Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings
December 16 & 17, 2025

Technology and Innovation Committee
December 17, 2025

Committee Focuses on Delays in Distributing Tax Dollars
During public comments, the Committee heard from several taxing bodies (school districts, south suburban municipalities) regarding their difficult financial situation due to delayed distribution of property tax revenues collected by the County.  The collection of these revenues was already delayed by several months due to the delay with the 2nd installment tax bills.

• The Treasurer’s staff reported that with respect to disbursements of tax revenue, there are still 9 open issues with Tyler Technologies that are being actively worked, and as soon as those issues are fully resolved, disbursements can begin.  
• Treasurer’s staff declined to give an estimate as to when the issues will be resolved, given past experience with Tyler.

The Committee separately approved:

• A one year $1.5M contract extension with GuideHouse, which provides overall project management for the tax system that Tyler is implementing.  If this project comes to completion within the year, the entire $1.5M may not be expended. There was some discussion regarding bringing project management totally within house, however this would require additional county staffing.
• A five-year renewal of the existing sole-source contract with WorkForce Software, that provides time and attendance systems.  There was some discussion of subcontracting by WorkForce consistent with the County’s diversity requirements.  However, as a sole source contract, this can be recommended by the County but not required.

Observer: Ed Spire

Health & Hospitals Committee
December 16, 2025

Public Health Department Reports on Behavioral Health Unit
Public Health Department Chief Operating Officer Dr. Kiran Yoshi and Behavior Health Director Hanna Kite gave the presentation and stated that Federal American Rescue Plan Act funds allowed the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) to significantly expand the behavioral health unit.   They also said the department will increase its focus on chronic disease prevention and maternal and child behavioral health starting in the first quarter of 2026.

Key information from the presentation, which can be found at 
https://cookcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/Item-VIIIA-Quarterly-Report-from-CCDPH-11-21-25.pdf:
Mental Health & Positive Youth Development:  

• The Department of Public Health supports 27 funded partners to promote social and emotional learning and mentorship, including Big Brother/Big Sisters. 88% of Southland youth-engaged in that program said that they increased self-regulation and emotional management.  Other partners, Latina Women’s Support Group and Queer Prom, create safe spaces.  Other partners provide mental health and treatment education via telehealth sessions for youth and hosting sessions on executive functioning for both teens and parents

Suicide Prevention
15% (16,540) South Suburban high school students reported having seriously considered attempting suicide in 2022, and Hispanic residents suicide death rates nearly doubled between 2018-2023 in South Suburban Cook County. Prevention efforts include:

• Identify and support people at risk via 9-8-8 phone line and Mobile Crisis Response 
• Improve access and delivery of care.  Held focus groups with community members and providers as part of a strength and needs assessment.
• Promote healthy connections and create systems for ongoing aftercare
• Produce in-depth data and analysis to drive and support action

Opioid and Substance Use Prevention

• Since December 2020, over 186 naloxone doses distributed by CCDPH and partners have been used to combat overdoses. In 2025, billboard and other types of signs have been posted throughout key areas of the County.  1.4 million video views and 86,293 website clicks reported between August and October 2025 for the Get Naloxone ad campaign.  
• The CCDPH provides free training on how to recognize and respond to opioid-involved overdoses and produces analysis of opioid risk factors, root causes, and opportunities to influence policy and systems changes.
• In 2026, CCPHD will focus on more input from youth and supporting the creation of a more equitable crisis care system.

