Public Meetings - Cook County, Illinois

The Finance Committee of the Cook County Board met on July 21, 2026, to receive a mid-year budget update from the Office of the President (OUP). Chief of Staff Linetta Haynes Turner presented a report highlighting the county's strong financial position, recent credit rating upgrades, and a range of ongoing initiatives. Commissioners posed questions on hiring, procurement, technology, property tax system implementation, and other operational matters. No votes were taken; the meeting served as a briefing and discussion. Presentation by Linetta Haynes Turner - Turner reported that Cook County received two ratings upgrades from Fitch Ratings, bringing the total to six upgrades in five years, reflecting judicious debt management, growing reserves, and addressing long-term liabilities. - The OUP represents 10% of the county's budget ($285 million) with approximately 2,000 employees. - Key accomplishments included: - Medical debt relief: Using $7 million in ARPA funds to eliminate over $820 million in medical debt, and through a statewide program, total medical debt forgiven for Cook County residents exceeds $1.5 billion. - Digital equity: Continued implementation of the Cook County Digital Equity Action Plan. - Environmental sustainability: Collected material from 4,000+ homes, diverted 875,000+ pounds of material; recycling services for 2,778 homes in Dixmoor, Posen, and Phoenix diverted 423+ tons in 12 months. - New medical examiner's building: Land acquired, architect approved, design process starting. - Community violence intervention: $20 million invested; 50% reduction in violent crimes countywide over five years (30% in Cook County). - Technology modernization: Retiring 100+ legacy applications, achieving $6.5 million in annual savings. - Employee engagement survey: 77% participation, mean score 3.86/5. - Small business support: $7 million leveraged, 230+ businesses assisted in first six months. - Affordable housing: Modular homes pilot in Humble Park, Chicago Heights, and Proviso Township; $2 million in down payment assistance. - Turner noted external pressures: federal funding reductions to the hospital system by the Trump administration, geopolitical instability, pending litigation, and inflation. - She concluded that OUP remains within budget targets and anticipates meeting FY2027 targets. Commissioner Questions and Discussion Human Resources (Bureau of HR) - Commissioner Moore asked about delays in providing applicant lists to the county auditor's office (up to 100+ days). Chief Velisha Haddocks said she was unfamiliar with the data and agreed to review it; she noted the county is using the Taledo system and has completed enhancements. - Commissioner Moore also asked about an increase in federal candidates after federal layoffs; Haddocks confirmed a slight increase. Bureau of Administration - Commissioner Moore asked about a warehouse assessment and records retention study; Chief Administrative Officer Zara Lee said it will be finalized within 60-90 days. - Commissioner Moore asked about merging the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Assistance Commission; Lee said their missions are different and they should remain separate. Bureau of Asset Management - Interim Chief Jamie Myers reported on the boardroom renovation: AV system to be turned over next week, then training. Commissioner Moore expressed concerns about security and ADA compliance; Myers said security discussions have occurred with the secretary of the board, and ADA assessments are being procured. - Commissioner Moore asked about the CMAR contract for the hospital system ($372 million); Myers committed to providing quarterly project reports by mid-August. Chief Procurement Officer (Rafi Serafian) - Commissioner Moore asked about contract monitoring and bottlenecks. Serafian said contract management is the responsibility of using departments, and OCPO works with them when issues arise. He noted 70% of procurements are processed within 12 months (measuring from request to execution). Commissioner Moore suggested establishing a timeline for departments to report issues; Serafian agreed to explore best practices. Bureau of Economic Development - Commissioner Degnan questioned the impact of the Tyler property tax system implementation delay on land transfers and economic development. Chief Sochi Flores acknowledged challenges and said coordination with the land bank and other offices is ongoing. Commissioner Degnan urged consideration of workarounds if Tyler cannot deliver soon. - Commissioner Degnan also asked about a 22.3% variance in building and zoning permit revenue; Director Tim Bluer attributed it to an increase in permits, not just township shifts. Commissioner Degnan requested data on permit types and locations. - Commissioner Degnan asked about a 99.2% negative variance in planning and development revenue; Director Susan Campbell explained it was due to slower-than-expected revenue from the modular homes pilot program (actual revenue $2.3 million vs. budgeted $7 million). Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) - Commissioner Aguilar asked about denied federal disaster relief funding; Turner said no explanation was given, and the county is working with the state's attorney's office on possible legal avenues. EMRS Executive Director Alex Joves reported a 44% cut in homeland security grants last fiscal year and an additional 7% cut this year. - Commissioner Scott asked about the impact of federal enforcement at polling places; Joves said EMRS supports election authorities but deferred to the County Clerk's office. Department of Revenue - Commissioner McCain asked about debt collection challenges; CFO Angela Manning Hardeman said the state's attorney's office has been slow on large-dollar cases. Director Tina Consola will provide a list of top debtors to commissioners. Justice Advisory Council - Commissioner McCain praised the juvenile detention alternative program and thanked Felicia for developing an internship program after years of effort. Department of Environment and Sustainability - Commissioner Dunn asked about data centers; Director Suzanne Malik McKenna said the county is working with a coalition on energy and water usage, and noted that of 54 permits sought, most will not move forward. She also reported progress on updating the environmental control ordinance, with a draft expected by Q1 2027. Bureau of Technology (Tyler System) - Commissioner Degnan asked about the Tyler system implementation; Chief Investment Officer Tom Lynch confirmed daily meetings with the Treasurer's office, and that the contract has options for two and a half more years. Commissioner Degnan stressed the urgency of getting disbursements to Special Service Areas (SSAs). - Commissioner Degnan also asked about AI policies; Lynch said policies are countywide and developed collaboratively. He noted that defining AI is tricky, and the policy covers both generative and non-generative AI. Commissioner Degnan requested upfront risk assessments for AI-related contracts. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; the meeting was a discussion and update. - Commissioners requested specific follow-up information: HR applicant data, quarterly CMAR reports, permit data, top debtors list, and updates on Tyler implementation and AI assessments. - The OUP team committed to providing requested information and continuing coordination with separately elected offices. - The next budget hearing or update was not specified, but the committee will continue its work.

At a meeting on July 21, 2026, Cook County CFO Angela Manning and the Bureau of Finance presented a preliminary mid-year budget forecast. They projected a $211.4 million shortfall for FY26 (less than 3% of the annual appropriation) and a much larger gap of over $550 million for FY27, driven primarily by federal legislation (HR1), inflation due to the war in Iran, rising payroll and pension costs, and the ongoing impact of the Road Builders’ litigation. The presentation emphasized fiscal discipline but warned that without structural solutions, reserves would fall below the floor by the end of FY27 and turn negative by FY29. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded. Discussion Items - FY26 and FY27 Budget Gaps: CFO Manning and Deputy CFO Dean Constantina explained that the FY26 gap of $211.4 million (under 3% of appropriations) is manageable, but FY27 shows a combined gap of more than $550 million across the General Fund and Health Enterprise Fund. The primary drivers are the loss of allowable expenses under the transportation fund (due to Road Builders litigation), a projected $108.9 million increase in payroll without new positions, and fringe benefit growth of $35.4 million. - Revenue and Expense Variances (FY26): The county expects a favorable year-end variance of $266.3 million in General Fund revenue, largely due to a one-time $150 million cigarette tax settlement and $122.7 million above-appropriated sales tax. Expenses are projected $16.8 million below budget. The Health Enterprise Fund expects total revenues to exceed budget by $315.9 million due to a one-time $330 million appropriation adjustment, but base revenue (excluding that adjustment) shows mixed performance: County Care capitation is $103.9 million above budget, while patient fee revenues are $92.9 million short. - Health Enterprise Fund Pressures: The Fund projects a $214.7 million gap in FY27 due to HR1’s impact on Medicaid eligibility. County Care membership is expected to drop from 379,000 to 334,000, lowering capitation revenue by about $250 million. Net patient service revenue is forecast to drop by $164.8 million, while the uninsured population grows by approximately $100 million. Payroll, pharmaceuticals, and uncompensated care costs continue to rise. - Fiscal Strategies: The county plans to address the FY27 gap through both expense-side actions (targeted belt-tightening, vacancy assessment, multi-year planning) and revenue-side exploration (leveraging existing assets, new revenue opportunities). CFO Manning emphasized that restructuring will be a multi-year effort, with some revenue ideas targeted for FY28. A more robust long-range budget process will be implemented. - ARPA Sustainability Reserve: The county will allocate $52.6 million from the ARPA sustainability reserve in FY27 to sustain 12 key programs. A projected gap of $42.3 million remains for FY28-30, which the county plans to address through external funds, program-generated revenues, or scaling down initiatives. - Pension Fund: The county remains committed to making actuarially determined contributions to the pension fund, which currently has a 68.9% funded ratio. The state’s Public Act 103-0529 ensures contributions are made, with a projected drop in annual contributions after 2047 when legacy liabilities are paid down. - Impact of HR1 (One Big Beautiful Bill): HR1 is expected to reduce County Care membership by 16.2% and reduce patient service revenues by $45.4 million for CCH. It also affects directed payments. Commissioner Trevor requested a total estimate of HR1’s cumulative impact; the budget director noted an approximate $138 million impact on FY27 alone, with a total of $405 million since FY25 base, pending CCH confirmation. - Digital Ad Tax Preemption: General Counsel Laura Lechowicz-Felicione explained that the state’s digital ad tax preempts county home rule authority to implement a similar tax, though the county could advocate for a share of the revenue if litigation is resolved favorably. - TIF Surplus: Information on the FY27 TIF surplus will not be available until October, when the City of Chicago declares its surplus. - Cannabis and Vape Taxation: The county projects $12 million in cannabis tax revenue. Commissioner Gainer requested an analysis comparing that revenue to costs of law enforcement, public health, and hospital systems related to cannabis use. Vape taxes are projected at $6 million in FY26 and $6.5 million in FY27, with proceeds going to the General Fund. - Vacancies and ARPA Spending: The county has approximately 2,900 vacancies as of May 31. The budget director will include vacancy analysis in the FY27 executive recommendation. ARPA has about $80 million outstanding (allocated but unspent or pending reimbursement); the county is working to ensure all funds are spent by year-end, with potential transfers to high-utilization programs like the homeowner down payment assistance program. - Economic Indicators: Deputy CFO Constantina described using Moody’s Analytics scenario analyses to incorporate the impact of the war in Iran and other geopolitical events into revenue forecasts. Inflation and energy prices are expected to slow GDP growth in 2027, affecting sales tax revenues. Key Outcomes - The Board will receive ongoing updates through monthly revenue/expense reports, the IRFC report in October, and the executive budget recommendation. - The county will continue aggressive advocacy at the federal and state levels, including a planned trip to Washington, D.C., in mid-September to address HR1 and other federal issues. - The Bureau of Finance will explore and present new revenue options (horizon one short-term, horizon two long-term) to the Board. - CFO Manning committed to providing a deeper analysis of HR1’s cumulative financial impact on the county. - Commissioner Scott requested and will receive (via the chair) a detailed breakdown of all FTEs and vacancies to inform belt-tightening discussions. - The Board acknowledged the risk of potential pension fund consolidation with the City of Chicago and will continue to monitor pension legislation in Springfield, opposing any such moves.

The Office of the Secretary to the Board presented its 2027 budget summary and updates on the Cook County Archives and Records (CARA) program. The discussion covered budget challenges, technology investments, and significant space constraints for the archives. Discussion Items - Budget Summary (Brandy Smith, Deputy Secretary to the Board): Smith highlighted the team's focus on operational efficiencies and transparency in 2026. The proposed 2027 budget faces a shortfall of approximately $250,000, driven by increased costs for the Granicus legislative management platform and technology enhancements for the new boardroom, including video indexing/timestamping, multilingual closed captioning, searchable meeting videos, and electronic voting. The vacant Legislative Services Director position will be reclassified to align with technological needs, with completion expected in six to nine months. A Commissioner asked about a line item showing 14% less than budgeted; Smith clarified it is a quarterly payment for Granicus and will align by year-end. Language interpretation services are not under this department but under the President's Office. - Archives Update (Victoria Sockwell, Manager of Archives): Sockwell reported accomplishments including a comprehensive inventory with Iron Mountain, exhibitions (e.g., on county and U.S. history), and educational outreach with University of Chicago students. She highlighted space challenges: the archives are in three locations (118 and two warehouses), with the 10th floor space outgrowing capacity and a warehouse area exposed to mold. She noted receiving a notice from facilities about space utilization and expressed the need for at least 10,000 square feet of permanent housing. Sockwell is the only professional archivist; all moving and preservation work falls to her. She discussed partnerships with the Chicago History Museum (interested in hosting an exhibition) and interest in a historic bank building on the South Side for permanent space. Commissioners expressed strong support for preserving history and protecting archives, with one offering to help with facilities. Key Outcomes - Commissioners unanimously praised the department's work, professionalism, and service. - A commissioner committed to drafting a resolution to acknowledge the county's next anniversary in conjunction with showcasing archives. - The board directed follow-up on finding permanent archive space, with one commissioner suggesting exploring land bank properties or historic buildings. - No formal votes were taken; the committee recessed until 9 a.m. the next day for the Cook County Sheriff's presentation.

