This global event raises awareness for climate change

This Saturday, March 26, Cook County buildings will go dark from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. in observance of Earth Hour, a global movement held annually to raise awareness for climate change. The County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability and Department of Facilities Management within the Bureau of Asset Management encourage residents to participate by switching lights off for one hour this weekend.

Applications are now open for two programs that promote community and economic development throughout the County

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today that applications are now open for the Department of Planning and Development’s (DPD) Public Service grants funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) programs.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved funding this week for transportation projects and initiatives led by 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.

2021 Invest in Cook Funding

Nearly 300 submissions down to six as Board of Commissioners consider final designs for new County flag

This week, a delegation of officials from Cork County, Ireland visited Cook County to provide local updates, discuss governmental best practices and share ideas about how the two counties can collaborate. Discussions between officials focused on tourism, cultural engagement, economic development and public health.

Today, in honor of Women’s History Month, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues in honoring 17 women for their contributions to their communities.

“We are pleased to recognize and acknowledge this year's Unsung Heroines,” said President Preckwinkle. “Their strength, resilience, and sacrifice to better their communities inspire us all. Cook County is a better place because of their work, and we are proud to call them residents in the County we all call home.”

The Cook County Justice Advisory Council Seeks to Award up to $65 million in grants funded by the American Rescue Plan Act

Today, the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) released the formal application for the 2022 Gun Violence Prevention & Reduction Grant opportunity. The grant program is designed as a robust response to the high levels of gun violence experienced in certain community areas of Cook County, coinciding with the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Today, the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) announced a series of virtual information sessions for the upcoming Gun Violence Prevention & Reduction Grant opportunity. The information sessions will help local organizations understand the application process for nearly $50 million of funding that will be awarded in Chicago and Suburban Cook County.

(COOK COUNTY, IL) - Today, the Office of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) announced a new program to assist low-income residents with water utility bills. Funded with dollars provided by the American Rescue Plan Act, the Low-income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides financial assistance to low-income households with issues surrounding water and wastewater bills.

The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) is deploying crews as a storm system moves into the region. A winter storm warning for the southern portion of the County and winter weather advisory in central and northern Cook County have been issued by the National Weather Service beginning at 3 p.m. today.

Residents should be prepared for freezing rain, snow and possible flooding as the storm moves in. DoTH offers the following reminders in case of roadway flooding: