Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 10h

Awardees included Commissioners Anaya, Vasquez and Aguilar; Jorge Perez, Executive Director of Ensemble Español; Billy Ocasio and Veronica Ocasio of the National Museum of Puerto Rican arts and Culture and José Ochoa of the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 10h

As part of Latine/Hispanic Heritage Month, Cook County honored local leaders for their dedication to serving their communities with the Latino Community Leadership Award. This celebration is a reminder of who we are as a County: a place that values diversity, inclusion & opportunity for all.

1

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 1d

At today's Future of Food Waste Forum, we explored new ways to reduce our environmental footprint and help local businesses do the same.

When we invest in sustainable food systems, we invest in cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods and stronger local economies.

1

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 1d

Since 2023, Cook County has partnered with World Business Chicago for the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, or GCEP, to collaborate on driving inclusive economic development.

1

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 1d

He was instrumental in organizing cross-cultural unity in the election of Harold Washington, the first Black mayor of Chicago.

Lozano's legacy spotlights the impact of championing immigrant voices and historically underrepresented groups.

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 1d

This Latine & Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate Rudy Lozano, a Mexican-American labor activist and community organizer.
Rudy Lozano spent his life in Pilsen and Little Village, Chicago, where he was known for his passionate advocacy.

1 2

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 2d

Cook County honors the enduring strength, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples who still call this land home. We recommit ourselves to listening, learning, and working together in the spirit of respect, partnership, and equity.

2

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 4d

President Preckwinkle joined Cook County officials, veterans, and community partners today at the County’s annual Veterans Resource Fair at Brookfield Zoo.

Cook County remains committed to ensure veterans and military families receive the support and resources they deserve.

1

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 5d

It's almost flu & COVID-19 season, which means it's time for my annual vaccines.

Vaccines have saved millions of lives. When we choose to vaccinate, we are choosing health, safety & community. I encourage everyone to consult with a trusted health professional about vaccinations.

3

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

4

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

4 10

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

And a special thanks to my chief of staff, Lanetta Haynes Turner, for her incredible leadership. Thanks to our bureau chiefs — Zahra Ali, Tanya Anthony, Xochitl Flores, Liz Granato, Velisha Haddox, and Tom Lynch.

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

To our commissioners — thank you for your constant leadership and collaboration. Together, we will work on this budget so it reflects our shared values and meets the needs of every resident.

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

To our residents: I say to you, stay engaged. Testify at our hearings. Help us ensure these investments reach the communities that need them most.

1

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

To our employees: thank you. From nurses to engineers, caseworkers to clerks, department heads to janitors & all of our union workers, you make government work.

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

This budget protects healthcare. It strengthens public safety. It invests in technology. It embraces radical collaboration and strengthens economic opportunity. And it’s built on a foundation of fiscal strength that allows us to be innovative – even in times of uncertainty.

4

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

Our $15M Homeowner Relief Fund will assist homeowners who have experienced a 30% or more increase in property taxes in recent years w/ a one-time assistance payment of $1K.

Applications are open & the deadline has been extended to 10/31 to ensure that all impacted homeowners get a chance to apply.

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

We're also putting residents at the center of our development decisions.

Through our Transforming Places initiative, in partnership with United Way, We are empowering residents in 8 communities—including Harvey, Robbins, Ford Heights & Park Forest— to identify and advocate for their unique needs.

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

Through our Small Business Source program, we continue to invest in programs that strengthen small businesses.

Since 2020, we've distributed $67M in grants to businesses w/ 20 employees or fewer. Over 16k businesses have been directly served.

2

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

Strong partnerships are how we turn ideas into real change. Government alone cannot solve the complex challenges facing our communities.

We’ve called our approach radical collaboration.

1

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

Through our Project Rainbow initiative, I’m proud to share that hundreds of no-cost scholarships for Google Career Certificates will soon be made available.

These online courses prepare adult learners for high-demand jobs like data analytics, cybersecurity, project management & more.

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

When I first came into office, the technology we had was outdated and didn’t serve the employees or residents of Cook County.

So, we took on the arduous task of modernizing all our technology platforms. This includes retiring a 50-year-old mainframe.

1

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

Since 2016, the combined budgets of our public safety offices have grown from about $1B dollars to nearly $1.8B.
These investments show how Cook County continues to adapt—putting resources where it’s needed most, while modernizing our approach to public safety and justice.

1

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

This is all to say that public safety cannot—and will not—be achieved through enforcement and incarceration alone.

2

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 6d

Through the Government Alliance for Safe Communities, led by my office, our region maximized federal relief funds to invest more than $350M in community safety. Cook

County alone has invested over $110M in Community Violence Intervention & other prevention strategies.