Public Meetings - Cook County, Illinois

The Finance Subcommittee on Litigation of the Cook County Board of Commissioners met on May 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM. All members were present, including Commissioner Marita participating remotely. The meeting proceeded with routine approvals, an executive session, and unanimous votes on all items. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the minutes of the April 15, 2026 meeting (Item 26-1489) was passed unanimously. - Motion to receive and file the case disposition summary report for advice, transactions, and complex litigation, civil rights, labor, and medical litigation (Item 26-1453) was passed unanimously via roll call (7-0). - Motion to approve Items 26-1454, 26-1465, 26-1466, 26-1471, and 26-1472 was passed unanimously via roll call (7-0). - Motion to receive and file Item 26-1473 was passed unanimously via roll call (7-0). Executive Session - The committee voted unanimously to enter executive session pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act (Section 2(c)(11)) to discuss litigation or potential litigation involving the county. After the closed session, the committee returned to open session. Key Outcomes - All agenda items were approved unanimously with no opposition. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:10 AM following a motion by Vice Chair Lowry, seconded by Commissioner Trevor.

The Finance Committee of the Cook County Board met on May 13, 2026, at 15:45 UTC. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman (Commissioner Daly). Fifteen of 17 commissioners were present, with Commissioners Gaynor and Moore absent. The committee approved several routine financial reports, contracts, and resolutions, and deferred a resolution on retention bonuses for further discussion with the administration. Consent Calendar - Committee Minutes: Approved by voice vote. - Item 26-1283: Court Orders Report (March 21–April 17), special court cases, proposed settlements, workers' compensation settlement decisions (April–May 2026), workers' compensation claims (March 2026), patient resee claims (March 2026), self-insurance claims (April 2026), and claims recovery settlements (April 2026). All approved unanimously (15 ayes, 2 absent). - Item 26-1340, 26-1411, 26-1488: Controller's report for four-month period ending March 31, 2026; Cook County Health report for April 2026; President's Office annual report on the Equity Fund. Approved after presentations (16 ayes, 1 absent). - Item 26-0554: Resolution addressing JC's reallocations for Safe and Thriving Communities, Gun Prevention and Reduction Initiative. Approved (16 ayes, 1 absent). - Item 26-1021: Resolution addressing a prospective agreement with Nationwide Retirement Solutions. Approved as part of the same motion. - Item 26-1032, 26-1014, 26-1064: Contracts for auditing services (RSM US LLP, $6,950,354), law enforcement testing (Industrial Organizational Solutions Inc., $1,259,228), and consultant services for CDBG disaster (ICF Incorporated LLC, $5,903,429.24). Approved after discussion (16 ayes, 1 absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Three public speakers were registered (George Blake Moore, Jessica Jackson, Taiwan Sims), but none responded when called. No public testimony was given. Discussion Items - Controller's Report (Item 26-1340): Comptroller Cyril Thomas reported that the general fund had a favorable net budget variance of $261.7 million for the four-month period ending March 31, 2026, driven by $219.4 million favorable revenue variance (primarily from sales tax, property tax, and cigarette taxes) and $42.3 million favorable expense variance. The health fund had a favorable net budget variance of $27.7 million, with $3.8 million favorable revenue and $23.9 million favorable expense. The county received $98 million from the State of Illinois, including $88.7 million for the general fund and $9.3 million for the health fund. The federal government canceled $700,000 in one-time grants related to BED. No questions from commissioners. - Cook County Health Report (Item 26-1411): A health system representative noted the health system was $27.7 million favorable to budget, driven by higher DSH and directed payments, partially offset by increased uncompensated care. Commissioner Sean Morrison asked about potential decreases in DSH reimbursements; the representative stated decreases have been delayed through fiscal year 2027. Commissioner Morrison also asked about the status of an RFP on the health plan; the representative said an update from the state is expected “any day now.” - Retention Bonus Resolution (Item 26-1251): Commissioner Naya moved to accept a substitute for the resolution updating the retention bonus pay program, then moved to defer the substitute. She explained the original pilot program was created in 2022 to retain workforce after the Great Resignation. The substitute addressed concerns raised by the administration, including ensuring the Bureau of Human Resources and Budget Director are involved alongside agencies. Commissioner Degnan added that the intent is to have elected or appointed officials at the table when decisions are made, to avoid siloed decisions. The board agreed to defer the item to work with the administration on a compromise. - Contracts for Law Enforcement Testing (Item 26-1014): Brian Town, Executive Director of the Cook County Sheriff's Merit Board, explained the board's role: entry-level testing, promotional testing, and discipline of sworn members. Commissioner Naya raised concerns about retention after training, noting that many trained officers leave for other agencies. Commissioner Sean Morrison argued that sheriff's department personnel are underpaid compared to other departments, contributing to retention issues. Commissioner Stamps asked about commitments to serve after training; Mr. Town was not aware of any such requirement. The Sheriff's Office was not present, but the Chairman stated the office heard the request. Commissioner Aguilar asked about education incentives; Mr. Town could not confirm current programs. Commissioner Vasquez suggested that presenters should outline their role in county government. Key Outcomes - Approved Items: All items on the consent calendar and the three contracts were approved with 15-16 ayes and 1-2 absent votes. - Deferred Item: Resolution 26-1251 (retention bonus program) was deferred for further negotiation with the administration. - Next Steps: The administration will continue discussions on the retention bonus resolution. The board will monitor DSH payment reductions and the health plan RFP. The Sheriff's Office will follow up on retention and compensation concerns.

