Public Meetings - Cook County, Illinois

The Workforce Housing and Community Development Committee of Cook County met on July 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM (recessed from March 11). Chair Gainer was excused, but a quorum was present. The committee approved several items related to housing investments, human resources reports, and grant programs. Public Comments & Testimony - George Blakemore spoke about the need for metrics to measure success in the Black community, criticizing a lack of Black business ownership and consumerism, and urging the committee to focus on economic development beyond just representation. - Sandy Norman (Apostle Dr. Sandy A. Norman, CEO of a CVI organization) expressed frustration with the lack of accountability in funding for violence prevention. She noted that $15 million and $5 million in funding repeatedly go to the same organizations, and called for checks and balances. She also mentioned that she has warned the city about violence but was told not to be upset with the city, but with churches. She urged fairness and committed to continue advocating for change. Discussion Items - Item 26-0942: Approval of committee minutes from February 3, 2026. Approved unanimously. - Item 26-0579: Bureau of Human Resources Hiring Timeline Report for Q4 FY2025. Received and filed unanimously. - Item 26-1029: Bureau of Human Resources Hiring Timeline Report for Q1 FY2026. Received and filed unanimously. - Item 26-1350: Stony Creek Apartments – Request from Cook County Department of Planning and Development for $3.3 million in HOME Investment Partnerships ARPA funds to acquire land and construct a three-story, 25-unit permanent supportive housing property for individuals with physical and mental difficulties at 12147 South Cicero, Alsip. Approved unanimously without discussion. - Item 26-1351: Park Forest former parish campus – Request for $1.95 million in HOME ARPA funds for acquisition, moderate rehabilitation, and stabilization of a 6.4-acre former parish campus (vacated school, church, rectory) in Park Forest, to be converted into permanent supportive housing. Target population: DCFS wards aging out of foster care, primarily young women. Commissioner Naya asked about the target population; Deputy Director Carl Braille confirmed it is for DCFS wards. Commissioner McCaskill asked whether young women going to college would have access during breaks; Braille explained that DCFS services extend beyond age 21 for those in college, and this location would serve as a permanent domicile. Commissioners Naya, McCaskill, and others added as co-sponsors. Approved unanimously. - Proposed Grant Award for 2026 Program Year: Approval of funding sources and categories for CDBG ($9,707,444), HOME ($5,680,439.94), and ESG ($847,543) for the 2026 program year, along with authorization for the Bureau Chief of Economic Development to execute related documents. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All items were approved unanimously with no opposition. - Co-sponsors were added for item 26-1351 (Commissioners Naya, McCaskill, Scott, Stamps, and Vasquez). - The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:30 AM, with the boardroom closing and resuming at 1:05 PM for Health and Hospital.

The Business and Economic Development Committee of Cook County met on July 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM. A quorum was present with Commissioners Laurie, Miller, Moore, Marita, Kevin Morrison, and Anaya in attendance; Commissioners Britton, Gainer, and Sean Morrison were absent. The meeting included public testimony from two speakers and approval of routine items. Public Comments & Testimony - George Blakemore expressed frustration over the lack of business and economic development in Black communities, stating that Chinatown, Jewish, and Latina communities have such development while Black communities do not. He criticized Black leadership and noted the absence of banks and businesses in Black neighborhoods. - Dr. Sandy A. Norman (Life Beyond Limit Inc. / Chainbreakers VIP) testified on violence intervention and prevention. She described her work with young people who are active shooters or targets of violence. She emphasized the need for housing and job opportunities for at-risk youth, particularly relocation housing for those living in dangerous 'red zones.' She urged the committee to meet with her to address systemic issues. Consent Calendar - Approval of Committee Minutes (Item 26-1958): The minutes from the June 9, 2026 meeting were approved by voice vote, moved by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Moore. - Bundled Tax Incentive Resolutions: Four proposed resolutions for 6B property tax incentives were bundled and approved by voice vote: - Item 26-1647: Proposed resolution for 1355 Green Leaf RTL C, in Elk Grove Village (15th district) - Item 26-1648: Proposed resolution for CHP NCH Holding LLC, in Melrose Park (16th district) - Item 26-1649: Proposed resolution for Framos Properties LLC, in Bridgeview (6th district) - Item 26-1650: Proposed resolution for Routine 80 Realty LLC, in Melrose Park (16th district) The motion was moved by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Marita. No questions or discussion were raised. Key Outcomes - The committee approved the June 9, 2026 meeting minutes. - The committee approved four 6B property tax incentive requests for developments in Elk Grove Village, Melrose Park, and Bridgeview. - The meeting was adjourned after a motion by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Moore.