Clerk Monica Gordon presented a mid-year budget review before the Finance Committee on July 21, 2026, highlighting election innovations, revenue growth, technology modernization, and community outreach. Commissioners asked about tax certificate transfers, vital records accessibility, voter protection, and digitization efforts. Discussion Items - Election Innovations: Clerk Gordon reported deployment of smart ballot drop boxes at all 55 early voting locations for the March Gubernatorial Primary, featuring built-in surveillance cameras and ballot tracking. She also launched Election Lens, a real-time analytics platform monitoring all 1,430 precincts. The high school early voting program with the Chicago Bears trained 125 students as election judges, with over 1,100 students casting ballots in a single day. The program will continue for the November election. - Revenue and Vital Records: Revenue exceeded budget projections by 4%, driven by demand for Real ID documents and vital records for school enrollment. Clerk Gordon announced development of AI-assisted tools to automate document intake, targeting Q1 FY2027 implementation. The Clerk Cashiering System (Clerk Recording System) is now used in Vital Records, allowing online mail request tracking. This system was developed in-house and earned a NACO Achievement Award. - Tyler Technologies Implementation: Responsibility for the Clerk's Office portion of Tyler Technologies is transitioning from the Bureau of Technology to internal staff. A dedicated project manager is being hired. Clerk Gordon emphasized meeting the July 31st deadline. Deputy Clerk Carolyn Ella B reported an in-house forfeiture calculator is in user acceptance testing to address the Cook County Land Bank's need for tax certificates. They are working on 3,000 parcels, expecting completion by end of August. - Property Tax Services: A secure online portal for tax buyers to electronically file take notices was launched, providing end-to-end solutions including data upload, mail merge, and digitally stamped documents. - Community Outreach: The office has served over 6,000 residents this year through 8 outreach events per month, including the Property After Death program. The Veterans Services Division partnered with the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Wolves for discounted tickets. The office is on track to reach 14,000 residents next year. - Satellite Services and Digitization: Commissioner Lowry requested expanded suburban services. Deputy Clerk Sharice Williams outlined a "One County Plan" involving kiosks to print vital records on security paper, though a capital improvement request was not funded. The office plans to continue digitizing vital records and board proceedings, with an AI-based search tool for historical records under development. - Out-of-State Vital Records: Commissioner Moore asked about helping Cook County residents obtain birth/death certificates from other jurisdictions. Clerk Williams explained legal limitations but said the office is exploring broader partnerships, possibly through NACO, to improve access. - Voter Protection and Emergency Planning: Commissioner Stamps inquired about protections in the current political climate. Clerk Gordon stated the office works with the Sheriff's Office and has comprehensive continuity of operations plans addressing various scenarios, including weather and security threats, to ensure every voter can cast a ballot. Key Outcomes - Clerk Gordon committed to keeping the board informed on Tyler Technologies implementation progress. - The Land Bank tax certificates for 3,000 parcels are expected to be completed by end of August 2026, using the in-house forfeiture calculator. - The office will seek board approval for future kiosk deployment to expand accessibility without requiring downtown visits. - Commission Chairman Daly acknowledged ongoing collaboration on the Jackson Voter Protection Ordinance. - The office will continue the high school early voting program in November, inviting commissioners to visit participating schools in their districts.

Jessica, Executive Director of the Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA), presented the fiscal year 2026 mid-year budget to the Cook County Board Commissioners, joined by Daniel Taylor (Manager of Finance and Business Operations) and Alex Simmons (Senior Planning Analyst). The presentation covered revenues, expenditures, initiatives, and challenges, followed by questions and comments from commissioners. Discussion Items - Revenue Overview: As of May 31, 2026, CCLBA generated $4 million against a $7 million annual target (57% of goal), with a positive variance of $887,000. Revenue is ahead of projection due to increased sales and reduced departmental expenditures. Revenue sources include property sales (primary driver), land banking agreements, and municipal transactions with Calumet City, Chicago, Dalton, and Madison, plus a land banking agreement with the CTA Red Line. - Expenditures: Overall on pace in all categories. Personnel had a 20% variance due to four unfilled positions (currently being posted). Operations and maintenance showed lower spending due to seasonal billing cycles (invoices one month behind), but expected to meet projections by November 30, 2026. The contingencies and special purpose line included a $650,000 department spend and a $3.5 million credit appropriation transfer from Budget and Finance, resulting in a net credit of $2.8 million. No ARPA funds were used. - Homeownership and Community Wealth: 89% of properties sold this fiscal year went to homeownership, the core mission. Since inception, CCLBA has generated $309 million