The Cook County Rules and Administration Committee met on May 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. to consider routine approvals and hear public testimony. The meeting was called to order after establishing a quorum with nine members present (Commissioners Anaya, Britton, Daly, Dagnan, Miller, Morita, Sean Morrison, Scott, and Chairman Daly). Commissioners Miller and Marita were initially marked absent, but Commissioner Miller was later added to the roll, and Commissioner Morita participated remotely after a motion to allow remote participation was approved unanimously. The committee heard three public speakers and then approved the committee minutes and journal of proceedings. Consent Calendar - Approval of Item 26-141: Committee minutes from the meeting held on April 15, 2026. Moved by Commissioner Britton, seconded by Chairman Daly. Passed by voice vote (ayes all). - Approval of Item 26-1484: Journal of Proceedings for the regular meeting held on April 16, 2026. Moved by Chairman Daly, seconded by Commissioner Scott. - Approval of Item 26-1485: Journal of Proceedings for the consent calendar meeting held on April 16, 2026. Moved by Chairman Daly, seconded by Commissioner Scott. Items 26-1484 and 26-1485 were bundled and approved by a single roll call vote: 9 ayes, 0 nays. Public Comments & Testimony Three members of the public provided testimony under the board's rules (three minutes each, no vulgar or abusive language permitted). - George Blake Moore criticized the committee and the public for not holding officials accountable, described the meeting as a "dog and pony show," and argued that the government is corrupt and citizens deserve the officials they elect. He also expressed frustration that the meeting is not reaching a broader audience. - Jessica Jackson alleged mistreatment by Cook County and City of Chicago officials over the past ten years, referencing a Chicago Tribune article she claimed Commissioner Terror Stamps took to the paper. She accused multiple officials (Commissioner Scott Brittain, Michael Scott, Commissioner Daly, Sheriff Dart) of breaking the law, mishandling her case, and participating in a fraudulent eviction. She demanded financial compensation and enforcement of her rights. - Taiwan Sims described being wrongfully arrested at 121 North Versailles on a case (25120 869-201) and claimed illegal restrictions and enforcement for one year. He stated that the public defender's office confirmed no enforcement existed since May 30, 2025. He questioned the judge's authority and requested a transcript from June 5, 2025, which the public defender had refused to provide. Discussion Items - Remote Participation Motion: Chairman Daly moved to allow Commissioner Morita to participate remotely. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Naya (likely Commissioner Anaya). The committee voted unanimously (9 ayes) to approve remote participation. Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the April 15, 2026 meeting and the journal of proceedings from the April 16, 2026 regular and consent calendar meetings. - No further business was conducted. Commissioner Britton moved to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Sean Morrison, and the meeting adjourned by voice vote.