The Cook County Board Finance Committee convened on July 14, 2026, at 4:45 PM. The meeting included roll call, public testimony, discussion and votes on multiple agenda items: a food service contract amendment, two resolutions for gun violence wraparound services, a report on the Early Resolution Program (CLAAD), and a resident relief project for 2025 storms. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Sandy A. Norman (Executive Director of Life Beyond Limit, Inc. and Chainbreakers VIP) expressed full support for violence intervention and prevention programs. He emphasized the need for oversight of community-based organizations (CBI) and shared his eight years of on-the-ground work, including responding to mass shootings and providing wraparound services. He urged the committee to continue funding these efforts. Discussion Items - Food Service Contract Amendment (Item 26-1733): The Sheriff's Office requested a one-year renewal and $17 million increase for the food service management contract, raising total authorized value to $73.3 million. Jason Hernandez (Executive Director for Intergovernmental Relations, Cook County Sheriff's Office) presented details: approximately 19,000 meals per day (6.5 million annually), 26 million meals served since inception, meals delivered to nine divisions and multiple courthouses, and over 1,300 individuals requiring specialized diets (medical, religious, etc.). The increase is driven by inflation, labor costs, and population growth (budgeted at 6,300 detainees). Commissioner questions raised concerns about meal quality, frequency of fresh fruits and vegetables, and alignment with supplier diversity goals. Sheriff's Office noted that meal quality grievances are not in the top 30 issues. The vendor's dietitian stated menus meet RDAs and DRIs. The amendment was approved. - Wraparound Services for Survivors of Gun Violence (Items 26-0722 and 26-0723): Two resolutions totaling $10 million ($5 million for Chicago, $5 million for suburbs) to support survivors of gun violence. Avik Das (Director, Justice Advisory Council) presented the initiative, noting it builds on a previous $5 million city cohort and reissued suburban solicitation after community input. The program aims to address trauma and support families. Approved unanimously. - Independent Evaluation of the Early Resolution Program (CLAAD) - Item 26-1562: A receive-and-file report on Stout's second evaluation of the eviction component of the Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt Program. Presenters included Judge Michael Barrett, Bob Glaves (Chicago Bar Foundation), Karina Segalini (Chief Judge's Office), Sam Domenico (Stout), and Denerica Brooks (Legal Aid Chicago). Key findings: the program reduced default rates from nearly 50% to 16-23%, ensured legal aid access at all six courthouses, and achieved a return on investment of $3.41 to $4.25 per dollar. 97% of clients were satisfied. The report highlighted that brief services are effective for certain populations and that 80% of clients not receiving extended representation did not need it. Approved. - Cook County 2025 Storms Resident Relief Project (Item 26-1732): A $15 million one-time grant program for residents impacted by July and August 2025 storms, funded by the Cook County Disaster Response and Recovery Fund. Alex Joves (Executive Director, Cook County Emergency Management and Regional Security) noted that the federal government denied a presidential disaster declaration. Commissioners emphasized the need to support communities affected by climate change and criticized the politicization of disaster aid. Approved. - Amendment to Item 26-1773: An amendment corrected a period of time, contract value, and covered period. Accepted and then the item was approved as amended. Key Outcomes - Item 26-1733 (Food Service Contract Amendment): Approved unanimously (voice vote) to increase the contract to $73.3 million for a one-year renewal. - Items 26-0722 and 26-0723 (Wraparound Services): Approved unanimously. - Item 26-1562 (CLAAD Report): Received and filed unanimously. - Item 26-1732 (2025 Storms Relief): Approved unanimously. - Item 26-1773 (Amendment and Approval): Amendment accepted and item approved as amended unanimously. - Adjournment: Motion approved; next meeting scheduled for Business and Economic Development, followed by Workforce.

