New deadline to submit feedback is February 28

Cook County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) is extending the deadline for public input for the County’s draft environmental justice (EJ) policy. This draft has been co-developed by an EJ internal working group made up of County employees and the EJ Community Advisory Committee. Once adopted by the County, the environmental justice policy will help inform and guide programming and policy decision-making across County bureaus and departments. 

On January 27, 2025, the Cook County Commission on Human Rights (CCCHR) launched a public survey for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system and seeking housing in Cook County.

Individuals who meet both the following criteria are encouraged to participate:

Program offered by County’s Animal and Rabies Control as part of National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month 

Pet owners can bring their dogs and cats to participating veterinarians throughout Cook County to receive up to a $40 discount on spay or neuter services February 1 - 28. The County’s Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) is offering the spay and neuter program during February – Spay and Neuter Awareness Month. 

Residents invited to share concerns and ideas at upcoming public events

Cook County Honored as Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for Second Consecutive Year

Applications are due by March 21 for programs that promote economic development, enhance public services and improve transportation throughout the County

Cook County Sun and Save program covers 100% of costs associated with solar installation 

First town hall scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, feedback can also be provided online

Medical Examiner’s Office Releases Preliminary 2024 Data

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) has released preliminary statistics for cases handled in 2024. While the Office’s caseload continued to surpass pre-COVID levels, with 7,202 cases falling under its jurisdiction last year, caseloads continued to drop from the pandemic-era peak of 16,041 in 2020. Before the pandemic, the Office saw approximately 6,200 deaths in an average year. 

Remediation of brownfield sites advances environmental justice, creating healthier and more sustainable communities