Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Steger opens today

Village of Steger, IL--Residents in the Village of Steger and surrounding communities affected by severe storms and flooding in June 2019 can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA is opening a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Steger today to assist area residents in applying for loans in person. The center will remain operational until Oct. 17.

Cook County Animal and Rabies Control reminds residents to take advantage of low-cost rabies vaccines and free microchips before clinics conclude at the end of August. The four remaining clinics are all open 10 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. at the following locations:

The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the County’s Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update this week. Under the leadership of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) spearheaded the revision to the 2014 plan which remains the largest of its kind in the United States.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that the Board of Commissioners approved $6.9 million in funding today for a major road rehabilitation project in the cities of Hickory Hills and Palos Hills. The County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) is spearheading the project designed to boost economic development, build up regional transportation and improve quality of life for area residents.

CHICAGO—Furthering her administration’s commitment to promoting equity, today Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the event lineup for Cook County’s inaugural Racial Equity Week–September 16 - 20, 2019.

During this week of learning, listening, and engagement, Cook County will hold a series of events to hear from residents and community partners and educate the public about racial equity, why it matters and how everyone can work together to close the gap.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is pleased to announce that the Justice Advisory Council has awarded two grants of $250,000 each to Catholic Charities and the McDermott Center, D/B/A Haymarket Center, to provide comprehensive services to justice-involved pregnant and postpartum women and their young children. The grants fund services including counseling, parenting skills, drug treatment, job placement and medical care. 

CHICAGO – Nearing the 100^th anniversary of the Chicago race riots, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced today Offices Under the President (OUP) will host an inaugural Cook County Racial Equity Week.

Additionally, the President announced that Cook County has joined the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (G.A.R.E) and has established a Racial Equity Leadership Council.

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

The incentives, which will either create new or save existing jobs, were approved in the following communities: Melrose Park and Oak Lawn.  

As a result of redevelopment activities, these incentives should support the creation of an estimated 386 new private sector full-time jobs, and support 160 construction jobs.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that Xochitl Flores will serve as the new Bureau Chief of Economic Development. As Chief, Xochitl will work to advance the Bureau of Economic Development’s mission to foster economic development and job growth, promote regional collaboration, workforce, and community development through the strategic leveraging of resources and efficient professional management.

Group buy program to make solar energy more affordable

Cook County is partnering with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) and the Citizens Utility Board to make solar energy more accessible and affordable for County residents. The partnership is coordinating a residential solar group buy program called Solarize Chicagoland, making it available to residents in Cook, DuPage, Kane and Will Counties.