The Cook County Commission on Human Rights held its regular meeting on July 14, 2026, at 11:06 a.m., adjourning at 12:21 p.m. Chair Sohel presided with a quorum of five members present and three absent. The meeting covered the director’s quarterly report, updates on policy and outreach, approval of the FY2025 annual report, adoption of procedural rule amendments, and approval of multiple investigation extension requests. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved by voice vote. - The regular meeting minutes of January 29, 2026, were approved by voice vote. Discussion Items - Director’s Report (Jennifer): Total pending cases across all stages stood at 240 as of the first quarter of 2026. The department received 260 inquiries, 112 new complaints (32 more than the previous quarter), and closed 80 investigations (18 of which were duplicates). One case was resolved after an administrative hearing, two cases settled, with a total settlement amount of $700. Discussion addressed how duplicate cases are identified and consolidated. - Policy Update (Claire): The policy team completed an internal memo on artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications in employment and housing. The dashboard was updated, showing 25 cases filed in March and a 25-case increase from the previous quarter. A complaint portal is under development in partnership with the Bureau of Technology. The Just Housing Amendment impact assessment will be released next Wednesday. Commissioner Lipinski inquired about the AI memo’s next steps; staff responded that a public-facing draft will be brought to the commission in July, and they are open to collaboration with other jurisdictions. - Outreach Report (Bianca): Outreach conducted numerous trainings (including in Spanish) and events, such as the Illinois Reentry Council meeting and the Chicago Urban League housing fair. The human rights newsletter now has 2,539 subscribers. A new TikTok account was created to reach broader audiences. Commissioner Ratner raised concerns about increased law enforcement on CTA targeting unhoused individuals and suggested renewed outreach to housing support organizations. Staff noted they are exploring joining the homelessness task force. - FY2025 Annual Report: Presented by Jennifer and Claire. Total cases in FY2025 were 352, a 133% increase from 151 in FY2024 and 94 in FY2023. Total active caseload for the year was 483, with 239 cases closed—a stark increase from prior years. Reported settlements were $14,547 greater than the previous two fiscal years combined. Trainings and community meetings totaled 146. Complaint types: paid leave (32%), employment (25%), housing (20%), together comprising 81% of new complaints. Common bases of discrimination included housing status, retaliation, source of income, race, and ethnicity (housing); retaliation, disability, and race (employment); and various paid leave violations. Policy highlights included the equity landscape review, national origin amendments, and outreach to mental health facilities. The report was approved by voice vote. - Proposed CCCHR Rule Amendments: Staff presented amendments to procedural rules for commission-initiated complaints to avoid conflicts of interest. Changes would make hearing officer decisions final and allow appeals directly to circuit court rather than commission reconsideration. Commissioner Ratner asked about the validity of decisions without commission approval; staff explained the process aligns with other agency enforcement. A formatting note about a closed parenthesis was raised and acknowledged. The amendments were approved on a roll call vote: 6 yes, 0 no, 3 absent. - Investigation Extension Requests: Staff presented a list of 2024 and 2025 investigation extension requests, noting most are first requests and reflecting improved timeliness. Four investigator positions remain open. The motion to approve all listed extensions was approved by voice vote, with a correction on case number 2025 PA00598. Key Outcomes - Annual Report Approved: The FY2025 annual report was approved by voice vote. - Rule Amendments Adopted: The proposed procedural rule amendments passed on a roll call 6-0 (3 absent). - Investigation Extensions Granted: All listed extension requests were approved by voice vote after a correction. - Closed Session: The commission moved into executive session (not public). Upon return, the closed minutes of January 29, 2026, were approved by voice vote. - Request for Reconsideration: A roll call vote unanimously approved the request for reconsideration for case number 2026 PA001010. - Commission-Initiated Complaint: A motion to open a commission-initiated complaint was approved unanimously by roll call. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at 12:21 p.m.

