Preckwinkle applauds actions to create, retain jobs in region

Cook County commissioners today approved proposals by President Preckwinkle’s Bureau of Economic Development (BED) that will provide tax incentives to business in six suburban communities, as well as save and create jobs.

A total of eight tax Incentives were approved in the following communities: Bedford Park (two), Bellwood, Bridgeview, Calumet City, Elk Grove Village, Franklin Park and Homewood. 

Public safety focus continues as a key priority for Preckwinkle administration

Cook County commissioners today approved grants equaling almost $1.1 million for locally based programs dedicated to anti-violence strategies.

The grants, administered by the County’s Justice Advisory Council (JAC), are a cornerstone of President Toni Preckwinkle’s commitment to community-based programs that combat violence. The awards follow a robust vetting through a Request for Proposals process. 

County’s animal control administrator urges caution as temperatures plummet

Cook County Animal and Rabies Control has issued an alert to pet owners to take extra precautions with their household pets due to the early-winter Arctic cold snap we are now experiencing.
With temperatures dipping not just below the freezing mark but expected to bottom out below zero by the weekend, Dr. Donna Alexander, Animal and Rabies Control Administrator, cautioned that dog owners in particular need to take additional care to ensure the safety of their pets.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed two recent deaths due to powerful opioids never before seen in Cook County.

Declaring it a keystone achievement in their public safety reform efforts to reduce the jail population and right-size facilities, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced today that several buildings on the Department of Corrections campus are being demolished. 

Reducing the number of buildings on the campus recognizes the collective efforts of Cook County criminal justice stakeholders to reduce the jail’s population to its lowest level since 1991, as well as provide cost savings for the County and its taxpayers. 

How to keep your dog and cat safe in cold, snow and during the holidays

The winter holidays are a time of family and joy, and for pet owners the celebration may include the furry members of the family.

Cook County Animal and Rabies Control is urging pet owners to take special precautions for the health and welfare of their dogs and cats as the holidays gets under way.

In order to improve customer service and efficiency for businesses and residents who reside in the unincorporated areas of Cook County, the Department of Building and Zoning, working jointly with the Department of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has launched a new on-line permitting system.

Balanced proposal preserves essential public health and safety services

The Cook County Board of Commissioners today approved a FY 2017 $4.4 billion operating budget that confronts the County’s financial challenges while avoiding debilitating cuts to public safety and public health services. Separately, the Board also approved a $475.7 million capital budget to fund critical investments in the County’s infrastructure and equipment. 

I am grateful to Chairman Daley and the Commissioners who supported the revenue proposal we brought today before the Finance Committee. Together with difficult budget cuts through layoffs and vacancy eliminations and management efficiencies, we will be able to move forward with a final vote on a balanced FY2017 budget next week. I am also grateful to the American Heart Association and members of their coalition, as well as to Mayor Bloomberg, for their support.

The Community Triage Center is the first clinic of its kind in the Chicago region. 

CHICAGO - Today the Cook County Health & Hospitals System (CCHHS), with support from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, celebrated the opening of CCHHS’ new pilot Community Triage Center (CTC).