Cook County Equity Fund Taskforce provides updates on transformative policies and programs around health, housing, infrastructure, criminal justice and economic development, among others

COOK COUNTY, IL — Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Equity Fund Taskforce are kicking off 2023 with Cook County’s plans to realign government resources and address disinvestment and inequities that have negatively impacted Black, Latine and other marginalized residents.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved funding today for transportation-related projects and maintenance materials for the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH). These vital projects boost economic development, build up regional transportation and improve the quality of life throughout Cook County.

The location, cost and scope of each project is listed below.

Alsip Park District | $56,000
Design of a 1.75-mile stretch of the Cal-Sag Multi Use Greenway to connect over 26 miles across southern Cook County.

Coyote mating season lasts until late May

The County’s Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) reminds residents that coyote mating and whelping season lasts through May. During this time, coyotes are establishing territories and dens to whelp their pups. Until weaning, coyotes are more visible and more aggressive. ARC offers the following tips to prevent tragic encounters between coyote and cats or small dogs:

Applications are now open for programs that promote economic development, public services and transportation improvements throughout the County

Cook County Justice Advisory Council to Host Information Session on Funding Opportunity for Community Based Organizations

COOK COUNTY, IL — Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) and the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) announced an American Rescue Plan Act- funded reentry initiative that will provide rental assistance and wraparound support services to residents returning to Cook County from periods of incarceration.

Class of 30 local nonprofit and government fellows embarks on interdisciplinary leadership development program in service of effective governance

Medical Examiner’s Office Releases Preliminary 2022 Data

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is releasing preliminary statistics for cases it handled in 2022. The Office’s caseload continued to significantly surpass pre-COVID levels, with 10,443 cases falling under the Office’s jurisdiction last year. This is a drop from a peak caseload of 16,047 in 2020 and 12,612 cases in 2021. Before the pandemic began, the Office saw approximately 6,200 deaths in an average year. Nearly 43% of all cases in 2022 were Black and just over 14% Latino.

Suburban Centers to Remain Operational Throughout the Holiday Weekend

Cook County is opening 24-hour warming centers in the north, west and south suburbs to help residents combat extreme weather conditions. The warming centers will open at 5 p.m. tonight and run continuously until 8 a.m. Monday, December 26.

Residents who do not have adequate access to heat are advised to seek respite at a warming center.

The center locations are as follows:

The County is sharing tips and information to keep residents and pets safe

The season’s first major winter storm will bring high winds and dangerously low temperatures to the region. Cook County is sharing the following information to keep residents and pets safe.

Heat Safety Awareness

The County’s Emergency Management and Regional Security encourages residents to follow the following tips during cold weather to keep themselves and their families safe:

President Preckwinkle today announced a major update to the Cook County 2010-2020 Census Demographics App. The updated interactive map makes it easier to identify a variety of demographic changes that took place in Cook County on a census-tract level between 2015 and 2020.