The Cook County Audit Committee met on July 14, 2026, at 9:30 AM. The committee reviewed and approved multiple items, including the external audit findings from RSM, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the Single Audit of federal awards, and several other financial reports. One public speaker addressed the committee. All motions were approved by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - George Blakemore, a registered speaker, delivered remarks critical of the audit system, alleging fraud, theft, and abuse. He stated that the system is broken and called for change. He also criticized the arrangement for public speakers and the conduct of commissioners. His comments lasted approximately one minute. Discussion Items - Item 26-1593: RSM Annual Audit Findings Report – Presented by Deanne Sethness (RSM). The report covered 14 findings for the county and Cook County Health (CCH). Key findings included material weaknesses over journal entries, loan allowances, expense cutoff, IT controls for Oracle and property tax systems, and the treasurer’s conversion. Significant deficiencies were noted for expired leases, property taxes, construction in progress, and CCH-specific items. Commissioners discussed corrective actions, particularly for IT segregation of duties (finding 008). Tom Lynch (CIO) outlined mitigating controls. The committee requested a follow-up at the next meeting. - Item 26-1592: Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for FY25 – Presented by Dan Sethness (RSM). Highlights included a reduction in the overall deficit by nearly $2.2 billion, driven by lower pension/OPEB liabilities and increased revenues. The county continues to balance its debt. No questions; motion passed. - Item 26-1595: Single Audit of Federal Awards – Presented by Brent Bacas and Marsha Lopez (Washington Pittman and McKeever). Four findings were discussed: subrecipient monitoring for housing quality standards (finding 001), coronavirus fund risk assessments (002), program income for HIV emergency relief (003), and reporting for Homeland Security grants (004). Carl Brailly (Deputy Director of Housing) provided corrective measures for finding 001. The committee noted that prior year findings did not repeat. Motion passed. - Item 26-1596: CCH FY25 Financial Report – Presented by Dan Sethness (RSM). Operating income was $194 million, with $634 million net patient revenue, $657 million directed payments, and $3.6 billion county care capitation revenue. The county transferred $233 million to CCH. No questions; motion passed. - Item 26-1597: CCH Report to Audit Committee – Presented by Dan Sethness (RSM). Summarized professional standards communications. No questions; motion passed. - Item 26-1663: Treasurer’s Office FY25 Audit – Presented by Dan Sethness (RSM). Custodial fund assets and liabilities increased by $10.5 billion due to property tax billing delays. Findings were previously covered. No questions; motion passed. - Item 26-1598: Actuarial Study of Workers’ Compensation and Liability Self-Insurance – Presented by Alyssa Surovachka (AON) and Deanna Zales (Risk Management). Estimated outstanding losses as of November 30, 2025, were $1.055 billion on an undiscounted basis, a decrease of $16 million from the prior year. Law enforcement liability was the largest category ($450 million). The expected undiscounted losses for FY25-26 were $181 million. No questions; motion passed. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes (Item 26-1952) – Minutes from May 13, 2026, approved by voice vote. - Receipt and Filing of Audit Reports – All eight items (26-1593, 26-1592, 26-1595, 26-1596, 26-1597, 26-1663, 26-1598, and the minutes) were received and filed by unanimous voice votes. - Corrective Action Plans – The committee directed county staff to implement corrective actions for audit findings, with a follow-up on IT segregation of duties (finding 008) expected at the next audit committee meeting in September 2026. - Meeting Adjourned – Motion by Commissioner McCaskill, seconded by Commissioner Scott, approved by voice vote.

