Cutting red tape to get vital resources to communities being impacted by COVID-19, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today issued an executive order accelerating the County’s ability to accept supplies, equipment and other donations from private partners, corporations and individuals.

The move by President Preckwinkle aims to get critical materials to vulnerable communities in need of emergency assistance by allowing the Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) to more rapidly accept and distribute donations.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined by officials from the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) announced the launch of a new emergency text alert system, hotline number and email address to keep the public informed with accurate information regarding COVID-19.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today issued an executive order limiting public access to County facilities and reducing the number of employees in Offices Under the President required to work on-site.

Under Executive Order 2020-3, essential functions of government will continue while protecting the public and the County employee population through a reduction in the footprint in County facilities.

Out of an abundance of caution, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today issued two executive orders related to the current COVID-19 virus pandemic and County operations.

Using her statutory authority as the County’s chief executive officer, the orders directly impact upcoming committee and subcommittee meetings by the Board of Commissioners and most, if not all, official travel by County employees.

Building on its coordinated and collaborative approach to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today signed a disaster proclamation, a proactive measure giving County officials another operational tool in its continuing response efforts.

The proclamation will enhance the County’s ability to access the resources, equipment and personnel needed to address ongoing and changing circumstances on the ground. This is particularly necessary should the number of COVID-19 cases rise and the demands on County staff and partners continue to increase.

COOK COUNTY-- The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved agreements and funding for projects spearheaded by  the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) with local municipalities. The projects are designed to bolster economic development and quality of life throughout Cook County.

Elgin O’Hare I-390 Corridor

Cook County Commissioners today approved five proposals from President Toni Preckwinkle’s Bureau of Economic Development (BED) that will provide tax incentives to businesses in Cook County.

The incentives, designed to promote economic growth, were approved in the following municipalities:  Des Plaines, Evanston, Mount Prospect and Schaumburg.

On Monday morning, Cook County Animal and Rabies Control warden John Haralamos received a call from authorities of a dog found in a trash bag on the side of the road in Willow Springs. He rushed to the scene on Forest Avenue just north of 87^th Street where a male pitbull had been dumped in double-bagged trash bags.

The cold and severely dehydrated dog was rushed to a local veterinary hospital for treatment and is now continuing his recovery at South Suburban Humane Society, where staff have named him Vinny. Vinny is extremely underweight and frightened.

Joined by members of the community, the Interfaith Housing Development Corporation and other County officials (the Bureau of Economic Development, the Housing Authority of Cook County, the Cook County Land Bank Authority, and the Justice Advisory Council), President Preckwinkle broke ground at the planned site of Fifth Avenue Apartments, a 72-unit affordable housing development located in Maywood, IL.

CHICAGO—Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s office has published the latest annual report for Offices Under the President, Cook County at a Glance 2019.