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.

Cook County Board of Commissioners approves 13 members to the Complete Count Census Commission

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Board of Commissioners today approved 13 appointments to the Complete Count Census Commission to guide the County’s work on the 2020 U.S. Census.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved agreements today between the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) with local municipalities. The intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) are designed to bolster community and economic development and quality of life throughout Cook County.

Stickney – 45^th Street Roadwork

Today, Cook County Commissioners approved four 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: Burr Ridge, Lynwood, Orland Park and Schiller Park.  

As a result of redevelopment activities, these incentives should support the creation of an estimated 22 new private sector full-time jobs, 117 jobs retained and support approximately 35 construction jobs.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle this week announced the American National Standards Institute – American Society of Quality National Accreditation Board (ANAB) awarded the County Medical Examiner’s Office International Standardization Organization (ISO) accreditation for forensic testing and forensic inspection.

The Office is the first in the country to receive ISO 17025 for forensic testing and laboratory calibration and only the second to receive ISO 17020 for bodies of forensic inspection.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Board of Commissioners this week recognized the County’s Medical Examiner’s Office and Office of Research, Operations and Innovation (ROI). Both received Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and County Commissioners recognized 17 military veterans this week 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.