The Commission convened its second quarterly meeting of 2026 to review the county's preliminary fiscal forecasts, examine significant structural deficits in both the general fund and health enterprise fund, and discuss the impact of federal policy changes and litigation on revenue and expenses. The meeting included introductions of new leadership, approval of prior minutes, and a detailed presentation on sales tax performance and health plan projections. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the April 29, 2026 meeting were approved by voice vote and will be filed with the Cook County Secretary of the Board. Public Comments & Testimony - No public speakers were registered in person or virtually. Discussion Items - General Fund Structural Pressures: Budget Director Kanako Ishidal Mosa White outlined three major pressures: (1) a court ruling narrowing the use of $258 million in transportation-related taxes (use tax, gas tax, parking tax) for eligible expenditures, creating an annual structural deficit; (2) growth in payroll and pension liabilities due to cost-of-living adjustments and increased pension obligations; (3) rising employee benefit costs driven by health care inflation and higher PPO plan selection. - FY2026 Surplus Projection: Despite pressures, the general fund is expected to close FY2026 with a $283 million surplus, driven by a one-time $150 million cigarette tax settlement and $122.7 million in higher-than-budgeted sales tax revenue. Expenses were reduced by $16.8 million through holdbacks related to the transportation fund ruling. - FY2027 Deficit Forecast: A $336 million deficit is projected for FY2027, with expense growth outpacing revenue. Base revenue growth of $130.5 million (primarily sales tax) is offset by $258 million in newly disallowed transportation fund expenditures, $108.9 million in payroll increases, $36.7 million in pension growth, and $35.4 million in fringe benefit rises. - Sales Tax Forecasting Deep Dive: Commissioners discussed the unusually strong sales tax performance (year-to-date 16.5% above prior year actuals and 8.3% above budget). Staff attributed gains to higher retail sales, increased online/remote sales (changing location taxpayers), and two state legislative changes broadening the tax base (January 2025 and January 2026). A separate methodology document is available on the IRFC webpage. Commissioners requested more granular analysis for the next meeting to distinguish between inflation, base broadening, and one-time level shifts. The regression model uses Moody's retail sales forecasts, number of households, and employment; the coefficient on retail sales has increased, indicating a broader tax base. - Health Enterprise Fund Challenges: Ray presented the health fund forecast. FY2026 is projected to end with a $42.8 million deficit (improved from $50 million in April) due to high managed care claims. FY2027 deficit is projected at $214.7 million, primarily driven by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBA) which reduces County Care membership (especially ACA adult population) and patient service revenues (shift from Medicaid/Medicare to self-pay). New Medicaid managed care contracts (six MCOs, including new entrant Humana) starting January 2027 are expected to further reduce County Care market share. Three scenarios (baseline, optimistic, conservative) were presented for membership, PMPM revenue, and net patient service yields. DISH (Disproportionate Share Hospital) revenue is assumed to continue in baseline/optimistic scenarios but faces a one-year cut in conservative scenario. The hospital system's adjusted fund balance was discussed as a buffer, but it is insufficient to cover projected gaps. Commissioners noted the urgency of structural changes and requested more historical data on collection rates and yield initiatives. - Long-Term Outlook: The “alligator chart” shows general fund revenues growing faster than expenses, but deficits widen in out-years due to the structural gap. Unassigned ending fund balance is currently between the floor and ceiling for FY2026 but would decline with projected deficits. Commissioners remarked that the outlook is the worst in six years and attributed much of the pressure to federal policies and litigation. Key Outcomes - The minutes from April 29, 2026 were approved. - Staff committed to provide a deeper dive on sales tax drivers (e.g., changing vs. permanent location breakdown, scenario analyses) at the next meeting on July 29, 2026. - The Commission will continue to review revenue source diversification and methodology documents for both general fund and health fund forecasts. - The executive recommendation for FY2027 budget will be presented in fall 2026, with updated forecasts and policy proposals to address structural deficits.

