Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting – June 11, 2026
Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting – June 11, 2026
The Cook County Board of Commissioners convened on June 11, 2026 at 5:30 PM for a regular meeting. The meeting began with a land acknowledgement and roll call, establishing a quorum. Commissioners approved remote participation for Commissioner Gaynor and then approved the entire consent calendar unanimously. Public testimony was heard from four speakers, and numerous resolutions recognizing community organizations, individuals, and awareness months were presented.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously via voice vote after a roll call. The consent calendar included resolutions recognizing:
- Dee Dee Smith (retiring Cook County Health employee)
- Dr. Joyce J. Jones (educator)
- Willow James Youth Against Gun Violence Awareness Month
- Spencer Leak Jr. (funeral director)
- Dr. Gregory Sarlo (LGBTQ+ advocate) and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled
- North Lawndale College Prep Boys Track Team
- June as Elder Abuse Prevention and Gun Violence Awareness Month
- Spanish Coalition for Housing
Public Comments & Testimony
- Sylvia Davis (Zeta Tau Zeta chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority): Expressed gratitude for the board’s recognition of the chapter’s 60th anniversary, highlighting six decades of service, scholarships, and community engagement. Noted the chapter has 132 members with four original charter members still active.
- Letitia Saunders (Zeta Tau Zeta member and Cook County employee): Thanked the board and Commissioner Dr. Keisha McCaskill for Resolution 26-1729 commemorating the chapter’s Charter Day. Emphasized the chapter’s commitment to service and partnership.
- Quandra Drummer (attorney representing Willow James and family): Spoke in support of Resolution 26-1722, declaring June as Willow James Youth Against Gun Violence Awareness Month. Relayed the story of Willow James, a teen who survived a gunshot wound to the head, and called for resources and support for youth affected by gun violence. Urged commissioners to assist in funding support centers and youth groups.
- George Blakemore (community member): Criticized black elected officials and community disinvestment, stating “black faces in high places selling black people out.” Emphasized the need for economic empowerment and revitalization of black businesses, referencing historical Black Wall Streets.
Discussion Items / Resolutions & Recognitions
- Commissioner Moore recognized Dee Dee Smith for 30+ years of service at Cook County Health, sharing a personal story of how Smith helped his father, mother, and brother navigate cancer treatment.
- Commissioner Daly honored Dr. Joyce J. Jones for 30+ years in education and mentorship at Richard J. Daley College, citing her work in STEM and nonprofit service.
- Commissioner McCaskill presented a resolution declaring June as Willow James Youth Against Gun Violence Awareness Month. Provided details of Willow James’s injuries and recovery; family members joined at the dais.
- Commissioner Lowry and Commissioner Miller honored Spencer Leak Jr., a funeral director who served thousands of families and was a community leader. Resolution to be presented to family in the district.
- Commissioner Kevin Morrison recognized June as Dr. Gregory Sarlo Pride Month (honoring a psychologist in hospice) and recognized the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, which has supported 5,300 youth (67% gainfully employed) and trained 50,000 cricketers, including a cricket program for the blind.
- Commissioner Aguilar congratulated the North Lawndale College Prep Boys Track Team for their historic season, including an IHSA sectional championship, 14 state qualifiers, 120 medals, and multiple school records—all without a dedicated track facility.
- Commissioner Stamps proclaimed June as Elder Abuse Prevention Month (citing 1 in 10 seniors affected, $28 billion lost annually to exploitation) and Gun Violence Awareness Month (citing 48,000 annual gun-related deaths). Also acknowledged Juneteenth and the legacy of the Deere family.
- Commissioner Vasquez recognized Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH) for 54 years of service, serving 5,000+ households annually. SCH’s 25th annual Home Buyer Expo is scheduled for June 27, 2026 at Malcolm X College.
Key Outcomes
- Remote participation for Commissioner Gaynor was approved (roll call vote: 15 ayes, 2 absent).
- The entire consent calendar was approved unanimously via voice vote, adopting all listed resolutions.
- Announcement of a Juneteenth press conference following the meeting.
- Commissioners noted that individual resolutions would be presented in their respective districts as needed.
Meeting Transcript
The meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners will come to order. Commissioners, we need you. Commissioners, we need you. Could we ask commissioners to come into the chamber, please? He's outside the door taking a picture. Can we send somebody to get the question? Yeah, we do. We send someone to get uh Britton, Laurie, and Scott. Okay, we're ready, ma'am. We're ready now. Commissioner McCasco is walking in. All right, will the clerk please call the roll? Commissioner Aguilar. Commissioner Aguilar. Commissioner Aguilar absent. Commissioner Naya. Present. Commissioner Britton. Commissioner Britton, absent. Commissioner Daly. Commissioner Degnan. Commissioner Gaynor. Commissioner Gaynor, absent. Commissioner Laurie. Commissioner Laurie absent. Commissioner McCaskill. Commissioner Miller. Miller present. Commissioner Moore. Present. Commissioner Merida. Commissioner Marita absent. Commissioner Kevin Morrison. Commissioner Sean Morrison excused absence. Commissioner Scott? Present. Commissioner Stamps. Present. Commissioner Trevor. Here. Commissioner Vasquez. Madam President, you have a quorum. Maybe please be added to the role. Commissioner Britton. Thank you. Uh Commissioner Gaynor has requested to join us remotely, although she is not committed. She's not connected now. All right. When she gets connected, we'll address the question. Yes, ma'am.
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