The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded the Cook County Department of Budget and Management Services its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today recognized hundreds of Vietnam War-era veterans for their sacrifice and service to the nation as part of the national Vietnam War Commemoration program. She was joined at the event by Commissioner Jeff Tobolski (16th), Chairman of the County Board’s Veterans Committee, and representatives of organizations for veterans.
The veterans gathered at Chicago Botanic Garden and were saluted for their service in wartime.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and County Commissioners today recognized 42 military veterans for their sacrifice and service to nation under the annual Silver Star Service Banner program.
The veterans were saluted for their service in wartime during the Board meeting. To be eligible for the Silver Star Service Banner program, a veteran must have been wounded or become ill while serving in a war zone. The veterans honored served in conflicts ranging from World War II to Afghanistan.
Participants learned highly recognizable, transferable skills
Thanks to a partnership between the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Friends of the Forest Preserves and the Housing Authority of Cook County, 84 youth came together to celebrate the completion of the five-week Forest Preserves Experience paid summer internship. During the internship, participants learned basic job skills they can use in the future along while experiencing environmental education activities and exposure to conservation-related careers.
County investments leverage federal and state funds to advance priority projects.
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) has selected 34 projects as part of Cook County’s annual Invest in Cook grant program.
The County’s investment of $7 million leverages an additional $26.8 million in federal, state and local funds. The commitment of County transportation resources will enable $33.8 million in project activity across all phases to get under way in the coming year.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Board of Commissioners today accepted annual grant awards from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support vital infrastructure, community services and economic development activities in Cook County.
The grants are as follows:
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, which will either create new or save existing jobs, were approved in the following communities: Alsip, Elk Grove Village, Northbrook, Palos Hills and Wheeling.
On November 30, 2017, Chief Judge Timothy Evans filed a Complaint seeking enforcement of a General Administrative Order against the County. The Complaint and Administrative Order demanded funding of approximately $41 million more than the amount appropriated by the Cook County Board of Commissioners to the Circuit Court of Cook County for Fiscal Year 2018.
The County disputed Judge Evans’ Administrative Order and his findings that $41 million more were required for the offices operated under the authority of the Chief Judge.
For three years in a row, the Center for Digital Government (CDG) named Cook County one of America's Top 10 Digital Counties with a population of more than one million. The 2018 award identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services, encourage collaboration and shared services, enhance cybersecurity and even reduce carbon emissions.
We have worked very hard since 2010 to make the Forest Preserves of Cook County a welcoming and safe place for all. An incident in Caldwell Woods on June 14 in which a visitor to the Preserves was verbally harassed was appalling and completely unacceptable. I am very sorry for the experience the young woman had to endure and I’m further troubled by the lack of response and action by the initial officer on the scene. The Forest Preserves immediately launched an investigation into the incident.
