OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - March 12, 2026

Board of Commissioners — Thursday, March 12, 2026
BodyCook County, Illinois
SessionBoard of Commissioners
DateThursday, March 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:39:49

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Debating the Cook County Board of Commissioners will come to order.

0:06

And the clerk please call the role.

0:08

Commissioner Aguilar.

0:11

Commissioner Anaya.

0:14

Commissioner Naya absent.

0:16

Commissioner Britton.

0:17

Here.

0:17

Commissioner Britain, present.

0:19

Commissioner Daly.

0:20

Here.

0:21

Commissioner Degnan.

0:24

Commissioner Gainer.

0:25

Present.

0:26

Commissioner Lowry.

0:27

Present.

0:28

Commissioner McCaskill.

0:31

Commissioner Miller.

0:34

Commissioner Moore.

0:37

Commissioner Moore absent.

0:39

Commissioner Marita.

0:42

Commissioner Kevin Morrison excused absence.

0:44

Commissioner Sean Morrison.

0:46

No Morrison present.

0:47

Commissioner Scott.

0:49

Present.

0:50

Commissioner Stamps.

0:53

Commissioner Stamps absent.

0:55

Commissioner Trevor.

0:56

Rever here.

0:58

Commissioner Vasquez.

1:02

You have a quorum, sir.

1:05

Mayor Secret Secretary.

1:10

We'll begin Bill.

1:12

I mean, I'm sorry, Commissioner Laura for remote participation.

1:15

Is there been a request?

1:17

We have not had the request for it, so if we can add it at that time, I'll keep the meeting going, please, sir.

1:25

Commissioner Degnan.

1:27

With pledge of religions, please.

1:29

I think it's a good question.

1:38

Under God and individual with liberty and justice for all Commissioner Trevor.

1:47

Cook County resides on lands that have been home to indigenous people for thousands of years.

1:52

The Pottawatomi, the Ojibwe, Odawa, and dozens of nations were the custodians and caretakers of this land for centuries before European colonization.

2:03

Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building understanding and mutual respect across all cultures, traditions, and heritages.

2:10

By reading the statement, Cook County recognizes the past wrongdoings as well as present harm upon people.

2:17

Tribal lands and governments.

2:20

We honor the indigenous people, past and present, and pause to remember the acts of violence, displacement, colonization, and removal of the original inhabitants of this land.

2:30

With this land acknowledgement, Cook County commits to learning more about and doing better to support the county's native and indigenous residents as we work towards equity for all of Cook County.

2:42

Thank you.

2:43

We will get begin with public speakers and the Secretary will outline the procedure for public speakers.

2:48

Thank you, Chairman.

2:49

Members of the public who wish to testify have up until 24 hours before the scheduled start of the meeting.

2:54

Speakers will have three minutes to address the board and will be alerted when they have one time remaining, 30 seconds remaining when time has expired.

3:01

Translation services are available for this meeting.

3:04

If you need assistance, please put forward the request in a teams chat or see a staff member in the boardroom.

3:09

Persons authorized to provide public testimony shall not use vulgar, abusive, discriminatory, profane, or otherwise inappropriate language when addressing the body.

3:18

Failure to act appropriately or failure to adhere to the time requirements may result in expulsion from the meeting and or disqualify the person from providing future testimony.

3:28

Written-only comments will be added to the meeting record.

3:31

We're going to ask these uh speakers to come line up at the public speaking mic.

3:37

Uh Lisa Julian, Elder Deborah White, Tom Shepherd, Jennifer Hill.

3:44

If you're in the room, please come to the mic now.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Criminal Justice███████████████15%
Procedural██████████10%
Public Safety████████8%
Public Health███████7%
Procurement███████7%
Economic Development██████6%
Environmental Protection██████6%
Immigration and Naturalization█████5%
Homelessness███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - March 12, 2026

The Cook County Board of Commissioners convened on March 12, 2026, at 3:15 PM UTC with a quorum present. Chair Daly presided. The meeting included public testimony, discussion, and votes on numerous agenda items, including resolutions on climate change, food insecurity, homelessness, property tax delays, and criminal justice reform.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Family Court System Criticism: Multiple speakers (Lisa, Elder Deborah White, Jackie Sample, Thomas Savalkas, Taiwan Sims, Jessica Saxon, Sosama George, Jennifer Barron, Daniela Anarati) alleged corruption, bias, and due process violations in Cook County family courts. They described judges ignoring abuse, financial devastation, and removal of children without proper evidence. Some requested creation of a task force on judicial corruption and federal investigation.
  • Support for Homeless Services and Food Access: Jennifer Hill (Alliance to End Homelessness) spoke in favor of items 260762 and 260763 for TIFF funds, noting the Finance Committee approved $4.1 million for homeless services, including a problem-solving fund with a 43% shelter diversion rate. Jill Rockman (Greater Chicago Food Depository) supported item 260761 for $10 million to expand food access, citing a November 2025 spike of 226,000 household visits and projected SNAP cuts of $200 billion. Bob Glaves (Chicago Bar Foundation) supported court-based rental assistance. Romisha Tucker (Housing Forward) highlighted how diversion funds safely relocated a domestic violence survivor.
  • Property Tax Delay Concerns: Aaron Murphy (Superintendent, West Northfield SD 31) and Vicky Rakowski (Forest Park Public Library) detailed severe impacts from delayed tax distributions, including decimated reserves and near-closure risks. They welcomed the President's plan for a public hearing, audit, and improved communication.
  • Support for Climate Resolutions: Laura Dirks (Oak Park Climate Action Network) strongly supported resolutions 260977 (Climate Superfund Act), 260978 (opposing legal immunity for fossil fuel companies), and 260979 (banning polystyrene foam). State Senator Graciela Guzman spoke in favor of the Climate Superfund Act.
  • Jail Conditions: Several speakers read testimony from incarcerated individuals alleging neglect, medical denial, and excessive pretrial detention (e.g., 15 years without trial). They called for improved medical care, access to law libraries and tablets, and better food.
  • Immigration and Welcoming County: Adon Miranda and Blair Janice (19th District Mutual Aid) urged passage of item 260798, praising Cook County's welcoming ordinance and health care for new arrivals.
  • Education and Youth: Dr. Jack Solomon and others appreciated county support for mental health resources in schools. Sarah Brown thanked Commissioner Miller for a doula resolution.
  • Other: Mayor George Booker (Maywood) and Mayor Shirley Drawinski (Harvey) thanked the board for grants and partnerships. Tom Shepherd requested inclusion of Prairie Boat in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, supported by Commissioner Miller.

