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

Cook County Board of Commissioner
Finance Committee
May 14, 2025

The Committee approved or voted to receive and file all items on the agenda.  Following are a few noteworthy items approved, followed by some information on the presentation on the Equity Fund, one of the County’s Special Purpose Funds.
The Committee approved:

• Providing $850,000 from the Equity Fund for the design and implementation of a County-supported, library-led Digital Navigator Network that will improve library services and create stronger connections among public libraries and County government.  There were several public speakers urging passage of this item 25-2339, stating it was particularly needed in light of the recent loss of federal funds to libraries.
• Creation of a new special purposed fund, the State’s Attorney Fraud Case Settlements Fund, for monies issued pursuant to governing statute from the investigation, prosecution and settlements of insurance fraud and other fraud cases.  (Item 25-2405.) Also provides for transfer of $602,607, which was collected in 2024 from these cases from the General Fund to this new special purpose fund to comply with the law.  In response to a question from Comm. Stamps, it was explained that the governing statute provides how the money may be spent, which is why the fund is being created so such expenditures can be more easily tracked.  As of the date of this meeting, the State’s Attorney’s office knows that at least an additional $2 M from 2025 will go into this new fund.
• $44.9 M in settlements. The largest amount is $24 M for a medical malpractice claim.  There are also 2 settlements for $7.45 M for alleged violations of civil rights against the State’s Attorney’s office.

President Preckwinkle’s Chief of Staff Lanetta Haynes Turner gave a presentation on the Equity Fund, which has a $68 M budget for expenditures in 2025 (Item 25-2781).  

• The Equity Fund has 3 purposes: (1) Address historic and continued disinvestment and resulting inequities that have negatively impacted Black, Latino/a/x and other marginalized residents; (2) fundamentally shift how County uses grantmaking; and (3) incorporate service providers, advocates, and residents in resource allocation.
• There are 3 sources of revenues for the Equity Fund:  (1) the Cannabis Tax, (2) the Firearm and Firearm Ammunition Tax, and (3) the County’s portion of the Illinois Gaming Casino Tax imposed by the State. 
• Monies from the Equity Fund are allocated to County departments, which in turn utilize established procurement and the sub-recipient process to seek Board approval for contracts or grants utilizing the Fund.
• As of the end of February, 3.4% (or $2.33 M) of the total $68 M budgeted has been allocated.  As the procurement process continues, it is expected that this will pick up. Departments are first using American Rescue Plan Act dollars, which can often be used for the same types of programs as the Equity Fund.
• One example of the use of the Equity Fund is the $850,000 approved by the Committee for the Digital Navigator Network (see Item 25-2339, described above).
• Avik Das, Executive Director of the Justice Advisory Council, discussed grants for community violence intervention, the wrap-around services for survivors of gun violence, the domestic violence intervention and support services, and the services to help for those leaving prison (“re-entry”) such as help with finding a place to stay and finding a job. 
• Jessica Caffrey, the head of the County’s Land Bank, talked about 3 initiatives using the Equity Fund: (1) the purchase of Fannie/Freddi/HUD REO properties at below market values to then resell; (2) assistance to qualified homebuyers of 6% up to $20,000 for the purchase; and (3) preservation to remove existing blight.
• Commissioners Degnen, Aguillar, and Sean Morrison all asked about performance metrics and return on investment for the programs funded by the Equity Fund.  Ms. Turner said that metrics can be difficult, but the proposals by recipients for grants identify what the funds would be used for, and the County does confirm that the monies are indeed spent that way.  
• Initiatives in 2025 include adding community representatives to the Equity Fund Taskforce and to do a pilot on participatory budgeting.
• Rather than a separate, formal report on the Equity Fund that was prepared after the first year, information on the Equity Fund is now being incorporated into the yearly Policy Roadmap and Equity Fund Progress Report.  The most recent one was issued in January of 2025.   Ms. Turner said that the use of the Equity Fund is so integrated with the Policy Roadmap that it makes sense to have a single report.  

League Observer:  Priscilla Mims