Office of Bureau Chief Economic Development

Xochitl Flores, Bureau Chief

Xochitl Flores has served as the bureau chief of the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development since 2019. In this role, Flores oversees the activities of the four departments within the Bureau, which include the Office of Economic Development, Department of Planning and Development, Department of Building and Zoning, and the Zoning Board of Appeals. She is responsible for leading the work of the Bureau, collaborating with the seven counties of northeastern Illinois and the City of Chicago to develop and implement initiatives to grow the regional economy.

An innovative and talented public servant, Flores began her tenure with Cook County as the Assistant Deputy Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Economic Development in 2011. In that role, she worked tirelessly to advance Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle’s plan to ensure an exponential impact on economic development. Demonstrating proven results, Flores quickly advanced to become Deputy Bureau Chief of Economic Development, where she assisted in the design, preparation and implementation of strategic economic development initiatives including the President’s Council of Economic Advisors and the convening of northeastern Illinois county chairs in support of economic development initiatives.

Flores has extensive experience in government, private, and nonprofit sectors. Before joining the Cook County administration, she served as the Assistant Commissioner for the City of Chicago’s Departments of Housing and Economic Development and the Department of Planning and Development. Additionally, she served as Chief of Staff in the 1st Ward Aldermanic Office.  Her private sector experience as a consultant for a variety of clients, including Fortune 500 companies and large public institutions, has given her unique insight to establish effective systems and processes.  

Always demonstrating a solid work ethic and sound leadership skills, Flores is an alumna of 2015 Civic Leadership Academy, a University of Chicago program focused on interdisciplinary leadership development for emerging and high-potential leaders playing a vital role in contributing to the creation of healthy and vibrant communities. 

Flores received a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Northwestern University. She resides in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood with her husband and three sons.

About the Bureau

The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development features the Office of Economic Development, which provides the overall strategic management of the Department of Planning and Development, Department of Building and Zoning, and Zoning Board of Appeals. In addition, the Office of Economic Development drives the County’s regional collaboration efforts with a strategic focus on sector-driven and place-based strategies to further racial equity and inclusion and leverage additional public and private resources.

Departments

Learn more about departments within the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development here: 

• Department of Building and Zoning (B&Z)
• Department of Planning and Development (DPD)
• Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)

Early in spring 2020, the Civic Consulting Alliance sat down with Xochitl Flores for an in-depth interview. From October 2019 to January 2020, the Civic Consulting Alliance collaborated with Flores and her team to revamp the Bureau’s mission and vision. The Civic Consulting Alliance asked her to reflect upon the project and its impact on the Bureau—whose work is even more critical now as it prepares for a strong and equitable recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Read the full interview here.