in community wealth (difference between acquisition cost and post-rehab market value). This aligns with the county's policy roadmap for vital communities. - Acquisitions and Inventory: 256 parcels acquired this fiscal year (51% of original 500 goal), but acquisitions are expected to slow due to higher redemptions; full-year projection is 400 parcels. The aging inventory was reduced by 10.7% from December 2025 to May 2026. CCLBA typically requests 3,000 certificates annually to achieve a net inventory of 600. - Staffing: 21 active employees with four vacancies; three additional asset managers are sought. The county allocated six new positions last year to support scaling. - Challenges: Tyler Technologies system issues are causing delays in processing refunds and exemptions, with $1 million owed to CCLBA from the treasurer and assessor. Commissioner Gaynor highlighted the need to process 3,000 properties per year to sustain operations. - Grants: CCLBA applied for $750,000 from IHDA's Strong Communities Program (Round 3) for demolition of properties beyond repair. They were previously awarded $562,000. Only technical assistance grants for brownfield remediation have been identified so far. - Enforcement and Sales Process: CCLBA uses a $20,000 mortgage clause to ensure buyers complete rehabilitation within 12-18 months. Asset managers inspect for permits before release. Time to market is approximately 60 days after acquisition, with an additional three months to contract and three months to close. The process includes monthly application reviews and title/water certificate checks. - Partnerships: CCLBA works with municipalities (e.g., Dalton with 400 delinquent properties, Calumet City on an industrial property, Madison on mall parcels) and transfers properties to the South Suburban Land Bank for profit sharing. Nonprofits are prioritized via land banking agreements. - Budget and Funding: The total operating budget is approximately $14 million. CCLBA receives $3.5 million annually from the county, with the remainder from revenue (highest was $9.6 million in FY2025). Commissioner Gaynor noted that most land banks nationally receive a portion of tax increment, which CCLBA does not, and that the $3.5 million is a fraction of the taxes generated by CCLBA (approximately $720,000 in current budget). Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the presentation was informational and advisory. - Commissioners expressed strong support and gratitude for CCLBA's work, particularly in homeownership, community wealth, and partnerships. Commissioner Lower thanked Jessica for assisting the Black Fire Brigade in housing for youth. Commissioner Moore requested data on total properties returned to productive use (2,505 to date) and tax value increases ($38 million in taxes generated, plus $37.5 million from redemptions due to take notices). - Commissioner Basquez highlighted successful enforcement against a non-compliant buyer and thanked Kevin Garvey for assistance. Commissioner Chavez asked about partnerships for maintenance and inventory returns to municipalities. - Concerns were raised about Tyler Technologies delays and the need for a solution to keep land bank operations moving. Chairman Daly noted the county is working with all agencies to resolve the issue. - Jessica indicated that CCLBA is scaling developers from small rehabs to new construction, with 65% of inventory now vacant land. Additional resources, especially for preservation services ($6 million annually to maintain 2,000 properties), would allow further impact. - The meeting concluded with no further questions.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners convened on July 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting began with a land acknowledgement, a roll call (Commissioners Britton, Gaynor, Moore, and Sean Morrison were absent; several others were excused), and a statement of quorum. Public testimony was heard from two speakers before the board moved through a consent calendar of celebratory resolutions and ceremonial recognitions. No legislative or policy votes were taken. Public Comments & Testimony - Judge Blake Moore (in-person) criticized the city and county governments for systemic racism, corruption, and the economic displacement of Black residents. He argued that Black communities have been "gentrified out" and that government fails to provide liberty and justice for Black populations, referencing a loss of Black-owned banks, businesses, and hospitals. - Mark Armstrong (remote) spoke against what he called "carpetbagging" in immigration policy, questioned the historical account of Chicago's founding by Jean Baptiste Point du Sable (claiming Du Sable was a French national and that his indigenous wife was erased), and argued that illegal entry into the U.S. is a criminal, not just civil, matter. He urged elected officials to be equally sensitive to the grief of U.S. citizen families who have lost children, stating "all lives matter." Consent Calendar – Ceremonial Resolutions & Recognitions Commissioners presented resolutions under the consent calendar, limited to two per commissioner. Summaries and photo opportunities followed each presentation. - Commissioner Daly presented a resolution honoring Louis Faberito for his decades of service to Stickney Township, notably bringing the new Stickney Township Senior Center to fruition. Mr. Faberito thanked the board and recounted his personal history in the township. - Commissioner Dugnan recognized Cook County's record 115 NACO awards for innovative county programs, including Digital Inclusion Week, Racial Equity Week, the Property Tax Reform Working