Cook County Transportation Committee Meeting - March 11, 2026

The Cook County Transportation Committee met on March 11, 2026, at 6:15 PM. The meeting was called to order with Chair presider, and a quorum was established with 11 members present initially (later adjusted to 14 ayes, three absent). The main agenda item was a presentation on the recently completed Cook County Safety Action Plan, followed by approval of several grants and contracts.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from the February 4, 2026 meeting (Item 260940). Motion by Commissioner Daly, second by Commissioner Lowry. Passed by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patricia Poretes: Did not appear when called.
• George Blakemore: Speaking generally, referenced a past payroll issue and alleged misconduct by the highway department. Made broad criticisms of government and called for an "uprising" or "revolution."
• Dennis White: Criticized the CTA and public transit funding, stating "every time I get there, there's no money." Also expressed opposition to sanctuary policies, alleging they harm revenue and business. Urged removal of the sanctuary ordinance and called for more Republican committee chairs.
• Jessica Jackson: Addressed Commissioner Stanley Moore directly, alleging that he was told by Timothy Evans to "stand down" on her property case. Claimed Cook County is stealing her property. Also referenced a lawsuit against Toni Preckwinkle and others, now in discovery stage. Alleged that a false fraudulent case number was placed on her door, and asked that the issue be taken to Sheriff Dart. Expressed frustration with Commissioner Donna Miller for not paying attention during her testimony.
• Zoe Lee: Accused officials of stealing transportation money, specifically referencing Alexis Giannoulias and alleged CDL license sales to undocumented immigrants. Demanded that TIF surplus funds be directed to blighted areas. Criticized commissioners generally, calling them corrupt and not public servants. Her time was limited; she was eventually asked to stick to the agenda.
• Taiwan Sims: Did not appear when called.

Discussion Items

• Report on Cook County Safety Action Plan (Item 260329): Presented by Jesse Elam, Director of Strategic Planning and Policy, and Ed Killin, Superintendent for Transportation and Highways.

  • Context: Traffic deaths in Cook County increased by 50% between 2018 and 2022. The plan was developed in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) using federal Safe Streets and Roads for All funding. The plan covers all public roads in Cook County, not just the 5% under county jurisdiction.
  • Key Findings: Black residents are more than twice as likely to be killed in a car crash than white residents. Pedestrians and bicyclists account for only 2% of crashes but 25% of fatalities. Speeding is more prevalent in suburbs than in Chicago. Just 4% of roadways account for a third of all fatalities and serious injuries. Distracted driving is the top emphasis area, followed by intersection-related crashes.
  • Recommendations: Expand complete streets concepts, consider automated speed enforcement outside Chicago (requires state law change), urge IDOT to provide greater design flexibility, standardize crash reporting, and improve post-crash care. The plan also identifies a high-injury network and uses systemic analysis to predict crash risk.
  • Next Steps: Implementation will involve working with municipalities on federal grant applications, pursuing IDOT highway safety funding, and using the Invest in Cook program. A safety plan advisory committee will meet semi-annually. Data available through 2022 shows a declining trend in fatalities.
  • Commissioner Questions:
    • Commissioner Trevor expressed concern about underreporting of pedestrian and cyclist crashes (based on his personal experience as a cyclist) and asked about data sources. He also asked whether the city vs. suburb crash comparisons were adjusted for population, and suggested including e-bike regulations in the plan.
    • Commissioner Lowry asked about driverless vehicles (e.g., Waymo) - not addressed in this plan.
    • Commissioner Degnan asked about funding for low-income communities with high crash rates and no resources for studies, noting coordination with the state. Also asked whether Cook County has speed cameras on its own roads (it does not; current state law limits them to Chicago).
    • Commissioner Anaya asked for verification of the data percentages and about total funding needed for implementation (not yet calculated). Noted that Chicago is not listed as a partner but clarified that they were a key partner.
    • Commissioner McCaskill urged consideration of flooding/ infrastructure issues when constructing roads.
  • Vote on Item 260329: Motion by Commissioner Daly to receive and file, second by Commissioner Lowry. Passed by roll call vote: 12 ayes, 6 absent (later revised to 14 ayes, 3 absent after late arrivals).

• Approval of Multiple Grants & Contracts (Items 26036–260522): Ed Killin provided descriptions:

  • 26036: $500,000 grant for design engineering of Burnham Multimodal Connector Bridge.
  • 260337: $5 million grant from IDOT for Tui Avenue Corridor improvements.
  • 26038: $800,000 grant for environmental engineering on Central Des Plaines River Trail extension.
  • 260454: $6,441,650 CMAC grant for Tui Avenue Corridor construction.
  • 260407: IGA with Village of Bedford Park for sidewalk gaps on Archer Road.
  • 260493: $300,000 for Des Plaines River Trail extension (several municipalities and Forest Preserves).
  • 260501, 260502, 260503: Contracts with HR Green, Kimley Horn, and Peralt Clark for engineering services.
  • 260505: Contract with GFT Infrastructure for Berry Point Road Bridge replacement.
  • 260521: $1.9 million resolution for Berry Point Road Bridge.
  • 260522: $1.5 million for Lake Cook Road Bridge deck replacement.
  • Motion by Vice Chairman Anaya, second by Commissioner Daly. Passed by roll call vote: 14 ayes, 3 absent.

Key Outcomes

• Safety Action Plan received and filed (Item 260329). Next steps include implementation with partner municipalities and pursuit of federal/state funding.
• 11 grants and contracts approved (Items 26036–260522), totaling over $15 million in new funding for bridge and trail projects.
• Vote tallies: All motions passed with strong majority; no roll call recorded for adjournment.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 PM.