Commissioner Comments and Questions

• Overall, the Commissioners were very complimentary of the presentation and the department’s efforts.  However, there was a very robust discussion on the real problems in the districts and the lack of resources available when Commissioners call for specific help.  
• Com. Moore stated that their offices need help and want a partnership with the CCDPH.  He wants a “general” phone number for each of the districts to call.  Aguilar agrees with Moore on partnership.
• Com. Stamps commented on her district’s collaboration with the CCDPH on behavioral health issues and looks forward to its expansion to other Commissioner’s districts.  She also said that there is a disconnect between what we know exists and what we are financing.
• When asked, Dr. Joshi said that there is no evidence that the use of Naloxone leads to a rise in drug use but it does alleviate death.  Nationally, opioid overdose deaths are decreasing.
• Com. Kevin Morrison noted that the highest concentration of overdose deaths is on the west side and said he is hoping CCDPH will continue to expand youth outreach. 
• Com. Degnan stated there will need to be a line of funding from the state to increase services.
• Com. Trevor is concerned that the closure of hospital mental health units and the shrinking number of inpatient beds is making it harder for families to be involved.  She noted that there is a higher rate of suicide injuries among girls than boys.  Separately, she noted that the report states that boys are more likely to use firearms than girls in attempting suicide.  Dr. Joshi noted both of these are long-standing trends and that if a person owns a gun, he is much more likely to harm himself that someone else.

Observer:  Diane Edmundson

Finance Subcommittee on Litigation
December 17, 2025

Inspector General Reports on PPP Loan Investigations
Tirrell Paxton, Cook County Inspector General (IG), reported on the 3rd Quarter Report issued October 15, 2025 from the Office of the Independent Inspector General (OIIG) to the Subcommittee, with much of the attention focused on the investigations of fraud regarding the Federal government’s Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) loans made during Covid to County employees.

• The OIIG has closed 293 investigations of PPP loans, covering over $2 M dollars over the years, including 6 in the 3rd Quarter Report.  The OIIG found substantial evidence of fraud in 82 cases.  Of the others, some have been referred to other entities or the employees resigned, which ended the investigations prior to conclusion.  
• In response to questions from Commissioner Sean Morrison, the IG confirmed that all sustained cases have been referred for possible prosecution by either the U.S. Attorney or the Cook County State’s Attorney.  
• The IG also stated that other PPP cases involving employees of the Sheriff and the Clerk of the Circuit Court were being handled directly by those offices (with some assistance by the OIIG), and are not part of the 293 the OIIG has closed.  Comm. S. Morrison asked Chair Britton to inquire of those offices about those cases and report to the Subcommittee.  Comm. S. Morrison stressed that fraud by County employees needs to be prosecuted.
• The IG also reported that the OIIG has received 226 complaints during the 3rd quarter, with 62 of those being referred to management or outside entities for further processing.  There are 5 matters under investigation.  16 investigations were concluded in the 3rd quarter and are summarized in the Report, along with 8 from the prior quarter.
• The Report was received and filed.  (Item 25-4147)

Observers:  Hollis Burgess and Priscilla Mims

Audit Committee
December 17, 2025

County Auditor Reports on Past Open Recommendations and Audit Plans for 2026

• Auditor Heath Wolfe reported on open recommendations from audits as of October 2025.    Representatives from the six departments with open recommendations told the Board that they were in agreement with the findings and were working on changes to policies and systems. Five departments said the findings would be resolved by first quarter of 2026. The Animal Control department was still negotiating with its system vendor on the needed changes, so could not give a finish date. Commissioner Degnen encouraged them to have it done within six months.  The report was received and filed (Item 25-4368).
• Mr. Wolfe outlined the plan for audits during 2026 for Cook County Government and the Forest Preserve. The audits will focus on basics:  are we paying the right people at the right time for the right amount.  The Audit Dept. will utilize outside auditors for IT security audits, so more audits can be performed.  The Item (25-4392) was deferred because it included two government entities.   It will be rewritten and submitted next month.
• Mr. Wolfe  presented a report the review of the ARPA project, Gun Crimes Strategy, administered by the State’s Attorney Office. The audit found that the monitoring process was adequate and the funds were being used as intended. The report was received and filed (Item 25-4399).

Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Cook County Board Finance Committee Meeting
October 27, 2025

Bureau of Finance/ Budget Overview
Proposed 2026 Budget:  $10.01 Billion    Proposed 2026 Positions:            23.624.2
Actual 2025 Budget:       $  9.94 Billion    Actual 2025 Approved Positions: 23,541.5
Difference:           +$ 0.07 Billion    Difference:                       +82.7

General Fund (GF)

• Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 GF expenditures is $2.67B and includes closing the preliminary budget gap of $102.6M
• 83 FTE increase proposed; 64% of budget is allocated to payroll and benefit expenses
• Revenue, including Sales Tax, State subsidy, and $30M of Chicago TIF revenue, are expected to increase despite decreased property tax allocation to GF (more $ to Cook County Health and Election Fund)
• Starting to receive notice of Federal grants being reduced or eliminated;  Department of Energy grant of $2.1 M and $1.7M Emergency Management and Regional Security grant 
• Commissioner Miller recommended that all contracts over $5 M include a penalty for underperformance 

Health Enterprise Fund (Commissioners were generally asked to direct their questions on this Fund to Cook County Health during its Budget meeting)

• Closed preliminary budget gap of $108.8M through re-forecasting revenues and 10% expense reductions
• 110 FTE increase proposed to absorb existing positions from ARPA programs, from some programs previously covered by Special Purpose Funds, and grants
• Federal grants $315M appropriated, mostly over several years

Special Purpose Funds – some of the major funds and expenditures include

• $33.5M allocated to Equity Fund per the  FY2026 Fourth Installment Plan recently approved by the Board: no additional revenues to be allocated in FY2026
• Opioid Remediation and Abatement fund - $4M
• Infrastructure and Equipment: $15M for solar panels ($40M total in 2025-2029) expected to bring $18M rebate from Federal Government when completed
• $4.6M to procure new digital evidence management solution
• $65M allocated to a newly created Grant Risk Mitigation Fund from unspent 2025 monies.  This is to be used in the event of a loss of federal grant funds

The County is also looking to continue to fund 11 programs beyond 2026 that have been funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through 2026.  Plans are to fund fully in 2027 and then either reduce funding and the scope of the programs or find other sources to continue to fully fund.

Offices under the President
Proposed 2026 Budget:  $1.718 Billion    Proposed 2026 Positions:                2,075.1
Actual 2025 Budget:       $1.830 Billion    Actual 2025 Approved Positions:     2,063.1
Difference:                     ($0.112 Billion)    Difference:                 +12.0 

Overview

• Total budget is 14.9% of County’s total budget of $10.01B
• Funding Sources: Special Purpose, Capital, General Funds and Grants

General Fund

• $283.9M, 74.7% for 2,075 FTEs’ salary/benefits, increase of 12 FTEs 
• Reduced vacancy rate by 6.2% in FY2025 (currently 16.2%)

​Observer - Sue Gregory

Cook County Finance Committee Meeting and 
Cook County Special Board Meeting
November 20, 2025

After approving 15 amendments to the proposed Budget, the Cook County Board unanimously passed the FY2026 Budget.  The final budget increased by $105 M, resulting in a total budget of $10,118,825,966.  

The Amendments adding amounts to the budget are:

• $57.3 M was added to the spending under Special Purpose Funds, reducing the fund balances of those Special Purpose Funds to support that increase. (Amend. #3)
• Additional grants totaling $21M were added.  (Amend. #4)
• The Capital Budget was increased by $9 M by shifting funds within the capital accounts. (Amend. #5)
• Utilizing the City of Chicago’s proposed declaration of a Tax Increment Financing surplus, $19.9 M was added to the General Fund (Amend. #6) and then utilized to add that amount to the Chief Judge’s budget:  $5.8 M for court-based rental assistance; $4.1 M for homeless services; and $10 M for food access.  However, all of this is contingent on the County actually getting $19.9 M from Chicago, and the individual line item additions will be reduced as necessary to reflect what is actually received. (Amend. #7)

Amendment #2 reduced the overall budget by reducing the Health Enterprise Fund revenues and, accordingly, the proposed expenditures, by $1.5 M.

