Connected Communities
Cook County is committed to providing innovative infrastructure programs that will connect people and communities to increase equity, support economic growth, and improve residents’ quality of life. By supporting communities with drinking water, storm water and sewer projects and investing in sustainable transportation, Cook County will increase regional accessibility and connectivity while supporting an equitable and growing economy. Additionally, providing equitable and safe access to digital infrastructure, devices and skills for County residents will provide increased opportunities to connect and grow.
Goal: Provide innovative infrastructure that will connect people and communities to increase equity, support economic growth and improve residents' quality of life.
Objective 1:
Promote innovative land and water projects that support an equitable and growing economy.
| Strategy | Key Projects | Related Strategies | Equity Fund Recommendation |
| 1.1) Prioritize equitable transit-oriented development in infrastructure investments, including through economic development incentives, ensuring access for all residents. | Policy brief on ways to encourage TOD in economic incentive development programs | 4.1 Fair Transit | |
| 1.2) Invest in the improvement of undeveloped or under-developed land throughout Cook County to promote community and economic vitality. | No Cash Bid program Tax incentive programs | Vital 6.5) Reactivate previously developed land in Cook County to encourage infill, build community wealth, and improve quality of life. | CCLBA |
| 1.3) Coordinate the development of water infrastructure projects to improve drinking water and stormwater management. | Stormwater Management program RainReady program | ||
| 1.4) Connect infrastructure maintenance and land use development efforts to employment and job training opportunities for Cook County residents, especially those from historically disinvested communities. | |||
| 1.5) Coordinate, support and invest in municipalities with the highest need. | Build Up Cook program | Vital 7.4) Provide capacity building assistance to municipalities and non-profits so they can better serve residents. |
Objective 2:
Provide equitable access to digital services for County residents in their homes and communities.
| Strategy | Key Projects | Related Strategies | Equity Fund Recommendation |
| 2.1) Increase access to the internet, County online resources and high-quality devices. | Device giveaways | 4.2 Digital Equity | |
| 2.2) Invest in and integrate high-speed broadband and connectivity opportunities through infrastructure projects and partnerships. | Chicago Southland Fiber Network expansion Broadband expansion at HACC properties Master infrastructure plan | 4.2 Digital Equity | |
| 2.3) Promote policies and programs that improve residents’ digital skills, confidence, and accessibility. | Digital Equity Planning Libraries as Digital Hubs discovery project IMPACT small grants program | Vital 7.4) Provide capacity building assistance to municipalities and non-profits so they can better serve residents. | 4.2 Digital Equity |
| 2.4) Increase awareness around digital safety so residents feel secure in digital environments and can protect themselves online. | Digital Equity Planning Determine digital safety alerts best practices | 4.2 Digital Equity |
Objective 3:
Increase regional accessibility and connectivity by investing in sustainable transportation throughout Cook County.
| Strategy | Key Projects | Related Strategies | Equity Fund Recommendation |
| 3.1) Coordinate and advocate for transportation investments and reforms across jurisdictions within the region. | Advocacy to reform and fully fund the transit system | 4.1 Fair Transit | |
| 3.2) Provide technical assistance and funding to municipalities to promote seamless transportation throughout the region. | Invest in Cook program expansion Coordination of timelines and selection processes for County grant programs that fund infrastructure | Vital 6.4) Build capacity of and support local governments to achieve locally desired economic and community development goals. | 6.1 Equity in Grantmaking |
| 3.3) Implement the Long Range Transportation Plan to address gaps in transportation networks to ensure equitable access for residents. | Gap filling in the bike network Invest in Cook expansion Capacity building support to transportation projects in lower capacity communities | ||
| 3.4) Integrate intelligent transportation technologies into public infrastructure planning and development. | Bedford Park Connect2Work program Traffic signals modernization | Vital 6.3) Expand alternative forms of transportation to improve residents' mobility and access to jobs. | 4.1 Fair Transit |
| 3.5) Invest in public transit, bicycle, electric vehicles and pedestrian access. | Access pilot program Funding for transit capital projects | Vital 6.2) Facilitate multimodal transportation of goods and people within and beyond Cook County to encourage economic growth and community vitality. Vital 6.3) Expand alternative forms of transportation to improve residents' mobility and access to jobs. | 4.1 Fair Transit |
SPOTLIGHT: FAIR TRANSIT SOUTH COOK PILOT
Cook County has helped increase public transit access by making it more affordable through the Fair Transit South Cook pilot, which provided up to a 50% discount on fares for two Metra lines. The result was faster recovery of post-pandemic ridership numbers on both lines. Following the success of the two-year pilot, the program has transitioned into the Access Pilot Program, which extends discounted fare benefits to eligible income-qualifying Metra riders. It expands affordable fares beyond the Southland to the rest of Cook County and beyond.
