Cook County Announces Multi-Site Construction With Major Energy Savings

Work aligns with Cook County’s ambitious sustainability plan on reducing carbon emissions

Construction is under way for $44.2 million in Cook County building improvements under guaranteed energy savings agreements awarded in June 2015. These energy efficiency projects will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and upgrade lighting infrastructure, aging mechanical systems and temperature controls. The expense savings will fund these improvements over time.

President Preckwinkle’s Statement on President Obama’s Executive Actions Regarding Guns

I applaud the executive actions to address gun violence that President Obama has announced. The President is bravely using his executive powers to help keep guns out of the wrong hands through background checks, requiring licensing of all gun dealers, investing in mental health treatment and the background check system. These are common sense actions, as is his plan to invest in promising gun safety technology. All are key in helping create safer communities.

Cook County and the Greater Chicago Food Depository Announce Food Access Plan

Two-year strategy will strengthen county-wide response to food insecurity with focus on health, children and access to fresh produce Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Greater Chicago Food Depository today announced the creation of a Cook County Food Access Plan, which builds upon existing resources to increase access of nutritious food for households in need and create new solutions to food insecurity. Tuesday’s announcement of the two-year plan was made at the Vision of Restoration Food Pantry in suburban Maywood.

Cook County Ahead of Its Target for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

New report highlights sustainability achievements in 2015


Cook County is doing its part to help stem climate change.

The county is exceeding its target for reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from its buildings, the County’s 2015 Sustainability Report shows.

The County’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions have decreased by 11 percent since they were measured in 2010, an achievement that surpasses its target of an 8 percent reduction from 2010 through 2014.

Cook County Wins Legal Battles Over Gaming Taxes

A recent Illinois Supreme Court decision will allow Cook County to collect about $3 million in unpaid taxes, as well as generate another $1 million in tax revenue annually from Midwest Gaming, owner and operator of Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.

Separately, a state Appellate Court affirmed Cook County’s legal right to tax area gambling machines.

The Supreme Court’s decision effectively ends a three-year battle over the legality of a Cook County video gambling tax approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners in November 2012.

Winter Weather Brings Seasonal Challenges for Pet Owners

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


Cold weather may have taken a while to arrive, but the calendar doesn’t lie. And pet owners should take special precautious as winter gets under way.

Dr. Donna Alexander, administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control, has tips for pet should to keep in mind during the cold weather season and the upcoming holidays.

Cook County Reducing, Streamlining Fleet Operation, Partnering with Sheriff on Vehicle Maintenance

More efficient system will save money, promote use of ‘green’ vehicles


Cook County is reducing and streamlining its vehicle fleet operations and creating a more efficient system of vehicle purchase, use and maintenance that will save taxpayers money.

The County is updating its Vehicle Use Policy to ensure centralized and consistent fleet management in the spirit of shared and consolidated services, part of the administration’s pledge to improve operations County-wide, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said.

Hazardous Liquid Waste to Get Additional Attention from Cook County

Information will provide a measure of safety for nearby residents and first responders Cook County will now collect information on and inspect facilities housing hazardous liquid waste as a public safety measure. An ordinance approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners today will require businesses that store hazardous chemicals such as acids, solvents and other highly toxic chemicals to report the type of substance in the facility, the location of the chemicals and how the chemicals are stored. The Cook County Department of Environmental Control will also inspect these facilities an

Statement by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on Former Supt. McCarthy’s Resignation

I have long thought that former Supt. McCarthy’s policing strategies were wrong-headed and did nothing to instill trust and confidence – especially in communities of color. The mayor says former Supt. McCarthy’s resignation is not the end but a beginning to rebuilding trust and confidence in the Chicago Police Department. I agree that his resignation is just that – a beginning. I want to see what comes next.
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