Discussion Items

  • Climate Resolutions (26-0977, 26-0978, 26-0979): Commissioner Degnan introduced three resolutions: urging passage of the Climate Superfund Act (SB 2981/HB 4773) to make fossil fuel companies pay for climate resilience; urging Congress to reject legal immunity for oil companies; and urging passage of the Disposable Food Service Container Act (SB 1531) banning polystyrene foam. He cited studies on microplastics and carcinogenicity. Commissioners Trevor and others were added as co-sponsors. All three were referred to committee.
  • Lexipol Contract (Item 26-0028): Discussion arose over a two-year contract with a renewal option for policy dissemination management. Commissioner Anaya, Degnan, and Sean Morrison raised concerns about the board approving renewal funds upfront, reducing oversight. Chief Procurement Officer Rafi Sarrafi explained the change stems from a November 2024 code revision. The motion passed with Commissioners Anaya, Degnan, Vasquez, and Stamps recorded as present.
  • Resolution Urging Congress to Defund ICE (Item 26-0798): Passed with one no vote from Commissioner Sean Morrison.
  • Youth Council Resolution (Item 26-1017): Commissioner Lowry introduced a resolution to create a 20-member youth council (ages 14-21) to advise on policy. Referred to legislation and intergovernmental relations committee.
  • Property Tax Delays: Commissioner Britton announced he will call a hearing to demand the Treasurer answer questions about the delayed tax distributions, calling the situation unacceptable.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Appointments: William Little and Zenobia Johnson Black to the Housing Authority of Cook County (items 260429, 260430).
  • Approved Contract Amendments and Grants: Numerous items, including $1.17 million grant for Cook County Health (260839), $1.2 million for 171st Street improvements (260706), $5.232 million for Sauk Trail Bridge replacement (260711), and $6.184 million for traffic signal upgrades (260820).
  • Approved Resolutions: Item 26-0798 (urging Congress to defund ICE/Border Patrol) passed with one dissenting vote. Items 26-0977, 26-0978, 26-0979 referred to committee.
  • Approved Reports and Journals: Quarterly fleet report (260788) received and filed; journals of proceedings approved.
  • Referred Items: Several contracts and resolutions referred to appropriate committees (e.g., 260504 to Transportation, 260744 to Finance).
  • Zoning Board Recommendations: Approved as substituted (item 260735).
  • Next Steps: The youth council resolution will be taken up in committee in April. A hearing on property tax delays will be held next month.

Meeting Transcript

Debating the Cook County Board of Commissioners will come to order. And the clerk please call the role. Commissioner Aguilar. Commissioner Anaya. Commissioner Naya absent. Commissioner Britton. Here. Commissioner Britain, present. Commissioner Daly. Here. Commissioner Degnan. Commissioner Gainer. Present. Commissioner Lowry. Present. Commissioner McCaskill. Commissioner Miller. Commissioner Moore. Commissioner Moore absent. Commissioner Marita. Commissioner Kevin Morrison excused absence. Commissioner Sean Morrison. No Morrison present. Commissioner Scott. Present. Commissioner Stamps. Commissioner Stamps absent. Commissioner Trevor. Rever here. Commissioner Vasquez. You have a quorum, sir. Mayor Secret Secretary. We'll begin Bill. I mean, I'm sorry, Commissioner Laura for remote participation. Is there been a request? We have not had the request for it, so if we can add it at that time, I'll keep the meeting going, please, sir. Commissioner Degnan. With pledge of religions, please. I think it's a good question. Under God and individual with liberty and justice for all Commissioner Trevor. Cook County resides on lands that have been home to indigenous people for thousands of years. The Pottawatomi, the Ojibwe, Odawa, and dozens of nations were the custodians and caretakers of this land for centuries before European colonization. Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building understanding and mutual respect across all cultures, traditions, and heritages. By reading the statement, Cook County recognizes the past wrongdoings as well as present harm upon people. Tribal lands and governments. We honor the indigenous people, past and present, and pause to remember the acts of violence, displacement, colonization, and removal of the original inhabitants of this land. With this land acknowledgement, Cook County commits to learning more about and doing better to support the county's native and indigenous residents as we work towards equity for all of Cook County. Thank you. We will get begin with public speakers and the Secretary will outline the procedure for public speakers. Thank you, Chairman.

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