The remaining Amendments balanced proposed additional expenditures by like amounts of reductions, so each netted out to a $0 impact:

• A technical amendment to the General Fund making corrections.  Those corrections included the cost-of-living increases for the Elected Officials that should have been included in the proposed budget. (Amend. #1)
• A reallocation within the Health Enterprise Fund of $500,000 for the Dept. of Public Health to hold community forums in 6 Commissioner districts for youth and young adults to help them deal with mental stresses and direct them to services.  The measurements for success are the numbers of events hosted, people attending, and referrals to social services, along with testimonials. (Amend. # 8)
• A reallocation of funds within the budget of the Chief Judge to add positions for Court Administrator, 2  Asst Court Administrators, Chief of Staff, and 2 Asst. Chiefs of Staff for Operations and Policy. (Amend. #9)
• Reduction of 2 vacant positions within the Chief Judge’s office to add 2 Court Interpreters.  (Amend. #10)
• Reducing some budget entries to add 8 Victim Specialists for domestic violence within the State’s Attorney’s Office.  This should result in a reduction in caseload per Specialist from 410 to 310. (Amend. #11)
• Reducing some budget entries to add 6 MIS positions to the State’s Attorney’s Office.  (Amend. #12)
• Reducing some budget entries to add 10 positions in the State’s Attorney’s office to create an in-house forensics unit which are critical to operationalizing the new Digital Evidence Management System, which is a $4 M capital expenditure within the budget. (Amend. #13)
• Reducing some budget entries to add a glazier to the Dept. of Facilities Management. (Amend. #14)
• A reduction in the Land Bank’s allowance for delinquent taxes to increase the salary of the Executive Director by $12,839.

At the conclusion of the Finance Committee and then the Special Board meetings, the President and Commissioners gave many thanks to the County staff at all levels.

• Commissioner Sean Morrison, who said that as the lone Republican, he was proud to support this budget which he said is a truly balanced budget, unlike some other government entities’ budgets.  He also said that this budget reflects many decisions that have been made over the last 10 years, including the decisions to make extra payments to the pension accounts and to refinance debt at lower rates.
• President Preckwinkle stressed that this budget resulted in no new taxes or fees and no reduction in services.  Picking up from Comm. Morrison’s comment, she thanked Commissioners Daley and Moore who 10 years ago took the hard vote to raise the sales tax that allowed for those extra pension payments.
• Commissioner Daley pointed out that the County has not raised its property tax levy since 1994.

Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings  
Nov. 18 & 19, 2025

Criminal Justice Committee
November 19, 2025

​Commissioners Approve Chicago-Cook County Violence Against Women Task Force

• With the Chicago City Council approving a companion resolution last week, the Committee voted to approve the creation of a Chicago-Cook County Violence against Women Task Force. (item 25-4095)
• The Taks Force is charged with providing recommendations to the City and County by July 1, 2026 for addressing domestic violence, which has had a huge surge in reported incidents over the past several years.
• Besides representatives from the County’s criminal justice officials, Commissioners Miller, Anaya, Degnen, and Gainer were appointed to the Task Force from the County’s side. Comm. Miller was the lead sponsor, and she said that this Task Force is an outgrowth of this Committee’s hearing last July during which many problems with the current government systems were identified.  

Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Finance Committee
November 19, 2025

Finance Approves Up to $10.53 M to House Those on Electronic Monitoring with No Place to Go
The Committee voted to approve

• 5 items from the Justice Advisory Commission to provide housing and some additional services for those ordered to pretrial detention on electronic monitoring at fees ranging from $136 to $200 per night.  County only pays per night fees when people are actually housed. Placements at the different facilities are offered to those who have no place to stay.  (items 25-3544, -3545, -3546, -3547, and -3548)
• Grants totaling $2.3 M (with $100,000 remaining to provide additional support) to 5 community financial institutions to assist them in doing small business lending.  Funding for this program is from the Equity Fund.  In response to questions from Comm. Anaya, the 5 institutions were selected by an external panel of experts from a group of 10 after a Request for Qualification (RFQ) process resulted in 15 responses, of which 10 were found by the Bureau of Economic Development to have met the requirements.  Comm. Anaya asked that in the future, Commissioners be notified of similar RFQs.  (item 25-3953)

The Comptroller reported that through Sept. 30 

• The County’s General Fund has a net favorable balance of $123 M and, on a cash basis, the Health Enterprise Fund has an unfavorable balance of $33.7 M.  The State of Illinois owes the County $98 M, but that amount is trending downward.  
• In response to a question from Comm. Sean Morrison, CFO Tanya Anthony said that there has been $1.2M in reduced Federal funding to date.  Comm. Morrison and Chair Daley asked that future monthly reports identify any loss of Federal funding. 

Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations Committee
November 19, 2025

Committee Extends Incentives for Landmark Buildings
Two ordinances dealing with the extension of tax incentives for certain classifications of property were approved by the Committee.

• The first ordinance amendment was an extension of classification incentives that were due to expire at the end of this year and extends the time frame until 2027. (Agenda Item 25-4178)
• The second amendment was for incentive renewal of Class L buildings. A representative from the Assessor’s office stated that this will allow for buildings with landmark status to continue to receive the incentive if certain parameters are met and municipalities agree with the extension of the incentive. (Agenda Item 25-4220)
• During public comment Ward Miller from Preservation Chicago and Kendra Parsons from Landmarks Illinois both spoke in support of renewing the incentives as they were important for restoration of landmark buildings. A representative from a Cultural Arts Center in Oak Park also spoke about how important an incentive was for allowing renovation of their landmark building so they now are able to provide free meeting space to the community. 
• Comm. Sean Morrison asked how long an exemption would be granted if renewed and the Assessor’s representative stated it would be for the same term as the original exemption was granted - mostly that is 12 years. He then stated that while he does support incentives as they are important for economic development he does caution that incentives should not be long term commitments. They are meant to provide owners a tax break to allow them to invest in properties so that they become economically viable and when they are they should no longer need the tax break.

Observer - Cynthia Schilsky

Asset Management Committee  
November 18, 2025

Commissioners Approve Purchase of 2 Buildings

• James Essex, Director of Real Estate Management, presented two proposals to buy buildings in which Cook County is leasing a major portion.   The department did the calculations on the cost of purchasing versus long term rental and determined these purchases will save the County money.
• The Commissioners approved both purchases.   The first was a building in Maywood currently occupied by the Sheriff and the Clerk of the Court (Item 25-4100).  The second was in Arlington Heights, currently occupied by County Health Services (Item 23-4101).

Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Audit Committee    
November 19, 2025

Audit Finds Compliance with ARPA Requirements

• Heath Wolfe, County Auditor, presented a report of a review the Audit Department did on an ARPA project. The Rain Ready Plan is implementing green infrastructure projects to control rainwater in flood prone areas.   Mr. Wolfe explained that these reviews of ARPA projects are not audits; but to check that the projects are in compliance with ARPA requirements, and to suggest any needed management corrections.  They found that the monitoring process was adequate and the funds were being used as intended. (Item 25-4148).

Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Cook County Board of Commissioners Finance Committee Meeting
October 28, 2025

Cook County Health (CCH) – Chief Executive Officer Dr. Erik Mikaitis and Chief Financial Officer Pamela Cassara
Proposed 2026 Budget:  $5.218 Billion              Proposed 2026 Positions:              7,866
Actual 2025 Budget:        $5.252 Billion              Actual 2025 Approved Positions:   7,817
Difference:                    ($     34 Million)                  Difference:                         +   48
Dr. Mikaitis and Ms. Cassara presented the budget, explaining how Cook County Health (CCH) has cut expenses by 10% this year and the concerns for the government funding decreases anticipated in the next two years.  

