Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle Unveils Updated Strategic Plan
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today unveiled an updated strategic plan for the next four years, the Cook County Policy Roadmap 2024-2027: Four-year Strategic Plan for the Offices Under the President.
Following the overarching principles and pillars of the first strategic plan, the Policy Roadmap 2024-2027 outlines objectives and strategies for creating a fairer, more equitable Cook County by building vibrant, sustainable and inclusive communities where people want to live, learn, work and play.
“This Policy Roadmap 2024-2027 advances a shared vision for a prosperous Cook County,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said. “Government can and should lead with policy that puts compassion and equity first. With the updated Policy Roadmap, we take a deliberative step to show that government can be an instrument for fairness and one that can right the wrongs of the past. This plan is another step toward a better, stronger Cook County.”
Over the past five years, the Offices Under the President has launched numerous initiatives in line with the original plan while adapting and responding to significant, emerging needs. Through a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and historic economic downturns to the mass protests calling for criminal justice and public safety reform and the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, plus the ever-growing climate crisis, the Policy Roadmap provided a framework for Cook County’s strong response and leadership.
"The transformative vision set forth in the Policy Roadmap 2024-2027 charts a course towards a fairer and more equitable Cook County,” said Lanetta Haynes Turner, Chief of Staff, Office of the President. “This strategic plan, rooted in principles of compassion, equity and justice, reflects our collective dedication to building vibrant, sustainable and inclusive communities. I am grateful to the staff that contributed to this document and proud to present a plan that not only envisions but actively works towards a Cook County where every resident can thrive and prosper."
The Policy Roadmap 2024-2027 is a collaborative document that sets the Offices Under the President’s policy agenda in six policy priorities: healthy communities (health and wellness); vital communities (economic and community development); safe and thriving communities (safety and justice); sustainable communities (climate resiliency); connected communities (public infrastructure and technology); and open communities (good government and operational excellence). Over 100 employees in Offices Under the President contributed to the drafting of the plan by participating in virtual workshops, digital surveys and 1-on-1 interviews.
In addition to the goals, objectives and strategies set forth under each priority area, the Policy Roadmap centers on three overall values: equity, engagement and excellence. Together, these policy priorities create a comprehensive agenda to provide innovative and essential services to residents and ensure Cook County is an exceptional place to live, work, play and visit.
The policy document spans many topics from access to safe housing and addressing violence to the availability of public transportation and nutritious food. Preckwinkle also noted the importance of tackling economic development, job creation, criminal legal system reforms, access to healthcare and environmental protections in the comprehensive plan.
“Built on the pillars of equity, engagement and excellence, this is a plan that believes in the best of Cook County and the best for Cook County,” Preckwinkle said. “We must continue to correct historic inequities and make sure our region is working for all residents. Everyone across Cook County deserves to have opportunity and share in prosperity.”
A full version of the Cook County Policy Roadmap 2024-2027: Four-year Strategic Plan for the Offices Under the President is available on the Cook County website.