Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - April 16, 2026

The Cook County Board of Commissioners convened on April 16, 2026, at 5:15 PM (timeline noted as morning in transcript, but official start time given). The meeting included a land acknowledgement, public testimony, approval of a consent calendar, and a series of ceremonial resolutions honoring individuals and organizations. The board recognized various community contributions, including workforce development, public health, arts, and environmental justice.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christina Burlis McIntyre, a plumber with Local 130 for 26 years, spoke in support of a resolution declaring April 30 as Women in Apprenticeship Day. She noted that women make up 4% of the construction workforce and about 5% of apprentices, emphasizing the need to retain women in the industry.
• Sam Mulro, Executive Vice President at ASAFE Haven, expressed gratitude for the county's commitment to re-entry programs, specifically the No Place To Stay program, during Second Chance Month. He highlighted personal stories of transformation and the importance of funding re-entry services.
• Jessica Jackson delivered critical comments, accusing President Preckwinkle of dodging public comments and alleging that the Public Administrator, judges, and Sheriff Dart are involved in fraudulent property seizures and evictions. She urged the President to use her authority to address these issues.
• George Blake Moore criticized the state of Black communities in Chicago, citing gentrification, lack of Black-owned businesses, and incompetent leadership. He called for Black unity and self-reliance.
• Rola Sweiss, President and CEO of La Rabita Children's Hospital, spoke in support of Resolution 26-1123, celebrating the hospital's 130th anniversary and 40th anniversary of its Children's Advocacy Center. She reported serving over 10,000 children in 40 years, with over 500 children served last year.
• Taiwan Sims shared a personal story of being separated from his children for two years due to alleged fraudulent orders of protection. He asked the board for help, claiming abuse by the judicial system.

Discussion Items & Resolutions

• Consent Calendar: Commissioner Kevin Morrison moved approval of the consent calendar as amended (items 26-1027, 26-1074, 26-1071). The motion was seconded and adopted.
• Retirement of Adam Clement: The board honored Adam Clement, who served nearly 15 years in the Bureau of Technology. Commissioners praised his integrity, skill in making complex issues simple, and contributions to modernization.
• Honoring Firefighter Michael Altman: A resolution honoring the life of fourth-generation firefighter Michael Altman, who died in the line of duty on March 17. A moment of silence was observed.
• Lane Tech Swim Coach Matt O'Hagan: Recognized for leading the boys swim team to a city championship (first in 16 years), first sectional championship, and fourth place at state (first Chicago public school in top 10 since 1955-56). The team broke 12 of 13 school records and earned seven All-American honors.
• Herbie Hancock: Recognized for his global influence in music and peace, including leadership of International Jazz Day (celebrated in 190+ countries).
• Sherman Dilla Thomas: Honored for his storytelling that highlights Chicago history and challenges perceptions.
• National Law Day 2026: Commissioner Britton proposed a resolution praising the rule of law and defending constitutional rights amid current federal challenges.
• Phil Karale: Recognized as a national champion for local government excellence.
• Dr. Bina S. Peters: Recognized upon retirement as Chief Nursing Executive at Cook County Health. She was praised for starting the Daisy Award, the first nursing triennial report, and workforce development initiatives.
• Chicago Women in Trades: Resolution declared April 30 as Women in Apprenticeship Day, highlighting the need for more women in construction trades.
• Fraud Prevention Month: Resolution declaring April as Fraud Prevention Month, with emphasis on protecting seniors and communities of color from scams (FTC estimates $196 billion lost annually nationwide).
• National Poetry Month & Gregorio Gomez Aguayo: Recognized a poet from the 16th district for his contributions to the Chicano movement.
• Sikh Awareness Month: Commissioner Kevin Morrison recognized the Sikh community and their contributions.
• Maritza Carvajal: Honored for her work supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Tracy Alston: Honored posthumously for her marketing firm and public relations work, including the Walgreens HIV Task Force and First Ladies Initiative.
• La Rabita Children's Advocacy Center: Resolution celebrated 40 years of serving children and families involved in abuse investigations.
• Arlington Heights Memorial Library: Recognized for its 100th anniversary, tracing back to a women's reading circle in 1887.
• Ernie Bauman: Honored posthumously for founding Maywood Fine Arts and teaching tumbling for over 50 years, rebuilding after a fire in 2010.
• Dr. Joanne Roberts: Honored for her advocacy leading to the Jesse L. Jackson Youth Voter Registration Bill (House Bill 4339), which passed the Illinois House. She registered over 310 students in Proviso District 209 and called for expanded voter registration in schools.
• Crystal Gardner & Ouija (Westside Environmental Justice Alliance): Recognized for addressing environmental hazards on the West Side, including deferring a voucher program to protect public schools.
• Autism Awareness Month: Commissioner Scott highlighted the need for equitable access to diagnosis and services.
• Second Chance Month: Commissioner Scott emphasized re-entry barriers and Cook County's programs, including new funding for transitional housing.
• Pastor & Movement Church Chicago: Recognized for faith-based community engagement.
• Black Maternal Health Week & Minority Health Month: Commemorated to raise awareness of health disparities.
• Financial Literacy Month: Commissioner McCaskill called for expanded financial education in underserved communities, municipalities, and schools.

Key Outcomes

• The consent calendar was approved as amended.
• All ceremonial resolutions were adopted or acknowledged, with many commissioners adding themselves as co-sponsors.
• The meeting adjourned after a motion was made and seconded, with all in favor.
• No substantive policy votes or debates occurred beyond the consent calendar.