This week, the Obama Foundation announced that Mara Heneghan, Director of Policy for Cook County Office of the President is among its fourth cohort of Obama Scholars, two groups of 12 emerging leaders from around the world who will study at Columbia University and the University of Chicago, respectively, for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Today, the office of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced additional events and details for the upcoming third annual Racial Equity Week, to be held September 13-17, 2021. This year’s theme will reflect on three words: “Imagine. Intersect. Act.” The events and programming will encourage the audience to use their imaginations to understand justice and equity at the intersections of identities. 

Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the third annual Cook County Racial Equity Week, to be held September 13 – 17 in 2021. This year’s theme will reflect on three words: “Imagine. Intersect. Act.” Cook County Offices Under the President has programmed a week of events that probe the audience to use their imaginations to understand justice and equity issues at the intersections of identities and encourage all to take action.

New initiative seeks to address learning loss magnified by COVID-19 with creation of free early childhood and family programming through the County TV station and a new mobile app

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle was joined today by community leaders, tech innovators, cultural institutions, museums, non-profits, and other partners to announce Project Rainbow: a new County-created, family-focused recovery initiative designed to address the education barriers and learning loss exacerbated by the pandemic.

President Preckwinkle, today, applauds the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity (DCEO)’s award of $744,600 as part of its Community Navigator Program and We Rise Together coalition’s award of $500,000 to support the Cook County Small Business Assistance Program. Combined, the new resources will support the County’s nationally recognized Small Business Assistance program to further support recovery efforts for small businesses.

 In celebration of the new pedestrian bridge connecting Rosemont’s entertainment district to the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Des Plaines Trail, Cook County and Forest Preserves of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens joined Forest Preserves General Superintendent Arnold Randall, Cook County Commissioner Peter Silvestri, Senator Robert Martwick and other elected officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined Commissioner Brandon Johnson, IL Senate President Don Harmon Representative Camille Lilly and Oak Park President Vicki Scaman and Housing Forward Executive Director Lynda Schueler to announce a $100,000 grant through Cook County’s Justice Advisory Council (JAC) to support non-profit Housing Forward’s work on Cook County’s west side. The grant is a part of a $1.5 million investment to community-based organizations through the JAC aimed at creating stable and thriving communities throughout Cook County.

Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined representatives from the office of Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans, Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton, Chicago Bar Foundation Executive Director Bob Glaves and community leaders to remind the public about a critical resource for landlords and tenants as federal and local eviction moratoriums expire. Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) is a county-wide initiative that helps residents resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues.

Today, President Preckwinkle joined Commissioner Dennis Deer, Congressman Danny Davis and community leaders to announce a $1.5 million investment to community-based organizations through the Justice Advisory Council (JAC). The investment is aimed at addressing the root causes of crime and violence by providing mental health and other supportive services, increasing access to jobs, capital and critical social services, and helping build wealth through business and home ownership.

COOK COUNTY, IL — Outlining an optimistic budget recovering from the financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today released the preliminary forecast for the County’s Fiscal Year 2022 showing a projected gap of approximately $121.4 million.