This working group meeting, held on June 22, 2026, featured a comprehensive presentation from the Cook County Sheriff's Office on its role in domestic violence response, including order of protection service, Karina's Law enforcement, and firearm restraining orders. The presentation covered process flows, data on service rates, recent technological improvements, and future initiatives. The meeting included a question-and-answer session with task force members. Presentation: Cook County Sheriff's Office Domestic Violence Response - Deputy Chief of Staff Gitu Nayek, joined by senior policy and operations staff, presented an overview of the Sheriff's Office involvement in domestic violence response. The Sheriff's Office operates the third largest police department in Illinois with over 500 officers covering unincorporated Cook County. Key units include the Civil Process Unit, Victim Support Services Unit, and specialized domestic violence liaisons. - The presentation detailed the order of protection (OP) service process: after a judge issues an order, the clerk transmits it to the Sheriff's Civil Process Unit. Orders are entered into the Illinois State Police LEADS database (statewide visibility) and the National Crime Information Center (nationwide visibility). The Sheriff's internal system (ISTAR) and the newer "grid" app, which won a COP tech award in 2024, are used for dispatching orders to the nearest available deputy based on address, workload, and prioritization. - Service goals: first attempt same day as issuance, second attempt within 24 hours, minimum three attempts within 72 hours. If unsuccessful, the intel unit develops alternative locations. The grid app increased same-day attempts from fewer than 3% to routinely 70–75% (73% as of April 2026). - Data from a recent ISTAR audit: 2,560 orders were served by the Sheriff's Office and 963 served by other means (including short-form notifications). Average monthly orders served increased 21% after grid app implementation (from 760 per month). For orders not served, 92.9% were due to inability to contact the respondent; 57% of those received five or more attempts (average 4.82 attempts). - Karina's Law (effective May 11, 2025 to May 9, 2026): 1,526 surrender orders received, 844 enforced by civil process; 75 firearms recovered from 43 unique surrender orders. Three seizure warrants received, two executed. Firearm restraining orders: 11 received, six enforced by the office, four search warrants executed, 22 firearms recovered. - Future improvements: short-form notification portal, digital confidential information form (pilot kiosks at Markham courthouse), wellness checks for petitioners, expanded electronic transmission from the clerk's office, and continued data sharing efforts. Discussion and Q&A - Commissioner Miller asked about training of judges on the chief judges portal. Gitu Nayek reported that 16–20 judicial staff from the domestic violence courthouse were trained in summer 2025, and 22 domestic relations judges attended a demo in March 2026. Training is optional. - Cynthia asked how survivors sign up for the survivor portal; Nayek explained that the PIN is created on the confidential information form (part of the petition packet). - Trees asked about the digital kiosk requiring a case number; Colin (from the Sheriff's Office) noted that the case number is not required—names are matched. Nayek added that the pilot is still in the planning stage. - Nancy asked about the source of information on the confidential information sheet; Nayek confirmed it comes directly from the petitioner. Nancy also asked about the 7% of not-served orders not due to contact failure; Nayek said she would follow up with specifics. - Sarah Brown asked whether sheriff's police and other police can enforce remedies; Joe Belletier clarified that under state statute, any law enforcement officer can enforce remedies (e.g., return of minor, exclusive possession, firearm surrender) while serving a short-form notification, but the Sheriff's Office typically assigns enforcement to its civil process unit for consistency. Key Outcomes - The working group received a detailed update on Sheriff's Office operations, data, and improvements. No votes or formal actions were taken. - The Sheriff's Office invited task force members to visit its civil process unit for a walk-through, similar to a previous visit by Commissioner Naya. - Questions from the task force were answered during the meeting; additional follow-up questions were to be directed to the Sheriff's Office via email. - The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 PM by Alderman Tabaras.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners convened on June 11, 2026 at 5:30 PM for a regular meeting. The meeting began with a land acknowledgement and roll call, establishing a quorum. Commissioners approved remote participation for Commissioner Gaynor and then approved the entire consent calendar unanimously. Public testimony was heard from four speakers, and numerous resolutions recognizing community organizations, individuals, and awareness months were presented. