Cook County at a Glance 2019: Annual Report

Under my administration, the Offices Under the President (OUP) provides many services to residents, as well as supports fellow Cook County offices in achieving operational excellence. As we do every year, we would like to take this time to reflect on notable achievements, improved services and operational milestones in 2019.

The following sections highlight just some of our successes in 2019. We look forward to continuing our work to create a safe, thriving, and sustainable Cook County on behalf of residents in 2020.

Toni Preckwinkle
Cook County Board President
Continue reading the letter from the President >

Cook County Policy Roadmap

We identified six policy priorities for OUP to concentrate its efforts on through the Policy Roadmap planning process. A central theme throughout our policy priorities is the commitment to ensuring Cook County is a welcoming community and can reach all of its residents, including those who are often marginalized. We will foster communities that are healthy, vital, safe and thriving, sustainable, smart and open. 
Given OUP’s role in supporting individuals and communities throughout Cook County, the first five policy priorities relate directly to the services we provide to residents. To achieve a high standard of efficiency and excellence, our sixth policy priority describes how we deliver services to residents.
Together, these policy priorities create the comprehensive agenda OUP has implemented to provide innovative and essential services for residents in an effective, efficient manner and ensure Cook County is an exceptional place to live, work, play and visit.
Integrating health and social services, addressing the social determinants of health and improving the health and wellness of County employees. 
  • Procuring Healthy, Sustainable Food at Cook County
  • Tackling Food and Housing Insecurity Through Strategic Partnerships
  • Addressing the Opioid Crisis
  • Offering Low-Cost Rabies Vaccinations
  • Improving Services at the Medical Examiner's Office
Read more >

Creating and retaining jobs, developing industry-sector strategies, supporting workforce training and development, quality housing, safety net services and community and municipal infrastructure investments. 
  • Spurring Economic Development Through Tax Incentives
  • Launching the Southland Development Authority
  • Expanding Affordable Housing and Homeownership Opportunities
Read more >

Implementing violence reduction strategies proven to increase community safety, advocating for sustainable reforms within the criminal justice system and investing in community-based services for communities and residents.
  • Justice Advisory Council Expands Grant Program, Engages Community in the MacArthur Safety and Justice Challenge
  • Investing in Communities with Justice Assistance Grants
Read more >


Prioritizing environmental justice, addressing climate change, investing in clean energy and green jobs and creating equitable access to open spaces.
  • Generating Savings and Sustainability with the Green Buildings Program
  • Redeveloping Brownfields in Suburban Cook County
Read more >

Maximizing the benefits of County buildings, improving transportation systems and managing enterprise technology services.
  • Advancing Equitable Transportation Projects with Invest in Cook Grants
  • Upgrading County Phone Systems
  • Improving Freight and Commuter Train Travel in Southwest Cook 
Read more >

Achieving operational excellence by being accountable to residents, investing in our workforce and continuously improving the effectiveness of County services.
  • Empowering Employees with Innovative Trainings
  • Increasing Transparency with GIS and Open Data
Read more >

Mission

To serve as a good steward of public resources by building equitable and sustainable communities for all residents.

Vision

To be a leader in building vibrant, sustainable and inclusive communities where people want to live, learn, work and play.

Values

Equity
Engagement
Excellence

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We believe in the dignity and worth of all people and the strength in the diversity of all perspectives.
Cook County commits to cultivating equity, inclusion and opportunity within County government and the diverse communities it serves—where we celebrate employees, residents and visitors and welcome diversity of perspectives. Empowered by an inclusive workforce, Cook County is dedicated to equity and fairness in governance—in all its forms—to strengthen and serve our communities to the best of our abilities.

Organizational Chart

Table of Contents
The Policy Roadmap: Five-Year Strategic Plan for Offices Under the President lays the foundation for the next five years of work by the Offices Under the President (OUP) of Cook County. Created under the leadership of the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Toni Preckwinkle, the Policy Roadmap incorporates key policy priorities and strategic objectives and reflects the administration’s core values of equity, engagement and excellence, and a vision for fostering safe, thriving and healthy communities.