Cook County Hosts First “Community Voices” Meeting to Shape Future of American Rescue Plan Programs

Mon, 08/26/2024 - 12:00

Under the leadership of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County is set to kick off its “Community Voices” event series with the first of four community meetings this week. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 69 W. Washington, Chicago, IL 60602 (22nd Floor, Rooms G & H). Cook County residents are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts on which American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) programs should continue beyond 2026.

The August 28th event is an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions on the future of significant ARPA-funded initiatives like the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot, the Medical Debt Relief Initiative and Violence Prevention grants. This input will directly influence Cook County’s decisions about long-term priorities as ARPA funding winds down.

“Your voice matters,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This meeting is more than just a discussion - it's about shaping the future of our communities. We need everyone’s input to ensure that our programs continue to meet the needs of our residents for years to come.”

Over 70 ARPA programs have been implemented across Cook County, with some designed for short-term pandemic recovery and others aimed at creating lasting, structural change. This meeting will focus on gathering community feedback to prioritize which programs should continue into 2027 and beyond.

“Attending this first meeting is crucial,” said Mykel Selph, Deputy Chief of Staff for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Cook County Office of the President. “It’s an opportunity to make sure your voice is heard, and that Cook County’s future reflects the needs and desires of its residents.”

Residents can register for the August 28th event here.

Following this event, three additional regional meetings are scheduled:

Kennedy King College (South), 6301 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60621 – September 4, 2024, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Register here
South Suburban College (Far South), 15800 State St., South Holland, IL 60473 – September 5, 2024, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Register here
Harper College (Far Northwest), 1200 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine, IL 60067 – September 11, 2024, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Register here

For those unable to attend the meetings, residents are encouraged to share their feedback by completing the Community Voices survey, available in six languages at arpa.cookcountyil.gov/survey.