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.
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
The Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC), with more than 70,000 acres, is one of the oldest and largest forest preserve districts in the United States.
Bureau of Economic Development Fact Sheet
The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development's mission is to enhance the quality of life for Cook County residents through transformative and equitable community and economic development.
Cook County Health Fact Sheet
Cook County Health has served Cook County for more than 180 years and has a proud legacy as a leader in advancing health care.
Bureau of Technology Fact Sheet
The Bureau of Technology (BOT) is the central office that provides the technology foundation to help Cook County government serve residents every day.
Cook County Department of Public Health Fact Sheet
The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is a nationally accredited, state-certified local health department serving 2.3 million residents in suburban Cook County.
Bureau of Administration Fact Sheet
The Bureau of Administration (BOA) is committed to developing, coordinating and managing programs to enable Cook County departments to better serve residents in a transparent, efficient and cost-effective manner.
Download the Bureau of Administration Fact Sheet
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Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security Fact Sheet
The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security has a fundamental responsibility to keep Cook County safe.