708 Mental Health referendum approved for November ballot in Downers Grove Township
The 708 for Downers Grove Township team submitted petitions to the Downers Grove Township Board at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on July 20.
The petitions would establish a 708 Community Mental Health Board in Downers Grove Township, providing comprehensive services for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use disorders in the community.
The team collected 4,523 signatures from township citizens on its petition, surpassing the roughly 2,600 signatures required to allow the measure to be placed as a referendum on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot.
Following a pre-meeting review, the township clerk confirmed the petition's readiness for DuPage County certification. Township Supervisor Kim Savage commended the volunteers' dedicated efforts, noting that the petition reflects the clear will of the community. In response, the board voted unanimously to formally place the referendum on the upcoming general election ballot
What is a 708 Board?
A 708 Community Mental Health Board is a local citizen’s board established by referendum. They evaluate needs, allocate funds, and coordinate a comprehensive system of services to benefit the citizens of a township.
Governed by the Illinois Community Mental Health Act, 708 Boards are unique to Illinois. They can be created under any unit of government and must be voted into existence. 708 Board funding is created through a small local property tax, and services may only be utilized by area residents. Currently, there are over 90 such boards in Illinois.
These seven- to nine-member volunteer boards are appointed by townships. 708 Boards are not service providers and are accountable to the citizens of their community.
How 708 Mental Health Boards Provide Funding
708 funding is created through a small local property tax approved by community voters through a referendum. Although state law allows for a tax level of 0.15%, the tax rate for a Downers Grove Township 708 Mental Health Board would be no more than .05%. A home valued at $400,000 would pay approximately $67 annually.
708 Boards fund services through small, yearly grants to provide needed services in the community for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use disorders. Importantly, Mental Health Boards address gaps in local services and lower costs by funding early intervention and prevention programs.
708 Board grants are utilized to pay for underfunded or unfunded services in the community. Grants may be awarded to local governments, nonprofits and private agencies and must serve the Downers Grove Township. Funds are awarded based on a survey of community needs and community plans developed by the 708 Board.
About Downers Grove Township
Downers Grove Township is the largest of nine townships in DuPage County both in terms of area and population. The township encompasses the following area: east to County Line Road, west to Woodward Avenue, north to 39th Street and south to the I&M Canal. The township’s jurisdiction includes all or part of the following communities: Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Lemont, Oak Brook, Westmont, Willow Springs, Willowbrook and Woodridge.
About 708 for Downers Grove Township
The 708 for Downers Grove Township group is a volunteer community organization committed to improving the mental health of township citizens by educating the community on the need for local mental health resources and obtaining voter approval for a 708 Mental Health Board. For more information, visit advocatefor708.org.