On May 13, 2026, the Cook County Contract Compliance Committee convened at 10:15 AM. The meeting focused on reviewing the FY2025 Annual Diversity Report from the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, hearing public comments, and discussing contract compliance, small business participation, and vendor payment issues. The committee voted on meeting minutes and received and filed the diversity report. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The committee approved the minutes from the April 9, 2026 meeting (Item 26-1356) by voice vote, with all in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - George Flakemore questioned the percentage of contracts awarded to Black-owned businesses, stating that only 2% of city contracts go to Black people. He also criticized the recycling of individuals like Carla Robinson between positions. He demanded a digital clock for speaker time. - Jessica Jackson criticized contract oversight, specifically mentioning private law firm contracts (e.g., DeMonte and Robbins, Leon Weber, Baroni, and Defada) that she believes waste money. She urged the auditor to track those contracts and accused officials of refusing to do their jobs. - Zoe Lee requested an audit comparing demolitions on Chicago’s South Side vs. North Side, asking how many property owners were compensated after demolitions and whether vacant lots were later transferred to investors receiving city funding. She cited the 2017 demolition of Sam Piper's Lounge (7954/7958 South Halsted), stating her godfather's business was demolished without compensation despite being fully paid off. She praised Commissioner Lowry for past help. Discussion Items - FY2025 Annual Diversity Report Presentation (Item 26-0815): Rafi and Nicole from the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO) presented the report. Key points: - The MBE/WBE program is authorized by county ordinance, administered by OCPO, and designed for measurable, legally defensible outcomes. - In FY2025, approximately $1 billion in total contract awards were made, with $231 million (21.4%) awarded to certified MW/DSBE firms (primes and subs). - Outreach efforts engaged over 2,900 vendors; over 800 firms received contract readiness training; the certified vendor pool grew 9% to surpass 700 firms across 23 industry sectors. - The program is locally funded and independent of federal regulations. - Goal-setting methodology is data-driven, based on market availability and historical utilization, not quotas or set-asides. - 706 certified firms: 58% women-owned, 42% male-owned; 333 MBEs, 24% WBEs, remainder combination certifications. - Total payments to MWBEs: $138 million to minority-owned firms; 19 prime awards to MBE/WBE firms (16 MBE, 3 WBE). - 120 contract goals were set; only 12 full or partial waivers issued. - Cook County Health: $1.6 billion total spend, $100 million to MWBEs (28% utilization, $209 million awarded to primes and subs). - The team monitored over 2,400 contracts, closed 1,500; certification files completed in average 49 days (well under 90-day requirement). - Introduced B2G system for compliance monitoring and field audits to validate commercially useful function. - Expanded reciprocity with City of Chicago to accept VBE and SDVBE certifications. - FY2026 pillars: analytical integrity, procurement design alignment, vendor capacity/readiness, governance/compliance integrity. - Commissioner Questions: - Commissioner Naya asked about the universal SBE certification status. Response: Not yet implemented; discussions with City of Chicago and CTA ongoing; requires ordinance changes; hoped for by end of fiscal year. Commissioner Naya expressed support. - Commissioner Naya also asked about contracts without goals (105 total). Explained that team evaluates subcontracting opportunities; sole source and grant-funded contracts are validated. - Commissioner Moore asked about supportive services for MBEs. Referred to Bureau of Economic Development and BSO network; also webinars and training. - Commissioner Moore questioned certification reciprocity: County accepts City of Chicago certification and vice versa; state of Illinois accepts county certification but not reverse due to size/net worth differences. - Commissioner Lowry raised concerns about disparity between award percentages and spend percentages. For county: 21.4% awards vs. 10% payments to MWBEs; for Cook County Health: 28% awards vs. 9% payments. Response attributed to large contracts (e.g., Avalant Health, CBS). Commissioner Lowry also asked about subcontractor payment issues; B2G system tracks prime payments and subcontractor validation. He requested breakdown of prime vs. sub percentages, graduation rates (only two firms graduated in tenure), and ethnic breakdown of MBEs—to be provided later. - Commissioner Dagnan inquired about contract administration responsibilities: departments manage contracts; OCPO monitors MBE/WBE utilization and conducts site visits. - Commissioner Stamps supported sharing ethnic breakdown data with all commissioners. Key Outcomes - Vote on Receive and File Item 26-0815: The committee voted to receive and file the FY2025 Annual Diversity Report. Roll call vote: 10 ayes, 1 excused (Commissioner Scott). Motion carried. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned following a motion by Commissioner Naya, seconded by Commissioner Moore, approved by voice vote.

