Cook County
Recent News About Cook County
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President Preckwinkle unveils Cook County's FY2025 budget forecast
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today unveiled the preliminary forecast for the County’s Fiscal Year 2025, showing a projected gap of $218.2 million – significantly reduced from the $409.6 million peak during the pandemic. The hospital system projects no deficits this coming fiscal year, marking the lowest gap of President Preckwinkle’s administration.
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Cook County Board approves funding for transportation projects
The Cook County Board of Commissioners has approved funding for transportation-related projects under the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH). These initiatives aim to boost economic development, enhance regional transportation, and improve the quality of life across Cook County.
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Cook County opens tech training course applications for veterans
The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs (CCVA) is currently accepting applications for the Chicago Cook Technology Academy (Tech Academy), a training program aimed at providing veterans with essential career skills in the technology industry. The county has partnered with Microsoft and National Able Network to offer this free 11-week course, which will commence on July 22, 2024. Applications are due by midnight on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
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Cook County issues warm weather safety tips for pet owners
As temperatures exceed 90 degrees for the first time this season, the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control advises pet owners to take special precautions to ensure their pets' health and welfare. The department offers several tips for pet owners:
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Cook County releases interactive map detailing 2024 highway construction plans
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) has released its 2024 highway construction project map. The interactive map, created by the Cook County Bureau of Technology's Geographic Information Systems Division, includes all construction projects underway or scheduled to begin this year. The map features projects aimed at preserving, modernizing, and expanding the county's transportation system.
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Cook County announces new minimum wage rates effective July
Cook County—Today, the Commission on Human Rights issued a notice to employees regarding the Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO).
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Cook County seeks organizations providing supportive housing for justice-involved residents
Cook County Announces Open Call for Organizations that Provide Housing Services and Wraparound Support to Housing Insecure Residents
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Cook County launches $3.6 million grant program for cannabis businesses
Cook County Government announced the launch of the Cook County Cannabis Development Grant program, providing up to $3.6 million in grants to businesses with licenses awarded under the State of Illinois Adult-Use Cannabis Social Equity Program.
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Cook county launches 'Tourism alive' initiative for post-pandemic recovery
Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle celebrated the launch of Cook County Tourism Alive, an initiative aimed at revitalizing the hospitality and tourism industry in suburban Cook County. The event coincided with National Travel and Tourism Week and included participation from local elected officials, leadership from the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and representatives from five suburban convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs).
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Cook County Board approves Build Up Cook construction projects
The Cook County Board of Commissioners has approved funding for construction projects through the Build Up Cook program. These projects encompass essential water infrastructure improvements such as water main repairs, pump replacements, back up generator replacements, hydrant replacements and valve repairs. Additionally, the projects will also cater to public building facility repairs, exterior repairs and roof replacements.
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Cook County approves two housing pilot programs for affordable homes
The Cook County Board of Commissioners has given the green light to two pilot programs aimed at bolstering affordable, quality housing. The Bureau of Economic Development will roll out a $3 million down payment assistance initiative and a $12 million program for the construction of single-family modular homes in needy communities. These projects will be funded by money received through the American Rescue Plan Act.
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Cook County Launches Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator Program to Boost Talent Pipeline
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced the launch of the Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator program, aimed at providing manufacturers in the county with a "concierge service" to identify and screen candidates for vacant U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-registered apprenticeships. President Preckwinkle emphasized the program's goal to accelerate talent acquisition for manufacturers and career pathways for individuals interested in manufacturing, calling it a win-win situation for all. She expressed gratitude to Skills for Chicagoland’s...
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Cook County’s Solid Waste Coordinator Recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a Notable Leader in Sustainability
Cook County’s Solid Waste Coordinator, Anthony Tindall, has been acknowledged by Crain’s Chicago Business as a distinguished figure in sustainability. Tindall, who has been a vital part of the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability for almost two years, has been instrumental in implementing programs aimed at enhancing recycling and waste diversion efforts in the suburban municipalities of Cook County.Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle commended Tindall's efforts, stating, “I am grateful to Anthony for his dedication to helping all of our...
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Cook County Launches Beta Version of CookViewer 3.0: Enhanced Mobile Experience, Spanish Language Support and Expanded Features
Cook County Bureau of Technology's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) division has recently unveiled the beta version of CookViewer 3.0, introducing enhanced mobile experience, Spanish language support, and expanded features. This release aims to provide improved accessibility and enriched features for users within Cook County and beyond.CookViewer 3.0 focuses on enhancing the mobile experience, allowing users to access property information seamlessly on smartphones and tablets. The platform ensures responsiveness and ease of navigation for users, enabling them to...
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In Recognition of Earth Day Cook County and South Suburban College Announce Creation of Household Hazardous Waste Facility to Open in 2025
In a move to promote environmental sustainability and provide a safe disposal solution for household hazardous waste (HHW) materials, Cook County and South Suburban College have announced the creation of a new HHW facility set to open in 2025. The $4.6 million partnership aims to address a gap in services in the south suburbs and south side of Chicago.Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Cook County is excited to expand our partnership with South Suburban College to ensure that residents in the Southland have...
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Cook County Board Approves Funding to Improve Transportation Throughout Cook County and Authorizes Acceptance of Grant Funds
The Cook County Board of Commissioners has approved funding for transportation-related projects for the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) to advance vital improvements throughout Cook County.Skokie announced that they will receive $94,500 for ROW services to secure parcels in the planned Skokie Valley Trail, closing a critical gap on a regionally significant trail and improving access to transit within the village.The Shared-Use Mobility Center will receive $350,000 for planning services to assist in determining locations for mobility hubs in the...
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Pritzker: New license law 'a significant step in eliminating the barriers to opportunity'
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on June 30 signed into law a bill that allows immigrants to apply for a standardized Illinois drivers license, regardless of their immigration status. The four-year standard licenses will replace the current Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) and serve as a valid form of identification.
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Pritzker boasts, 'hate and discrimination have no place in this state' after Illinois named to replace Florida as ASCP host
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker took to Twitter to extol the virtues of the state after it was tapped to replace Florida as host venue of the upcoming Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) conference this fall.
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Pritzker appoints Coleman as Chief Diversity Officer, touts her 'wealth of experience and accomplishments'
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker installed Atiera Coleman, Ph.D. as Chief Diversity Officer of his administration on July 1.
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JB Pritzker: 'We are continuing that investment with more than $500 million going towards a program that will continue providing healthcare for more than 63,000 people.'
A group gathered near City Hall recently to protest against Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's June 24 decision to pause a healthcare assistance program for undocumented immigrants.