Group, early eviction resolution, modular home pilots, solar power, naloxone access, and the pretrial seed program. Awards also went to Cook County Health, the Assessor's Office, the Land Bank, the County Clerk, Clerk of the Circuit Court, and the Forest Preserves. - Commissioner Lowry honored St. Procopius Catholic Church (Pilsen) on its 150th anniversary, and presented a resolution recognizing July as Disability Pride Month in Cook County, noting the upcoming 36th anniversary of the ADA and current rollbacks of protections. Representatives from Access Living and the Center for Disability and Elder Law accepted. - Commissioner Miller honored Mother Khadijah Farrakhan (passed away), first lady of the Nation of Islam, for her life of service and advocacy. He also recognized the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) 2026 Walk for Education, noting that Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is the honorary chair and that UNCF has raised over $6 billion and helped more than 550,000 students. - Commissioner Morrison (Kevin) recognized Non-Binary People’s Day (July 14) and World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (July 30), reaffirming Cook County’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. - Commissioner Miller also presented resolutions for Will Pauling (signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent) and Lewis Bond (drafted by the Houston Texans in 2026). Family members accepted on their behalf. - Commissioner Miller’s intern, Quentin Stevens, presented a resolution honoring Mentoring Youth Through Technology (MYTT) for over a decade of STEM education, serving approximately 800 youth in 2025 across Southland Cook County. - Commissioner Vasquez presented a resolution recognizing Chicago’s four-star rating as a Welcoming City from Welcoming America. Beatrice Ponce de Leon and Jesus del Toro of the city’s Office of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights accepted. - Commissioner Aguilar presented resolutions for: (1) The Zakat Foundation of America (Safa), celebrating 25 years of charitable work, including sponsoring 637 orphans across 15 countries; (2) Solidarity with Venezuelan civilians affected by a devastating earthquake, recognizing the efforts of Casa Venezuela of Illinois, the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance (IVA), and PANAS Chicago to collect aid. Halil Demir, executive director of Safa, thanked the board and highlighted the county’s support during COVID-19. - Commissioner Aguilar also presented an honorary resolution for the Berkeley Public Library’s 80th anniversary, accepted by assistant director Isabel La Babera. Key Outcomes - No legislative votes or policy decisions were recorded; the meeting was entirely ceremonial and adjourned by voice vote following a motion by Commissioner Vasquez, seconded by Commissioner Miller. Commissioners Lowry and Miller requested to be added as co-sponsors on the Zakat Foundation resolution (Item 26-2009), which was granted. - Public testimony was heard but no actions taken in response. - The board acknowledged the next meeting date only as "Tuesday."

The Finance Committee of the Cook County Board met on July 16, 2026, to receive and file the FY27 preliminary budget forecast, approve the mid-year budget hearing schedule, and hear public comment. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present, though several commissioners were absent or excused. Consent Calendar - Item 26-1868: FY27 Preliminary Budget Forecast – Motion by Commissioner Lowry, seconded by Commissioner Night, to receive and file. No formal vote was recorded; the item was received and filed. Public Comments & Testimony - George Blakemore, a citizen of Cook County, expressed concerns about the lack of economic development in black neighborhoods, contrasting with other ethnic groups. He criticized black elected officials for not addressing issues in the ghetto and urged the board to focus on these areas. Discussion Items - Mid-Year Budget Hearing Schedule – The secretary read the schedule for July 21–23, 2026, listing departments and meeting times. The schedule is subject to change. Full details: Tuesday, July 21 at 10:00 AM (Bureau of Finance budget overview), 11:00 AM (offices under the president), 12:30 PM (Cook County Health), 2:30 PM (Secretary of the Board), 3:00 PM (Land Bank Authority), 3:30 PM (Cook County Clerk); Wednesday, July 22 at 9:00 AM (Sheriff), 10:30 AM (Clerk of the Circuit Court), 11:30 AM (Public Defender), 12:30 PM (Public Administrator), 1:00 PM (Board of Review), 2:30 PM (Independent Inspector General); Thursday, July 23 at 9:00 AM (Treasurer), 9:30 AM (Assessor), 10:30 AM (State’s Attorney), 12:00 PM (Veterans Assistance Commission), 1:00 PM (Chief Judge). Key Outcomes - The committee received and filed the FY27 preliminary budget forecast (Item 26-1868). - The mid-year budget hearing schedule was read into the record. - The committee recessed to 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, for a presentation by Chief Financial Officer Angela Manning Herman. - A 10-minute break was taken before the consent agenda. - Two commissioners (Stamps and Scott) were absent during roll call; they will be added when they return.