Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - June 11, 2026

The Cook County Board of Commissioners convened on June 11, 2026, at 9:15 AM with President Toni Preckwinkle presiding. A quorum was present, and the board approved a consent calendar, heard public testimony on domestic violence, jail conditions, guaranteed income, and senior care, and voted on numerous agenda items including contracts, resolutions, and referrals. The meeting lasted approximately 3 hours and concluded with a brief adjournment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Yolanda Carter and Yvette Hunter expressed support for Resolution 25-3661, urging better victim notification when accused abusers are released. Carter shared her personal experience of being attacked with a hammer, and Hunter described being attacked with a baseball bat and not being notified of her attacker’s release. Juanita Galtney also testified as a domestic violence survivor, calling for the court system to avoid prolonging cases.
• Charles Pomper, representing the Jail Solidarity Network, read testimony from an incarcerated individual describing how fights in Cook County jail are caused by deprivation (e.g., over mayonnaise packets, microwave use). He argued that additional surveillance, including AI, would not address underlying conditions.
• Willie Jordan of Emerging Technology Integrators offered to assist with tax and treasury department technology issues.
• Taylor Tramil (Workers Center for Racial Justice/Union for Guaranteed Income) thanked the board for the unanimous vote to fund a permanent guaranteed income program and called for sustainable revenue strategies and community-centered design. Chevelle Cole and Eli McFarland also spoke in support of the program, noting that the $7.5 million funding has not yet been distributed and urging continued prioritization in the 2027 budget. Cole mentioned that the Youth for GI campaign has nearly 8,000 supporters.
• Dr. Asia Wade Bay testified about the neglect and abuse that led to her mother’s death after nursing home care, calling for more support for seniors to remain at home. She commended the Illinois Department of Health for validating her allegations.
• George Blake Moore (unscripted) criticized property taxes, corruption, and racial disparities in Cook County, alleging that black residents are taxed more than white residents.
• Tywan Sims asked for an investigation into his treatment during a court hearing on May 19, 2026, alleging he was assaulted, given drugs against his will, and sexually assaulted at Stroger Hospital. He also requested help regarding a court order to take a behavioral clinical exam.

Discussion Items

• Guaranteed Income Program: Commissioners acknowledged the board’s historic vote to fund the first permanent county-level guaranteed income program in the nation. The program is still in design phase; the advisory board is working with the Bureau of Economic Development. Speakers and commissioners urged continued funding and community engagement.
• Sheriff’s Intergovernmental Agreement (Item 26-1527): Commissioner Anaya questioned the timing of an IGA with Illinois State Police for public safety at protests, noting it was dated May 7, 2026 but only now presented. Sheriff’s Office representative Brad Curry explained that the agreement reimburses the county for services already provided after state police returned to expressways. The agreement applies to the Broadview area. Commissioner Anaya and others voted present on this item.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening (Item 26-1735): Commissioner Kevin Morrison sponsored a resolution for a hearing on increasing colorectal cancer screening in the under-45 population. Several commissioners shared personal stories, including Commissioner Bill Lowry who was diagnosed early. Commissioner Morrison noted that screenings are not typically covered by insurance until age 45, leading to late diagnoses in young adults. The board also discussed the Birthday Health Screening program, which has increased mammograms by 54% and prostate screenings by 13%.
• Storm Relief (Item 26-1732): Commissioner Anaya highlighted the Cook County Storms Resident Relief Project, a one-time program to assist households affected by storms after FEMA rejected many requests. The average household impact was $10,000. The item was referred to finance.
• Rules and Remote Participation: Commissioner Marita responded to comments made the previous day about her remote participation without 24-hour notice. She argued that the rule needs revisiting and called for respect and private conversations. Commissioner Miller noted that the rule was not followed today either. Commissioner Lowry, as Rules Chair, committed to reviewing the attendance and notice rules for both Cook County and Forest Preserve.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: The board approved the consent calendar (items on pages 2-7) with 14 yeas, 3 absent. Item 26-0722 (gun violence wraparound services) and 26-0723 were referred to finance; 26-1422 (Violence Against Women Task Force report) was referred to criminal justice.
• Bureau of Finance and Cook County Health: Approved items including sales tax revenue bonds, grants for health initiatives, and contracts (e.g., Blue Cross Blue Shield dental contract up to $42 million). Commissioner Gaynor voted present on item 26-1598. Final vote: 14 yeas, 2 absent, 1 present.
• Bureau of Administration: Approved contracts for construction services and referred several improvement resolutions to transportation. Vote: 14 yeas, 3 absent.
• Bureau of Asset Management, Economic Development, etc.: Approved multiple items, including a grant for Rosemont Blue Line redevelopment, a contract with KPMG, and property tax incentives. Most items were approved or referred; some were withdrawn. Vote: 14 yeas, 2 absent.
• Office of Chief Judge, Sheriff, etc.: Approved items with some present votes. Commissioner Anaya and Kevin Morrison voted present on several items. Item 26-1527 (sheriff IGA) had present votes from Anaya, Stamps, Vasquez, and Kevin Morrison. Total: 15 yeas on most items, with exceptions.
• Committee Reports: All committee recommendations were approved with votes ranging from 15-16 yeas and 1-2 absent. Notable:
  • Criminal Justice: Approved as amended 26-1526 (hearing on last mile of criminal justice).
  • Finance: Approved settlement letters, worker’s comp reports, and deferred 26-1514 (contract requirements amendment).
  • Legislation: Approved appointments, a hearing on voting rights, and a resolution on property tax revenue distribution.
  • Technology and Innovation: Deferred 26-1268 (contract for employee performance management system).
  • Asset Management: Approved 26-0842 (countywide job order contract) with 12 yeas, 4 present, 1 absent.
• New Items: The board suspended rules to take up new items. Approved the acceptance of donations, storm relief referral, colorectal cancer hearing referral, and other items. Commissioner Stamps requested 26-1745 (congratulating clerk’s office) be referred to legislative committee, which was accepted. The item on creating a local taxing jurisdiction loan program (26-1578) was noted. Final vote on new items: 15 yeas, 2 absent.