• They anticipate that the cuts in state and federal funding will result in $400M revenue loss over the next two years. This includes Illinois eliminating the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults ($111M affecting 8,000 patients) and Federal changes in eligibility for Medicaid recipients. The ARPA funds for 2026 that CCH has already received cannot be clawed back by the federal government.
• Commissioner Trevor expressed concern that the potential stopping of Affordable Care Act subsidies will result in thousands of uninsured residents because health insurance will become unaffordable. She had an estimate that 33% could lose their coverage. These people will turn to CCH for services.  Dr. Mikaitis said that this group may not choose to have the preventative services needed and this will result in more serious issues.   Also, there could be a significant impact to smaller hospitals that may have to close.
• CCH has been able to reduce use of agency staff by 40% which has resulted in a $30M savings. They have improved and accelerated the hiring process and anticipate that they can continue to reduce agency staffing. They are also reviewing processes for improvement that result in savings such as supplies. They are also creating ways for people to use the health clinics rather than the emergency rooms.
• The ICE operations in Cook County have impacted CCH and several Commissioners had questions about it.  There has been an 83% decline in visits from new arrivals. Dr. Mikaitis said the decline is due to immigrants leaving the area and fear of ICE detentions. He is concerned that this population will not have preventative care and that will result in more severe issues seen at emergency rooms.  Several questions concerned the training for employees.  All CCH employees have taken online training on dealing with ICE agents and alerting security and legal.  ICE has not tried to enter buildings to arrest somebody, but they have brought detained people in for medical help.  The ICE agents can legally stay with the detainee in a hospital room (not in surgery) but cannot talk to other patients.
• Commissioner Anaya asked for an update in increasing bilingual staff. They have increased the Spanish speaking interpreters by 9.  They now have 14 Spanish and 3 Polish on-site interpreters.  They also have an online system for all languages which has proved to be very useful and patients are willing to use it. CCH Behavioral Health department is trying to recruit a Spanish speaking psychiatrist but, as yet has not been successful.
• Commissioner Britton asked about their policy on renting versus buying.  CCH is working with Real Estate Management on evaluating their space and trying to consolidate in county-owned property.  CCH is co-locating food help with medical help. It has food pantries and healthy meals programs.  They are working with other providers and philanthropy to plan for the potential SNAP stoppage.
• CCH has established a Pathways program to interest area students in medical professions working at CCH. They work with local high school, college, and graduate students.

Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings
October 22, 2025

Finance Committee
Committee Approves $20 M Grant For Illinois Quantum Microelectronics Park

The Committee approved a $20 M grant to the University of Illinois for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on the former site of U.S. Steel on the southeast side of Chicago.  This grant will be used to provide the equipment necessary to keep the cryogenics facility cool.  The Secretary to the Board announced that there were about 100 written comments submitted opposing this proposal.  The Committee nevertheless approved the grant after addressing some of the concerns raised by commentators (Item 25-3761):

• Comm. Moore verified that (1) there are no plans to use water from Lake Michigan or the Calumet River to cool the equipment, (2) no dangerous chemicals will be put into the system and therefor there will be no chemical emissions or smoke, (3) there should be no health concerns raised by the facility.
• Comm. Trevor followed up on the fact that liquid helium and liquid nitrogen will be used, but like Fermilab in the western suburbs, there will be redundant safety features installed.  Even in the event that venting of helium and nitrogen would be necessary, she was assured that there will be no health risk to anyone nearby.
• Comm. Sean Morrison asked about the power supply.  Harley Johnson, Executive Director and CEO of the Park explained that it is not a data center so it will not require an extraordinary amount of energy to operate.  Further, there is sufficient power from the grid already existing.  
• Comm. Gainer had staff clarify exactly what the County’s contribution to the Park is: (1) this $20 M grant and (2) a Class A property tax incentive (previously approved) which reduces the percentage applied to the property assessment from 25% (the regular commercial percentage) to 10% (which is also what is applied to residential property).  
• Comm. Degnen pointed out that even with this reduction, there will be a significant increase in the property taxes paid at this property (well over the $20 M grant) which has stood essentially vacant for many years.
• Comm. Aguillar also pointed to the expected increased investment in the neighborhood with restaurants and other businesses to serve those working in the Park.
• Comm. Stamps expressed concerns about whether resulting increases in property values could negatively impact current residents and businesses.  Susan Campbell, Director of Planning & Development for the County, explained that Chicago was taking the lead on engaging the community as to how local residents and businesses can benefit.  Among other things, modules for the local schools and college have been provided on what quantum mechanics is and what job opportunities there are.
• Comm. Miller asked to be a co-sponsor and the item was approved with a vote of 13 ayes, 1 present (Comm. Vasquez) and 3 absent.