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners convened on July 16, 2026, at 10:15 AM (after a brief recess) with a quorum present. The meeting covered a wide range of agenda items, including public testimony on tax fairness, jail conditions, and community support services; the approval of an advisory referendum on a millionaires' tax; multiple contract approvals and referrals; and a deferral of a resolution calling for an independent review of the Cook County Jail. Public Comments & Testimony - Former Governor Pat Quinn urged the board to approve an advisory referendum (November 3, 2026) on a "Millionaire Amendment" – a 3% income tax surcharge on incomes over $1 million, with revenues split between property tax relief and public education. He cited past collaboration on the ACA and CountyCare. - Yesenia Lopez, Chicago Board of Education member, supported expanding the county's bridge loan program to include CPS, emphasizing that property tax delays force districts to borrow and waste funds on interest. She also called for vendor accountability after issues with Tyler Technologies. - Dr. Sandra Dafiago and Raquel Bolton (OAI) accepted a Justice Advisory Council investment for the Chicago Southern Crisis to Care Collaboration, which provides wraparound services to survivors of gun violence over two years. - Zoe Phillips, Ella Barry, and Jeannie Porges (Jail Solidarity Network) read testimony from incarcerated individuals at Cook County Jail, alleging high commissary prices, lack of adequate hygiene products, inadequate food for religious needs, and retaliation for grievances. - Ben Heisinger (Stop Predatory Gambling Illinois) asked the county to treat gambling as a public health crisis, including surveying employees, having healthcare providers ask about gambling, documenting harm in suicides, and minimizing reliance on gambling revenue. - Reverend James Phipps advocated for the poor, shared his personal health struggles without insurance, and called for collaboration and love across communities. - George Blakemore criticized the one-party Democratic system, lack of economic development in black neighborhoods, and what he called ineffective black leadership. - Mark Armstrong (remote) pushed back on narrative about Chicago's founding and urged equal sensitivity to all victims regardless of immigration status. Discussion Items - Advisory Referendum on Millionaire Amendment (Item 26-1964): Commissioner Donna Miller sponsored a resolution to place a non-binding advisory question on the November 2026 ballot: "Shall Illinois adopt the Millionaire Amendment for property tax relief on education, which would enact a 3% income tax surcharge only on millionaires and use 50% of this new revenue to provide property tax relief and 50% to improve tax funding for public education?" Miller cited similar taxes in Massachusetts, Washington, Maine, and Hawaii. The resolution passed 13-0-4 after a roll call. - Procurement Assistance Contract (Item 26-1874): The Chief Procurement Officer requested a contract with Public Knowledge Group (formerly Civic Initiatives) for support services. An errata reduced the value from $600,000 to $300,000 because county buyer positions are now filled. Commissioners Degnan and Anaya voted present, preferring committee discussion. - Invest in Cook Program (Transportation): Superintendent Killen reported that the 10-year program (2017–2026) has made over 310 awards, leveraging $72.7 million in county funds to $300 million in project activity. The 2026 program funds 36 projects with $8.29 million. - Domestic Violence Task Force Report: Chair Daly highlighted gaps in data sharing and warrant information among county offices and urged collaboration ahead of budget hearings. Commissioners Degnan and Miller supported the report and pledged continued work. - Independent Review of Cook County Jail (Item 26-2018): Commissioner Stamps requested a referral to the Health and Hospitals Committee (deferral) to allow a public hearing and stakeholder input after noting 61 deaths in custody from 2020 to 2025, with 18 in 2023 alone. The request was granted; the matter was referred to the Health and Hospitals Committee. - Flood Relief Program (Item 26-1732): The county approved a one-time resident relief fund after the federal government denied disaster aid for the 2025 floods using what Commissioner Degnan called unprecedented political criteria. Commissioners Aguilar and Degnan thanked the administration. - Budget Hearing Schedule: The mid-year budget hearings will be held July 21–23, 2026, starting July 21 at 10 AM with the Bureau of Finance overview. Key Outcomes - Advisory Referendum Approved: Item 26-1964 passed 13-0-4, placing the Millionaire Amendment question on the November 3, 2026 countywide ballot. - Gun Violence Survivor Services: $5 million in wrap-around services for survivors of gun violence were approved (items 26-0722 and 26-0723). - Contracts and Appointments: Numerous contracts were approved, including Blue Cross Blue Shield dental, food services, IT hosting, legal research (LexisNexis), and appointments to CTA, Metra, and Pace boards (e.g., Tom Khataric, Ann Khalil, Romaine Brown). - Jail Independent Review Deferred: Item 26-2018 was referred to the Health and Hospitals Committee for public hearing and further discussion. - Flood Relief Program: The county approved a disaster relief program for residents affected by 2025 floods after federal denial (Item 26-1732). - Asset Management Committee: Item 26-1325 (Jones Lang LaSalle contract) saw Commissioner Anaya voting present and Commissioner Degnan voting no. - Jersey County Juvenile Detention Partnership: Item 26-1833 (intergovernmental agreement to house Jersey County youth at Cook County JTDC) was approved; Commissioner Kevin Morrison voted present due to lack of explanation for the distant partnership. - NACO Awards: Cook County received 115 awards from the National Association of Counties (NACO) for innovative programs. The meeting recessed for the consent calendar and was scheduled to reconvene on July 21, 2026 for budget hearings.