The Cook County Asset Management Committee convened on May 13, 2026, at 9:45 AM. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Moore, who later arrived. The meeting included public comments, approval of prior minutes, a vote on a contract for jail campus renovations and demolitions, and a presentation on the Build Up Cook program. The meeting lasted approximately [duration not provided] and was adjourned after routine business. Consent Calendar - Item 26-1357: Approval of the minutes from the March 11, 2026 meeting. Motion by Vice Chair Aguilar, seconded by Commissioner Naya. Approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - George Blakemore criticized commissioners for abusing the remote participation policy, stating it should be reserved for emergencies. He argued that the practice shows disrespect for their jobs and a lack of leadership. - Jessica Jackson echoed Blakemore’s remarks, calling the remote participation “comical” and a “joke.” She accused the leadership of being “God awful” and alleged that the commission fails to settle cases and perform audits due to poor leadership. She referenced a specific probate case (2016P 005729) that she claims was not audited. - Zoe Lee defined asset management and accused the county of corruption, including illegal property transfers, improper demolitions, and neglect of vacant properties. She stated that public land is transferred unfairly and that political insiders benefit from redevelopment deals. She urged the committee to review her and Jessica Jackson’s cases, noting a pattern of misconduct. Discussion Items - Item 26-1057: Contract for Renovation and Demolition of Jail Campus (Divisions 4 and 5) - The committee considered a motion to authorize the Chief Procurement Officer to enter into a contract with A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc. for architectural and engineering services related to the renovation and demolition of the jail campus. The contract value was approximately $2 million. - Commissioner Degnan questioned the procurement process, specifically the use of an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) instead of an RFP (Request for Proposals). Chief Procurement Officer Rafi Sarafian explained that RFQs focus on qualifications and are standard for architecture and engineering services, with price negotiated later. Degnan expressed concern about the two-year timeline from the RFQ advertisement to board approval, noting that stale pricing and potential missed opportunities for better bids. Sarafian could not provide specific dates or the number of respondents to the RFQ. Degnan requested that staff come prepared with such details in the future. - The motion to approve was moved by Commissioner Aguilar and seconded by Commissioner Britton. After debate, the roll call vote resulted in 8 ayes and 1 absent (Commissioner Moore). The motion carried. - Item 26-1144: 2025 Build Up Cook Program Annual Report - Jamie Myers, Interim Bureau Chief of Asset Management, and Drew Williams Clark, Director of Build Up Cook, presented the annual report. The program, funded by $30 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, focuses on critical infrastructure needs in under-resourced municipalities. Key points: - 60 projects on track for completion by fall 2026, including water main replacements and fire suppression improvements. - 49% of construction dollars awarded to minority, women, and small business enterprises (MWBE). - Created 149 laborer and 344 skilled trade positions. - Capacity building workshops for water operators and financial readiness, and a grant guide to help municipalities compete for federal funds. - The program has helped municipalities secure over $50 million in additional funding for lead water service line replacement. - A partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Government Finance Research Center is conducting a survey of 118 municipal drinking water utilities in Cook County (50% response rate) to assess capital needs and recommend governance reforms. - Commissioner Aguilar asked for a list of participating municipalities and whether the survey data was segmented by water source. She also inquired about integration with the South Suburban water infrastructure plan; staff agreed to discuss offline. - The motion to receive and file the report was moved by Commissioner Naya, seconded by Commissioner Degnan. Approved unanimously by roll call vote (8 ayes, 1 absent – Commissioner Moore). Key Outcomes - Item 26-1057 approved (8-0-1, with Commissioner Moore absent) to authorize the Chief Procurement Officer to contract with A. Epstein and Sons for jail campus renovation and demolition design services. - Item 26-1144 received and filed (8-0-1, with Commissioner Moore absent) for the 2025 Build Up Cook annual report. - Staff directed to provide future procurement details (timelines, respondent numbers) to the committee. - The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time after a motion by Vice Chair Aguilar, seconded by Commissioner Britton.

The Cook County Technology and Innovation Committee met on May 13, 2026, at 9:30 AM. The meeting was called to order, quorum was confirmed, and remote participation was approved via a roll call vote (9 ayes, 0 nays). The committee then heard public comments, approved the minutes from the previous meeting, and deferred a proposed contract with Safeware Inc. for the Sheriff's Office before adjourning. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (Item 26140): The committee unanimously approved the meeting minutes from April 15, 2026. The motion was made by Vice Chair Sean Morrison and seconded by Commissioner Trevor. No discussion. All in favor voted aye. Public Comments & Testimony - George Blakemore: Expressed frustration with the committee's technology and the pace of meetings, criticizing the lack of effective advocacy for the Black community and alleging mental and educational deficiencies among Black leaders. He was warned about time limits and became confrontational. - Jessica Jackson: Accused the committee of ignoring public speakers, playing on phones, and being distracted by paid 501(c)(3) presenters. She alleged that the county cheats in court by manipulating electronic filings and that technology is used to corrupt court records, causing people to lose cases and go to jail. She also claimed the committee only cares about money and not about the people. - Zoe Lee: Criticized the poor public Wi-Fi access, alleging it is intentionally kept poor to allow corruption in property deed changes and records manipulation. She stated that her family keeps all paper records but the county claims not to have them, and she threatened to sue and educate elders to vote against the current leadership. Discussion Items - Deferral of Proposed Contract with Safeware Inc. (Item 260816): Commissioner Vasquez moved to defer the item, seconded by Commissioner Trevor. No discussion ensued. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote (all ayes in the opinion of the chair). Key Outcomes - Remote Participation Approved: By a roll call vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, the committee allowed Commissioner McCaskill to participate remotely. - Minutes Approved: The minutes from April 15, 2026, were approved without objection. - Contract Deferred: The proposed contract between Safeware Inc. and the Sheriff's Office (Item 260816) was deferred. No new date for reconsideration was announced. - Adjournment: The committee adjourned following a motion by Commissioner Aguilar, seconded by Vice Chair Sean Morrison.

