This Is Your Cook County
Every day, County services keep our communities healthier, safer and moving forward. Over the past 15 years, sustained investment in people, programs and infrastructure has built a stronger Cook County. Watch to see the work behind that progress, and why protecting it matters now.
A Difficult Road Ahead
Years of responsible financial management and long term planning have positioned Cook County to better navigate significant economic uncertainty.
But plainly put, this is our most difficult budget year since 2011.
Cook County is facing extraordinary external pressures at the same time residents continue to depend on critical healthcare, public safety and essential County services.
Our approach is clear: make the difficult choices within County government, protect the services residents depend on and preserve the financial stability we have worked years to build.
Review the FY2027 Executive Budget Recommendation
Explore Cook County’s FY2027 Executive Budget Recommendation, including the Budget Overview, department line item budgets, and classification and compensation schedule.
View the FY2027 Executive Budget Recommendation and budget documents
Understanding the FY2027 Cook County Budget
How does Cook County build its budget? Where does the money go? And what is making FY2027 especially challenging?
Watch our Budget 101 video for a straightforward look at how the County budget works and the decisions shaping this year’s financial plan.
Built to Withstand: FY2027 Budget Address
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle delivered her Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Address, outlining a balanced budget that responds to significant financial pressures while protecting the essential services residents rely on.
The address details how years of responsible financial management have positioned Cook County to navigate its most difficult budget year since 2011, without raising taxes.
Join the Conversation!
Want to learn more about Cook County’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and financial outlook?
Join us virtually on Oct. 13 and 19th from 6–7 p.m. for Cook County: An Open Briefing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget.
You'll hear more about the factors contributing to the budget gap, how the County is responding and what it means for County services.
Ask questions, share your perspective and be part of the conversation.
Healthcare Is at the Center of the County Budget
The majority of Cook County’s budget supports Cook County Health and the broader health system.
Cook County Health provides comprehensive medical services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, serving more than 500,000 individuals annually across Chicago and suburban Cook County through the health system and health plan.
Its mission is to establish universal access to the world’s best care and health services for all Cook County residents, so all may live their healthiest life.
That responsibility makes protecting access to healthcare one of the most important considerations in the FY2027 budget.
A Record of Responsible Financial Management
Over the past 15 years, Cook County has made significant progress strengthening its finances.
More than $3.6 Billion in Gaps Closed
Cook County has closed more than $3.6 billion in preliminary forecast gaps while maintaining essential County services.
Six Credit Rating Upgrades
The County has earned six credit rating upgrades in five years, reflecting improvements in its long term financial position.
A Stronger Pension System
Through a decade long commitment to contributing more toward its pension obligations, Cook County increased its pension funded ratio from 56% to 66%, and an anticipated 73% by 2030.
$1.2 Billion Less Debt
Cook County has reduced outstanding debt by $1.2 billion, helping lower borrowing costs and reducing obligations passed to future generations.
Property Taxes Held Flat
The County has not increased its property tax levy since President Preckwinkle took office.
Protecting Essential Services
Every budget decision ultimately comes down to the services residents receive.
The FY2027 budget prioritizes the core responsibilities of Cook County government, including healthcare, public safety, transportation, economic development, housing, emergency management and other services delivered across the County.
Our goal is to make the necessary financial adjustments while minimizing disruption to the services residents rely on most.
Explore Cook County Services
Learn how County resources translate into services for residents through our FY2027 fact sheets.
Bureau of Asset Management Fact Sheet
The Bureau of Asset Management provides clean, safe, secure, sustainable and accessible facilities through routine maintenance programs, capital construction projects and efficient use of real estate assets.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County Fact Sheet
Bureau of Economic Development Fact Sheet
Bureau of Technology Fact Sheet
Cook County Department of Public Health Fact Sheet
Bureau of Administration Fact Sheet
The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) was established in 1913 by the State of Illinois upon approval of the first officially recorded County highway system maps.
Download the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) Fact Sheet
Cook County Office of the Justice Advisory Council Fact Sheet
The Justice Advisory Council (JAC) coordinates and implements the Cook County Board President’s criminal and juvenile justice reform efforts and develops community safety policy.
Download the Cook County Office of the Justice Advisory Council Fact Sheet