County Board Approves HUD Grant Awards to Suburban Cook County

The Cook County Board of Commissioners today accepted grant awards from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that will help fund infrastructure improvements, housing and human services delivery in Cook County. Included were:

         Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) $9,801,929

         Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG): $833,221

         HOME Investment Partnerships: $4,724,047 

The Board also approved specific CDBG and ESG sub-grants to municipalities and non-profits to implement projects and programs that will benefit low- and moderate-income communities and other vulnerable residents.

“These funds will be used to support vital infrastructure, community services and economic development activities in suburban Cook County," said Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle.  "It is urgent that we let our elected officials in Washington and the White House know these federally funded programs must remain in the upcoming 2018 federal budget being debated by Congress.” 

This funding, pending HUD approval, will be used for infrastructure projects to assist communities and businesses, as well as providing shelters and services for veterans, the homeless and the disabled. 

The White House's current version of the 2018 federal budget calls for eliminating CDBG and HOME funding.  Eliminating these programs, or drastically reducing their funding, could devastate the lives of millions nationally, setting back efforts to revitalize communities in Cook County and around the country. 

For more about the CDBG, ESG and HOME programs and other initiatives administered by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, go to www.cookcountyil.gov/economicdevelopment.