The Human Relations Committee of Cook County convened on May 13, 2026 at 9:15 AM to discuss routine items and hear public comments. The meeting began with a remote participation motion for Commissioner McCasco, which passed 6-0-1, and included two public speakers: George Blakemore and Zoe Lee. Consent Calendar - Approval of meeting minutes from January 14, 2026 (Item 26-1429) was moved by Commissioner Anaya, seconded by Commissioner Stamps, and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - George Blakemore spoke near the start of the meeting, criticizing the Human Relations Commission's handling of race complaints and alleging that illegal immigrants are filing complaints despite not being citizens. He also claimed that black people are being abused by Hispanics and that other ethnic groups work together while black people do not. He referenced a Hispanic woman formerly with the Chicago Human Relations Commission and alleged that Ken Dunn and others were unhappy with her. - Zoe Lee spoke next, criticizing Governor JB Pritzker for calling Secretary of State Jesse White a "qualified vetted African American" on an FBI wiretap in 2008, and argued that such leadership prevents meaningful change. She also alleged property theft on the South Side related to Lake Michigan and accused public officials of being sellouts. She called for repentance and better public service. Discussion Items - First Quarter 2026 Report (Item 26-1113): Jennifer King, Director of the Cook County Department of Human Rights and Ethics, presented the quarterly report covering December 2025 through February 2026. Key statistics included: 260 total inquiries, 112 new complaints filed, and 240 total cases pending (including 112 new and 128 from prior fiscal years). A stark increase in complaints was noted from FY24 (148 new complaints) to FY25 (321 new complaints). Of closed cases, 68 were completed within 180 days, and 18 were duplicates. The majority of inquiries were about paid leave (72), followed by wrong number (38), and residential landlord-tenant ordinance (28). Paid leave, employment, and housing were the most common complaint types. For housing complaints, the most frequent basis was housing status, followed by national origin, race, retaliation, and source of income. The leading reason for dismissal was lack of jurisdiction (35 cases). - Commissioner Naya asked for clarification on data presentation, suggesting that future reports include comparable quarterly data for FY24 and FY25 to better track trends. Director King acknowledged the feedback and noted that the department is working to include such comparisons in future reports. Key Outcomes - Motion to Receive and File Item 26-1113: Moved by Commissioner Trevor, seconded by Commissioner Naya. The motion passed on a roll call vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. (Commissioner Miller initially absent but later voted aye via remote participation.) - Adjournment: Moved by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Stamps. The meeting was adjourned with unanimous consent.

