Cook County Launches Financial Assistance Program for Municipalities Impacted by 2026 Storms

Municipalities and municipal partners recovering from severe weather events in June and July may be eligible 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) today announced the launch of the Disaster Response and Recovery Fund (DRRF) Public Assistance Program, an initiative designed to provide financial support to eligible suburban municipalities and municipal partners impacted by the severe storm systems that moved through the region June 10 - 11 and July 27, 2026.

The program will reimburse eligible local governments for qualifying expenses related to storm response, recovery and emergency operations. These funds will help communities offset the costs of responding to recent storms, support ongoing recovery efforts and restore essential services for residents.

"Local governments are always on the front lines of disaster response and recovery, and the financial burden of these events can place significant strain on municipal resources," said President Preckwinkle. "Through the DRRF fund, Cook County is providing a crucial avenue of support for suburban communities, agencies and other partners to help communities recover from these storms and best serve their residents."

The June and July storm systems brought damaging winds, torrential rainfall, flash flooding and tornado activity to portions of Cook County, resulting in widespread property damage, power outages, downed trees and other disruptions. In the aftermath, President Preckwinkle issued a County-level disaster declaration for the July 27 storm event, helping expedite the deployment of equipment, personnel and financial resources to support affected municipalities, address urgent needs and advance recovery efforts. A statewide disaster proclamation was also issued.

"Recovery takes sustained coordination, resources and partnerships to help communities move forward," said Alex Joves, executive director of EMRS. "EMRS is committed to driving local recovery efforts and will always work alongside our municipalities to build more resilient communities."

Eligible municipalities and municipal partners may apply for funding through the DRRF Public Assistance Program beginning Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at 9 a.m. Applications must be submitted by Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The application period will include opportunities for applicants to participate in scheduled technical assistance sessions for guidance and support throughout the process. Funding determinations are anticipated by the end of January 2027.

The DRRF Public Assistance Program is specifically intended to support eligible municipalities and municipal partners. Additional information, including program eligibility requirements, application instructions and technical assistance opportunities, is available at cookgov.me/DRRF2026.