The Committee also approved the proposed allocation of $85.6 M of spending from the Equity and Inclusion Special Purpose Fund for 2026.  (Item 25-4003)  This approved allocation will be included in the proposed 2026 budget that the Board will be reviewing, amending, and approving in the coming weeks.  

• This allocation includes carrying over funds allocated but not spent in 2025 for several programs, as well as using 1/2 of the Fund’s balance of $64.4 M for (1) Transforming Places initiatives ($5 M), (2) restarting the Guaranteed Income Pilot ($7.5 M), and (3) the Justice Advisory Council for gun violence prevention programs in partnership with the State and Chicago ($20 M in addition to the carry-forward of $17.6 M).  
• Funds being carried over are for the Cannabis Business Development Program, the Land Bank, the Community Engagement Pilot Program, Health Equity in all Policies led by the Department of Public Health, the collaborative work to reform the County’s property assessment and taxation system, the implementation of a regional income-based fare model for the Fair Trans Pilot, the implementation of digital navigators as part of the Digital Equity Action Plan, the improvement of community health and resilience led by the Dept. of Environment and Sustainability, and  the implementation of a comprehensive equity-centered grantmaking strategy to promote capacity building training and resources for community-based organizations.
• In addition, the Justice Advisory Council is going to carry over $3.2 M and will be allocated $31.8 M from the General Fund in 2026 to continue addressing community safety through a holistic approach.
• Comm. Gainer asked that the Board be provided quantifiable results from the money allocated in 2025 in conjunction with the upcoming budget review.  The President’s Chief of Staff Lanetta Hayes Turner explained that the annual report for the Equity Fund is published in Feb., so the report for 2024 is the last one currently available.  Comm. Gainer said that the Commissioners needed updated info since they will be voting on the budget In November.  Comm. Degnen asked about the assessment of the initial 2-year pilot for the Guaranteed Income Program for 2023 and 2024.  Ms. Turner said that that assessment, being prepared by the University of Chicago, is not expected until the 1st quarter of 2026.  Ms. Turner said that the County will be able to utilize the information from the assessment in defining the parameters for the 2026 program.

The Committee also took action:

• Approving the reallocation of $1.242 M of ARPA funds from Rental Assistance and Wrap-around Services for Returning Residents to Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services in order to ensure the ARPA funds are spent by the end of 2026.  (Item 25-3541)  Comm. Anaya and others want more information as to what monies are going toward domestic violence.  A one-page summary will be provided to them listing all the domestic violence funding under the auspices of all the County officials.  
• Approving the use of $3 M of Corporate funds for the continuation of the demonstration of single-family homes utilizing modular technologies.  (Item 25-3759)  This is in addition to the $12 M in the proposed 2026 budget, which comes from the expected revenues from selling the modular properties developed using ARPA funds in the past for 4 developments.  The County was only able to get 2 developers for the past, but Comm. Gainer said that under a new Request for Proposal, now that the program has a track record, more developers should be interested with the expectation that the development costs will be reduced.  
• Voting to receive and file the Revenues and Expenses Report (Item 25-3998) and CCH monthly report (Item25-4110).   Chair Daley asked whether there were any negative impacts from not having received revenues from the 2nd installment property tax bills that have yet to be sent out.  The answer was not for the County.  He also asked about whether there is any impact yet on the Federal government shut-down, and the answer was that CCH received lower DSH (Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital) Payments than expected.  Comm. Gainer asked for a plan from Cook County Health on dealing with the Medicaid changes that are to begin in 2027.  CCH says that they are planning on a $107 M reduction in reimbursements annually, and are working on a plan now to deal with that.  Comm. Gainer urged CCH to ramp up to help people stay on Medicaid with reminders and other help to complete the necessary paperwork.  CCH said that they are looking at technological solutions to help with that.

Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Health & Hospitals Committee
Committee Approves CCH 2026-2028 Strategic Plan

Andrea Gibson, the Chief Strategy Officer for Cook County Health (CCH), presented the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan (Item 25-3864), which was approved by the Committee.