The Cook County Workers' Compensation Subcommittee convened on May 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The meeting covered routine approvals, public comments, and approval of settlements. Key actions included a vote to allow remote participation, approval of prior meeting minutes, and unanimous approval of a bundle of settlement items. Consent Calendar - A motion to allow remote participation for Commissioner Marita was moved by Commissioner McCat, seconded by Commissioner Vasquez and Commissioner Trevor, and approved. Commissioner McCaskill was absent. - The minutes of the meeting of April 14, 2026 (item 26-147) were moved by Commissioner Trevor, seconded by Commissioner Marita, and approved by voice vote without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - George Blakemore spoke about workers' compensation cases in the county, alleging that a specific lawyer (referred to as a "Roger") receives all such cases and wins them, implying unfairness in the system. He also made unrelated personal remarks and referenced historical figures. Time expired at three minutes. - Zoe Lee addressed the committee, stating that a federal judge ruled Cook County liable to pay back millions to people who lost homes in the county's property tax sales. She claimed the city of Chicago unlawfully demolished her family's building and criticized elected officials, including Commissioner Morrison and Toni Preckwinkle, for alleged property theft and lack of response. She expressed disillusionment with both Democrats and established Republicans. Discussion Items - No substantive discussion items were debated beyond the approval of minutes and settlements. The chair asked if there was a need for executive session; none was required. Key Outcomes - Remote Participation Vote: A motion to allow remote participation for Commissioner Marita was approved by voice vote (quorum present: Chairman, Commissioner Marita, Commissioner Trevor, Commissioner Vasquez; Commissioner McCaskill absent). - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the April 14, 2026 meeting (item 26-147) were approved by voice vote without objection. - Approval of Settlements: A bundle of 14 settlement items (numbers 26120, 26130, 26119, 261355, 26132, 26138, 261328, 26134, 261314, 261250, 261252, 26137, 261358) was moved by Commissioner Trevor, seconded by Commissioner Marita, and approved by roll call vote: Commissioner McCaskill (aye), Commissioner Marita (aye), Commissioner Trevor (aye), Commissioner Vasquez (aye), Chairman (aye). Five ayes, zero nays. The settlements were approved as recommended by the state's attorney's office. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned upon a motion by Commissioner Vasquez, seconded by Commissioner Marita, without further discussion.

The Health and Hospitals Committee of Cook County convened on May 12, 2026, at 7:45 PM CT. The committee reviewed and accepted a semi-annual report on Cook County Health's (CCH) agency utilization, received a presentation on workforce reduction progress, and discussed recruitment strategies, including partnerships with Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The meeting included a roll-call vote on the item. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Item 26-1486, the minutes from the April 14, 2026 Health and Hospitals Committee meeting, was approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Item 26-1101 CCH Semi-Annual Agency Utilization Report (October 2025 – March 2026): Chief Human Resource Officer Wynn Bier and Executive Chief Operating Officer Craig Williams presented the report. Key data points: Agency full-time equivalents (FTEs) fell from 1,366 (18.6% of workforce) in September 2024 to 698 (9% of workforce) by March 2026 – a 51% reduction. Agency spending peaked at $212 million in FY23; FY24 actual was $190 million, FY25 actual $155 million, and FY26 projected at $118 million, with expectations of a lower final number due to conversions. Reductions occurred across multiple job classifications, including food service workers (-83%), corps 5 (-78%), and clinical nurse 1 (-50%). The uptick in December 2025 was attributed to guidehouse billing work transitioning into agency staffing; 135 permanent revenue cycle positions have been budgeted to insource that work. The committee discussed the agency request approval process, which now requires a business case, senior sign-off, and exhaustion of internal options before agency use. - Commissioner Questions and Commentary: - Commissioner Trevor noted the difficulty in reading the graph due to the baseline starting at 600 and requested clearer data presentation. He also asked about the December 2025 guidehouse uptick; Mr. Bier explained it was an outsourced vendor transition. - Chairman Daly asked about the role of absenteeism; Mr. Bier confirmed absenteeism is a factor and offered to provide data later. - Commissioner Stamps inquired about the effectiveness of job fairs. Mr. Bier reported that since December 2025, 14 hiring fairs (4 CCH-hosted, 10 external) resulted in 142 offers extended, 101 external hires, and a 71% offer acceptance rate. Commissioner Stamps requested this data be included in future reports. She also pressed for expanded high school pipeline programs, noting the presence of Crane Medical Prep High School and Malcolm X College. Nick Shields, Chief External Affairs and Civic Engagement Officer, confirmed that CCH is meeting with CPS to develop a pipeline plan for fall 2026, including sending doctors and nurses into schools, and expanding to suburban Cook County. Commissioner Stamps emphasized the need for innovative, sustained career pathways for youth. - Commissioner Stamps also praised the Providence Scholarship Fund, noting over $4 million awarded to 200 scholars, with 106 scholars in the last year and a new cohort of scholars to be honored on June 23, 2026, with an additional $1.5 million investment. Shields shared a story of a Providence Scholar now attending Yale. - Chairman Daly suggested that presenters include past performance data in their materials to address recurring questions. Key Outcomes - Vote to Receive and File Item 26-1101: Motion by Chairman Daly, seconded by Commissioner Aguilar. The roll call resulted in 13 ayes, 4 absent (Commissioners Degnan, Gainer, Marita, Scott). The item was received and filed. - Adjournment: The committee adjourned with a motion by Vice Chair and second by Commissioner Moore, with all present in favor. The next meeting was noted as the following day (May 13, 2026) at 9:30 AM.