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously via voice vote after a roll call. The consent calendar included resolutions recognizing: - Dee Dee Smith (retiring Cook County Health employee) - Dr. Joyce J. Jones (educator) - Willow James Youth Against Gun Violence Awareness Month - Spencer Leak Jr. (funeral director) - Dr. Gregory Sarlo (LGBTQ+ advocate) and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled - North Lawndale College Prep Boys Track Team - June as Elder Abuse Prevention and Gun Violence Awareness Month - Spanish Coalition for Housing Public Comments & Testimony - Sylvia Davis (Zeta Tau Zeta chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority): Expressed gratitude for the board’s recognition of the chapter’s 60th anniversary, highlighting six decades of service, scholarships, and community engagement. Noted the chapter has 132 members with four original charter members still active. - Letitia Saunders (Zeta Tau Zeta member and Cook County employee): Thanked the board and Commissioner Dr. Keisha McCaskill for Resolution 26-1729 commemorating the chapter’s Charter Day. Emphasized the chapter’s commitment to service and partnership. - Quandra Drummer (attorney representing Willow James and family): Spoke in support of Resolution 26-1722, declaring June as Willow James Youth Against Gun Violence Awareness Month. Relayed the story of Willow James, a teen who survived a gunshot wound to the head, and called for resources and support for youth affected by gun violence. Urged commissioners to assist in funding support centers and youth groups. - George Blakemore (community member): Criticized black elected officials and community disinvestment, stating “black faces in high places selling black people out.” Emphasized the need for economic empowerment and revitalization of black businesses, referencing historical Black Wall Streets. Discussion Items / Resolutions & Recognitions - Commissioner Moore recognized Dee Dee Smith for 30+ years of service at Cook County Health, sharing a personal story of how Smith helped his father, mother, and brother navigate cancer treatment. - Commissioner Daly honored Dr. Joyce J. Jones for 30+ years in education and mentorship at Richard J. Daley College, citing her work in STEM and nonprofit service. - Commissioner McCaskill presented a resolution declaring June as Willow James Youth Against Gun Violence Awareness Month. Provided details of Willow James’s injuries and recovery; family members joined at the dais. - Commissioner Lowry and Commissioner Miller honored Spencer Leak Jr., a funeral director who served thousands of families and was a community leader. Resolution to be presented to family in the district. - Commissioner Kevin Morrison recognized June as Dr. Gregory Sarlo Pride Month (honoring a psychologist in hospice) and recognized the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, which has supported 5,300 youth (67% gainfully employed) and trained 50,000 cricketers, including a cricket program for the blind. - Commissioner Aguilar congratulated the North Lawndale College Prep Boys Track Team for their historic season, including an IHSA sectional championship, 14 state qualifiers, 120 medals, and multiple school records—all without a dedicated track facility. - Commissioner Stamps proclaimed June as Elder Abuse Prevention Month (citing 1 in 10 seniors affected, $28 billion lost annually to exploitation) and Gun Violence Awareness Month (citing 48,000 annual gun-related deaths). Also acknowledged Juneteenth and the legacy of the Deere family. - Commissioner Vasquez recognized Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH) for 54 years of service, serving 5,000+ households annually. SCH’s 25th annual Home Buyer Expo is scheduled for June 27, 2026 at Malcolm X College. Key Outcomes - Remote participation for Commissioner Gaynor was approved (roll call vote: 15 ayes, 2 absent). - The entire consent calendar was approved unanimously via voice vote, adopting all listed resolutions. - Announcement of a Juneteenth press conference following the meeting. - Commissioners noted that individual resolutions would be presented in their respective districts as needed.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners convened on June 11, 2026, at 9:15 AM with President Toni Preckwinkle presiding. A quorum was present, and the board approved a consent calendar, heard public testimony on domestic violence, jail conditions, guaranteed income, and senior care, and voted on numerous agenda items including contracts, resolutions, and referrals. The meeting lasted approximately 3 hours and concluded with a brief adjournment. Public Comments & Testimony - Yolanda Carter and Yvette Hunter expressed support for Resolution 25-3661, urging better victim notification when accused abusers are released. Carter shared her personal experience of being attacked with a hammer, and Hunter described being attacked with a baseball bat and not being notified of her attacker’s release. Juanita Galtney also testified as a domestic violence survivor, calling for the court system to avoid prolonging cases. - Charles Pomper, representing the Jail Solidarity Network, read testimony from an incarcerated individual describing how fights in Cook County jail are caused by deprivation (e.g., over mayonnaise packets, microwave use). He argued that additional surveillance, including AI, would not address underlying conditions. - Willie Jordan of Emerging Technology Integrators offered to assist with tax and treasury department technology issues. - Taylor Tramil (Workers Center for Racial Justice/Union for Guaranteed Income) thanked the board for the unanimous vote to fund a permanent guaranteed income program and called for sustainable revenue strategies and community-centered design. Chevelle Cole and Eli McFarland also