This meeting was a recessed session of the Asset Management Committee, continuing from the previous day. The committee considered and voted on multiple procurement and real estate items, including contracts for threat assessment, construction management, architectural design, and leases for the juvenile redeploy program. The meeting began with the approval of minutes from June 10, 2026, and proceeded to a vote on all agenda items after presentations and discussion. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (Item 26-1884): The minutes from the June 10, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - One public speaker, George Blake Moore, was registered but did not appear. No public testimony was heard. Discussion Items - Item 26-1058: Authorization for a contract with Gannett Fleming Trans Systems Incorporated for $1.3 million to provide design services for threat assessment and hardening at the new 130,000-square-foot Medical Examiner's Office (MEO) building. The threat assessment will be conducted concurrently with the architectural/engineering design to ensure staff and visitor safety. - Item 26-1303: Renewal and increase of $7.8 million for the contract with STV CBRE Joint Venture for construction management (CM) services for the county's corporate portfolio, including projects at the county building, warehouses, transportation buildings, and Oak Forest campus. - Item 26-1304: Renewal and increase of $12.1 million for the contract with Ardmore Roderick Arcadis JV for CM services for the public safety portfolio, covering work at the DOC campus, courthouses, and ARPA initiatives. - Item 26-1325: Renewal and increase of $12.5 million for the contract with Jones Lang LaSalle America's Inc. (JLL) for CM services for the health and hospitals portfolio, including projects at Stroger Hospital, Provident Hospital, 14 clinics, and Oak Forest campus. - Item 26-1346: New contract with FGM Architects Incorporated for $3.4 million to provide architectural/engineering design services for planned renovations on the 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th floors at the Criminal Courts Administration Building (State's Attorney offices). - Item 26-1347: New contract with Moody Nolan Inc. to provide architectural/engineering design services for the new Medical Examiner's Office, to be located one block south of the current site. The contract covers design and construction administration; the construction contract will be procured separately. The timeline is from July 2026 to August 2031, including demolition of the existing building. The estimated total cost for design and construction was initially stated as $17 million but later corrected as unclear; the amount of the current contract was not specified. - Item 26-1390: Miscellaneous item of business to subdivide a ground lease at Old Cook County Hospital into two separate leases (hotel and daycare). This is budget neutral and does not affect current revenue. - Item 26-1525: Contract with KPMG LLP for $625,000 (with $300,000 from a HUD grant) to provide consulting services for the Rosemont Blue Line Transportation Center Market Analysis, assessing redevelopment possibilities for the 11-acre underperforming asset. - Item 26-1589: Lease agreement with Governors SAI LLC for the Office of the Chief Judge to continue operating the juvenile redeploy program at 1990 Governor's Drive in Olympia Fields, entirely grant-funded. - Item 26-1652: Lease agreement with KNS Investment Group LLC for the Office of the Chief Judge to continue operating the juvenile redeploy program at 1948 West Carroll Avenue in Chicago, entirely grant-funded. During discussion, Commissioner Naya asked about the need for threat assessment and the timeline for the Moody Nolan contract. Director of Capital Planning Earl Manning explained that threat assessments are being conducted for all public buildings, and the Moody Nolan contract covers design and construction administration through 2031, with construction to be procured separately. Commissioner Degnan expressed concerns about the JLL contract (Item 26-1325), stating that she would vote no because she believes the county should incorporate a small capital improvement plan workforce at the hospital system to handle smaller jobs currently given to JLL, thereby respecting the internal workforce. She acknowledged that external work is necessary but felt the balance should be adjusted. Key Outcomes - All items were voted on together. The motion carried with the following recorded votes on Item 26-1325: Commissioner Degnan voted no; Commissioner Naya voted present; all other commissioners voted aye. The remaining items passed unanimously. - The meeting was adjourned after the vote. Note: The exact date of the meeting is July 16, 2026, as per the provided timestamp. The source material (agenda and minutes) was not available; this summary is based solely on the raw transcript.