• Desire to replicate the better-than-expected results of Medicaid redetermination that occurred with County Care and implement system-wide ability to move more patients to health care coverage.  Currently only 10% of the patient population at CCH is covered by private insurance. 
• Strategic plan focuses on reducing time to hire to 90 days from the current time of 100 days. 
• Several Commissioners raised concern about length of time to secure primary care and specialty care appointments and what in the Strategic Plan has been put into place to address and reduce length of time to appointment.  Ms. Gibson had said that CCH hopes to reduce the wait times to no more than 30 days. 

The Committee also received an update on infectious diseases from Dr. Kiran Joshi, Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Public Health (Item 25-3815).

• With delays on the federal level, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) convened the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (ILIAC). ILIAC consists of about 20 experts in epidemiology, infectious diseases, pediatrics, internal medicine, public health, pharmacy, and related fields. Dr. Joshi is a member. 
• IDPH issued vaccine guidance after receiving recommendations from ILIAC, examining guidance from medical specialty societies, and reviewing Illinois and national respiratory illness data. That guidance differs from that of the federal government.
• The federal government shutdown means most Center for Disease Control (CDC) data updates are on pause.  In addition, 1 in 3 CDC staff have been laid off with 50% additional budget cuts expected in 2026
• As of now there has been five measles cases in suburban Cook County in 2025. Each measles case requires a resource-intensive public health response

Observer:  Susan Avila

Audit Committee
Audit Department Makes Changes in Response To Quality Assessment Review

Auditor Heath Wolfe reported on the status of the deficiencies reported on the Quality Assessment Review. Mr. Wolfe was appointed auditor on June 30, 2025. Item 25-3504 was received and filed.

• Each year the Audit Department’s process and procedures are reviewed by an outside audit firm.  RSM LLP did the audit for the 24-25 fiscal year.
• The deficiencies included reporting structure, position openings, and continuing professional education.
• Mr. Wolfe explained the remediations already done, including that the department now reports to the Board instead of President Preckwinkle, the open positions are being posted on multiple professional job sites, and continuing education has been instituted according to industry standards.
• Commissioner Degnen asked how the number of audits will be increased. Mr. Wolfe has a goal of 30 audits a year.  An outside auditing firm will be brought in shortly to supplement work on this year’s audits.

Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Asset Management Committee
Commissioners Discuss the Construction Manager at Risk Projects

Earl Manning, Director of Capital Planning and Policy in the Bureau of Asset Management, answered Commissioners’ questions about projects managed by a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) and the department’s strategy on leasing space.

• Mr. Manning explained the report from the Real Estate Department on projects being managed by a CMAR.   This report was requested by the Commissioners when they approved the program. The specific report before the committee was the Stroger/Provident updating. The report included the projects, timeline, per cent completion, MWBE stats, and local hiring stats. Item 25-3717 was received and filed.
• Commissioner Degnen expressed concern that projects managed by a CMAR do not include enough work for the internal Cook County employees.  Mr. Manning said that some work is assigned to internal staff on projects and that is not included in the CMAR.
• Commissioner Scott asked if there should be a specific compliance manager for MWBE and local hires to ensure the CMAR is meeting the County’s standards.
• Separately, the department is in the process of leasing space in Maywood to allow some of the Sheriff’s operations in Maywood to be consolidated.  Commissioner Degnen asked what the long-term plan for the operations would be considering the County is spending money to update third party buildings.  Mr. Manning said they were in negotiations to buy the building. Item 25-3746 was approved.
• The annual ADA Improvement Report was received and filed, Item 25-3654.  The Department is working toward incorporating universal design in all buildings so all people can use them.

Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Technology & Innovation Committee
Meeting did not take place because there was not a quorum in the Board Room.  There were several Committee members who wanted to participate virtually, but the Board Rules and State law require there be a quorum physically in the room to be able to conduct business.  In the absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chair confirmed with the Chief Information Officer that no items on the agenda needed to be voted on for final action by the Board on Oct. 23.

Observer:  Victoria Cerinich