Welcome to Washington Township of Tazewell County

Township government, established in Providence, Rhode Island in 1636, is the oldest existing unit of government continuing to serve on the North American continent. The Illinois Constitution of 1848 gave voters in each county the right to adopt Township Government. Today 85 of Illinois’ 102 counties operate under the township form of government with 1,428 townships serving more than 8 million citizens.
Washington Township is one of 19 townships located in Tazewell County. It is a larger township than most, measuring 6 miles by 9 miles or 54 square miles, whereas most townships are 6 miles by 6 miles or 36 square miles. The total population within Washington Township in 2022 was roughly 24,500.
The City of Washington is entirely within Washington Township, with a small portion of the City of East Peoria also being located within the township. In addition, the unincorporated area known as Sunnyland is also in the township with portions being part of and maintained by the City of East Peoria and other parts by Washington Township.
By law Illinois townships are charged with three basic functions: 1) general assistance for the indigent; 2) the assessment of real property for the basis of local taxation; and 3) maintenance of all roads and bridges outside of federal, state, city and other jurisdiction.
Beyond basic functions, Washington Township currently provides additional services to include: 1) low cost senior taxi transportation within township limits; 2) city/township joint venture disability transportation within the city and to points in Peoria and East Peoria; and 3) a youth services committee funded by the township to help address local youth needs.
Please keep in mind that we are here to serve you. If you have any questions at all, feel free to e-mail or call us and we’ll be glad to assist you.