Cook County Working to Bring Western Access to O’Hare International Airport

First formal agreement approved by Board of Commissioners


Cook County has officially joined to drive to bring much-needed western access to O’Hare International Airport.
The Elgin O’Hare Western Access (EOWA) project, which carries a current price tag of $3.4 billion, will allow travelers and commercial shipping and freight services to access the airport from the western suburbs. The project will also enhance access to major commercial and industrial centers in the northwest suburbs as well as remedy traffic congestion on I-294 and at interchanges on I-290 and I-90.

Cook County and Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS) select Development Team for New Central Campus Outpatient Facility and Office Building

Clayco and CBRE selected as development team


CHICAGO, October 23, 2015 — Following an extensive RFP (Request for Proposal) process, President Preckwinkle announced today that Cook County and the Cook County Health & Hospitals System (CCHHS) have selected the development team of Clayco and CBRE to lead the programming, design and implementation phases for a new outpatient facility and administrative office building on the CCHHS Central Campus.

President Preckwinkle Appoints New Executive Director for County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

President Toni Preckwinkle announced today the appointment of Ernest Brown to the post of executive director of the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM). Brown brings more than three decades of public safety, community outreach and leadership experience, including roles as the Darien Police Chief and Deputy Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.

Preckwinkle Presents FY 2016 Executive Budget Recommendation

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today presented her Executive Budget Recommendation for the Fiscal Year 2016 budget to the Cook County Board of Commissioners. The proposed budget represents a comprehensive plan to increase efficiency and cut the County’s tax-supported expenditures by almost $108 million to responsibly address its fiscal challenges for the long term.

Cook County Approves New Technology for Public Defender’s Office

Upgrade replaces antiquated system with efficient, modern solution


The Cook County Public Defender will be getting a new case management system that improves the handling of case initiation, subpoena management, investigations, case scheduling, managing expert witnesses and dispositions. The $2.3 million purchase was approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners at their meeting this week.

Cook County to Receive Almost $26.5 Million For Anti-Terrorism Programs

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today that the County will receive nearly $26.5 million in federal grant funds to assist with security programs that combat terrorism.

The funds are distributed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) and will be managed locally by the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM).

President Preckwinkle Appoints New Chief for County’s Bureau of Asset Management

President Toni Preckwinkle’s nomination of Elaine Lockwood Bean as new chief of the County’s Bureau of Asset Management was approved today by the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

Lockwood Bean brings significant public and private sector experience including facilities and construction management, and implementation of capital plans. She is a registered architect who has worked both domestically and internationally and holds degrees from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and University of California, Berkeley.

Less Real Estate Translates Into Real Savings for Cook County Taxpayers

Oak Forest Health Center campus reduction, warehouse consolidation among strategies designed to trim County's property footprint


Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced real estate consolidation and realignment initiatives that are expected to reduce County building square footage by the equivalent of 4.5 football fields in 2016, with estimated annual operating savings of more than $1.3 million and avoidance of over $30 million in immediate capital investment.
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