spoke in support of the program, noting that the $7.5 million funding has not yet been distributed and urging continued prioritization in the 2027 budget. Cole mentioned that the Youth for GI campaign has nearly 8,000 supporters. - Dr. Asia Wade Bay testified about the neglect and abuse that led to her mother’s death after nursing home care, calling for more support for seniors to remain at home. She commended the Illinois Department of Health for validating her allegations. - George Blake Moore (unscripted) criticized property taxes, corruption, and racial disparities in Cook County, alleging that black residents are taxed more than white residents. - Tywan Sims asked for an investigation into his treatment during a court hearing on May 19, 2026, alleging he was assaulted, given drugs against his will, and sexually assaulted at Stroger Hospital. He also requested help regarding a court order to take a behavioral clinical exam. Discussion Items - Guaranteed Income Program: Commissioners acknowledged the board’s historic vote to fund the first permanent county-level guaranteed income program in the nation. The program is still in design phase; the advisory board is working with the Bureau of Economic Development. Speakers and commissioners urged continued funding and community engagement. - Sheriff’s Intergovernmental Agreement (Item 26-1527): Commissioner Anaya questioned the timing of an IGA with Illinois State Police for public safety at protests, noting it was dated May 7, 2026 but only now presented. Sheriff’s Office representative Brad Curry explained that the agreement reimburses the county for services already provided after state police returned to expressways. The agreement applies to the Broadview area. Commissioner Anaya and others voted present on this item. - Colorectal Cancer Screening (Item 26-1735): Commissioner Kevin Morrison sponsored a resolution for a hearing on increasing colorectal cancer screening in the under-45 population. Several commissioners shared personal stories, including Commissioner Bill Lowry who was diagnosed early. Commissioner Morrison noted that screenings are not typically covered by insurance until age 45, leading to late diagnoses in young adults. The board also discussed the Birthday Health Screening program, which has increased mammograms by 54% and prostate screenings by 13%. - Storm Relief (Item 26-1732): Commissioner Anaya highlighted the Cook County Storms Resident Relief Project, a one-time program to assist households affected by storms after FEMA rejected many requests. The average household impact was $10,000. The item was referred to finance. - Rules and Remote Participation: Commissioner Marita responded to comments made the previous day about her remote participation without 24-hour notice. She argued that the rule needs revisiting and called for respect and private conversations. Commissioner Miller noted that the rule was not followed today either. Commissioner Lowry, as Rules Chair, committed to reviewing the attendance and notice rules for both Cook County and Forest Preserve. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: The board approved the consent calendar (items on pages 2-7) with 14 yeas, 3 absent. Item 26-0722 (gun violence wraparound services) and 26-0723 were referred to finance; 26-1422 (Violence Against Women Task Force report) was referred to criminal justice. - Bureau of Finance and Cook County Health: Approved items including sales tax revenue bonds, grants for health initiatives, and contracts (e.g., Blue Cross Blue Shield dental contract up to $42 million). Commissioner Gaynor voted present on item 26-1598. Final vote: 14 yeas, 2 absent, 1 present. - Bureau of Administration: Approved contracts for construction services and referred several improvement resolutions to transportation. Vote: 14 yeas, 3 absent. - Bureau of Asset Management, Economic Development, etc.: Approved multiple items, including a grant for Rosemont Blue Line redevelopment, a contract with KPMG, and property tax incentives. Most items were approved or referred; some were withdrawn. Vote: 14 yeas, 2 absent. - Office of Chief Judge, Sheriff, etc.: Approved items with some present votes. Commissioner Anaya and Kevin Morrison voted present on several items. Item 26-1527 (sheriff IGA) had present votes from Anaya, Stamps, Vasquez, and Kevin Morrison. Total: 15 yeas on most items, with exceptions. - Committee Reports: All committee recommendations were approved with votes ranging from 15-16 yeas and 1-2 absent. Notable: - Criminal Justice: Approved as amended 26-1526 (hearing on last mile of criminal justice). - Finance: Approved settlement letters, worker’s comp reports, and deferred 26-1514 (contract requirements amendment). - Legislation: Approved appointments, a hearing on voting rights, and a resolution on property tax revenue distribution. - Technology and Innovation: Deferred 26-1268 (contract for employee performance management system). - Asset Management: Approved 26-0842 (countywide job order contract) with 12 yeas, 4 present, 1 absent. - New Items: The board suspended rules to take up new items. Approved the acceptance of donations, storm relief referral, colorectal cancer hearing referral, and other items. Commissioner Stamps requested 26-1745 (congratulating clerk’s office) be referred to legislative committee, which was accepted. The item on creating a local taxing jurisdiction loan program (26-1578) was noted. Final vote on new items: 15 yeas, 2 absent.