our leadership position in providing service.
  • Foster an open door policy which encourages interaction, discussions and ideas to improve the work environment, thus increasing our productivity.
  • Deliver impeccable service to our constituents and, where required, try to provide services that may be too difficult for others to achieve.

Joliet Township Mission

Our goal at Joliet Township is simple — extraordinary customer service as we provide services to our citizens. 
Our goals are accomplished by a commitment from every employee

Make “Do It Right The First Time” our commitment as a team and our only way of doing business. This commitment will assure continued satisfaction.

Township Government History

Nationally established in 1636

Township government was established in Providence, Rhode Island in 1636. It is the oldest existing unit of government continuing to serve on the North American continent. Township government was in existence for 140 years prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The wording of the Declaration of Independence reflects the fact that 38 of its 56 signers had experienced the benefits of township government. 

The Declaration’s statement that “government should derive its just powers from the consent of the governed” is demonstrated at the Annual Town Meeting held on the second Tuesday of each April. The Annual Town Meeting is still an important function of our nation’s 17,000 townships after more than 360 years.

In Illinois ...

Township government in Illinois dates back to 1787 when Congress established the Northwest Territory and designated counties and Townships within the territories. When the second Illinois Constitution was adopted in 1848, it gave counties the option to include townships in their governmental structure.

A majority of Illinois Counties chose the township system in a general election of 1849, among them being Will County where the voters almost unanimously chose township government in a referendum in November of 1849.

Joliet Township Census Report

Derrick-headshot
“I’m thrilled the township gave me the opportunity to intern here. I enjoy working on the cemetery project and helping families track down their loved ones.”
Derrick Mainor
Township Intern
Wallace-headshot
“I’m worked with the senior groups and the township for several years. It is a pleasure being able to serve the seniors and help provide enrichment for the community.”
Jeff Wallace
Senior Liaison
Soledad-Sue
“Helping families when down on their luck is so rewarding. Residents feel a sense of relief knowing there is a support network for them to help get them back on their feet.”
Soledad Ruiz
Caseworker