Cook County Launches “Community Voices” Survey and Events to Help Prioritize American Rescue Plan Programs

Fri, 08/02/2024 - 12:00

Under the leadership of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County is launching a community engagement series to help determine which American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) programs to continue once funding runs out in 2026. From the week of August 1 through September 13, the County will be sharing a community survey and holding a series of community events to gather input into its priorities.

With major programs such as the Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot, the Medical Debt Relief Initiative and Violence Prevention grants currently funded through ARPA, community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on which programs the County should continue in the long run. Altogether, there are over 70 ARPA programs, but many of those were meant to be short-term, focusing on pandemic recovery.

ARPA, the largest investment in local communities since the New Deal, has also offered an opportunity to invest in long-term initiatives that can have a transformative impact on local communities.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to invest in our communities,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “When we devised our programs, we engaged tens of thousands of Cook County residents in the process, and as a result, we have some of the most innovative programs in the country.”

The County seeks to continue the groundwork laid by the community in the first round of ARPA engagement surveys and town halls. This round will focus on which programs to continue long-term.

“We greatly support community members participating in this important process,” said Mykel Selph, Deputy Chief of Staff for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Taking a short survey or joining a local town hall will shape the future of Cook County and will have a lasting impact on our community.”

All community members are encouraged to participate in the survey by visiting arpa.cookcountyil,gov/survey. It’s available in six languages. Community members can also participate in town halls, which will be shared on the same website as they become available.