In 2013, the Cook County Board of Commissioners made the decision to operate as an administrative form of government as defined in State Statute 375A.06. Prior to this, county department heads were assigned to individual commissioners who acted in a supervisory role. The previous approach resulted in inconsistencies in departmental oversight and the absence of a centralized view of operations... READ MORE >
In many ways, Cook County is a model of how to continue living and working during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the governor issued his stay-at-home order last spring, many Cook County lodging businesses closed even though this was not required. Businesses used the down time to develop plans and implement physical and process changes. The downtime also gave our medical... READ MORE >
At the Tuesday, March 24 board meeting, the Cook County Board of Commissioners took action to restrict public access to county government buildings during the Coronavirus outbreak. This resolution was the next logical step in protecting employees and the public as this highly contagious virus spreads across the state, nation and world. As stated last week in our County Connections... READ MORE >
Two weeks ago, Cook County department heads began the process of planning and preparing for the delivery of county services as we move through the current and emerging public health emergency, we all know as the Coronavirus or COVID-19. As your county government, we do this work with two primary goals in mind: 1) Keep our staff as safe and... READ MORE >
“Plan your work and work your plan.” – Margaret Thatcher As I reflect on the coming year, my thoughts are filled with ideas, challenges and opportunities, knowing that there are infinite solutions for any given problem and that no one person has all the answers. 2020 will be a year of planning for Cook County government. Defining a collective vision... READ MORE >
Much of government work is transactional, process oriented and some days downright mundane. But within this structured framework, there is always the opportunity for creativity, collaboration and leadership to improve the way we deliver services. 2019 has been an eventful year filled with opportunities and challenges, some of which are highlighted below. Long Term 2019 saw two long-term initiatives/issues finally... READ MORE >
A few weeks ago, quietly, and without fanfare, a new ARMER (Allied Radio Matrix Emergency Response) tower went online on the eastern shore of Seagull Lake. The outcome of this project is a significant improvement in Public Safety emergency radio communication at the end of the Gunflint Trail. The solution resolved a major service gap and did so with a... READ MORE >
