55 ILCS 5/5-30002

The purpose of this Division is to identify, protect, preserve, and provide for the restoration, rehabilitation and continued use of buildings, structures, objects, areas, sites, and landscapes that are of historic, archaeological, architectural or scenic significance; to foster education, interest and pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past; to promote economic development through protection and enhancement of resources important to tourism and business; to conserve and improve the value of real property and the property tax base; to insure orderly, efficient and harmonious development; to encourage cooperation between municipalities and counties; and to promote the general welfare.