Cook County Government
Recent News About Cook County Government
-
Cook County earns first-ever Chicago Innovation Award
Cook County has announced that its Bureau of Economic Development has been recognized with a Chicago Innovation Award for the first time.
-
Cook County Board approves balanced $9.94 billion budget with no new taxes
The Cook County Board of Commissioners has approved a $9.94 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025, which aims to fund equity-focused programs and pandemic recovery efforts without increasing taxes.
-
Officials break ground on $28.6M I-294 interchange improvement project
Today marked the groundbreaking of a significant infrastructure project in southwest Cook County, Illinois.
-
Cook County introduces municipal recycling grant program benefiting three villages
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced the launch of the Cook County Municipal Recycling Grant Program.
-
Cook County launches pet adoption initiative with South Suburban Humane Society
Cook County has initiated a partnership with the South Suburban Humane Society (SSHS) to offer the Paw-Some Pets Project.
-
Cook County honors Día de Los Muertos with traditional celebration
On November 1, Cook County officials and local residents gathered to celebrate Día de Los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead.
-
Cook County launches interactive map highlighting locations of rabid bats
The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) has launched an interactive map showing locations where rabid bats have been discovered in the county this year.
-
Cook County launches training initiative with eight manufacturers
Cook County has announced that eight manufacturers will participate in the Good Jobs Chicagoland program, which aims to provide training for 250 new and current employees.
-
Government Alliance commits $100M to violence prevention in Chicago area
The Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC) has announced a significant investment of $100 million to enhance community violence intervention (CVI) programs across Chicago and the surrounding region.
-
Cook County allocates $900K for domestic violence victim support
The Cook County Board of Commissioners has officially recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The board, led by Commissioner Alma Anaya, passed a resolution and approved $900,000 in new grant funding for community-based organizations that provide essential services to victims and survivors of domestic violence.
-
LeadCare Cook County celebrates milestone with 100th lead service line replacement
The LeadCare Cook County program has reached a significant milestone by completing its 100th lead service line replacement. This initiative is part of an effort to provide safer drinking water for children in suburban Cook County. The program offers free lead service line replacements at child care facilities, focusing on reducing lead exposure for young children, who are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects.
-
Cook County launches grant program promoting storytelling for digital inclusion
The Cook County Office of the President has launched the Digital Equity IMPACT Small Grants Program, aiming to enhance digital inclusion through community storytelling. This initiative is funded by $187,500 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and builds on the county's ongoing efforts to ensure equitable digital access for all residents.
-
Cook County releases results from online survey on local environmental concerns
Cook County's Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) has released the findings from its Environmental Justice Survey, which was initiated in June 2024. The survey aimed to gather input from residents and workers in Cook County regarding environmental concerns impacting their communities. This feedback is intended to assist the county in forming an environmental justice policy that will influence programming and decision-making within the Offices Under the President.
-
Cook County announces first round of grants for pollution reduction initiative
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced the allocation of $1.4 million in grants to six businesses as part of the Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) program. This initiative, managed by the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) in collaboration with the Chicago Urban League, aims to assist various suburban businesses such as dry cleaners, auto body shops, metal finishers, and food manufacturers in reducing their environmental impact.
-
Cook County partners with Roosevelt University to study Just Housing Amendment impacts
The Cook County Department of Human Rights and Ethics has announced a new research partnership with Roosevelt University’s Policy Research Collaborative. This collaboration aims to study the effects of the Just Housing Amendment (JHA) on housing access for residents in Cook County. The JHA, part of the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, seeks to prevent housing discrimination against individuals involved with the criminal justice system.
-
Evanston opens new animal shelter addressing overcrowding issues
The City of Evanston and Cook County have officially opened the new Evanston Animal Shelter at 2310 Oakton Street. The facility addresses regional overcrowding and provides housing for animals impounded by Cook County’s Department of Animal and Rabies Control.
-
Cook County unveils new dashboard tracking opioid-, gun-, temperature-related deaths
Cook County has introduced a new dashboard aimed at providing transparent access to data on opioid-related, gun-related, and temperature-related deaths. This initiative is designed to aid policymakers, health officials, and residents in understanding critical information about these issues.
-
Cook County awards $3.6M grants to social equity cannabis entrepreneurs
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the awarding of $3.6 million in Cook County Cannabis Development Grants to 40 entrepreneurs from communities historically affected by criminalization, incarceration, and exclusion due to the War on Drugs. The grants aim to support Cannabis Social Equity License holders in offsetting expenses related to opening and operating cannabis businesses in Illinois.
-
Cook County approves property tax incentives aimed at semiconductor industry
The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the property tax incentive ordinance on September 19, aiming to position Cook County as a leader in the semiconductor and microchip manufacturing industries. The new Class 8 MICRO incentive, effective immediately, aligns with the State of Illinois’ Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO) Act and offers significant tax reductions to manufacturers of semiconductors, microchips, and associated components.
-
Cook County earns national recognition at 2024 Government Experience Awards
Yesterday, the Center for Digital Government awarded Cook County third place in the 2024 Government Experience Awards, also known as the GovX Awards. This recognition highlights Cook County's commitment to providing exceptional digital services and experiences to its residents.