Cook County Releases Results of Environmental Justice Survey

Public input will guide County environmental justice policymaking

Today Cook County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) released its Environmental Justice Survey Report summarizing the results of an online environmental justice survey that was launched in June 2024. 

The survey encouraged those who live and work in Cook County to share their concerns about environmental impacts on their communities. The County sought the feedback to help inform their work to establish an environmental justice policy which will be used to guide programming and policy decision-making across the Offices Under the President. 

Environmental justice is a key component of DES’ mission as well as one of the objectives of the Cook County Policy Roadmap and its Sustainable Communities pillar, which focuses on advancing environmental justice by investing equitably across the County to address historic disinvestment and inequitable pollution overburden. Responding to the compounding effects of environmental inequities and preparation for additional challenges resulting from climate change are crucial aspects of the County’s Policy Roadmap. 

In June, Cook County launched an online environmental justice survey encouraging those who live or work in Cook County to share their concerns about environmental impacts on their communities. The survey drew 1,158 responses. The Cook County Environmental Justice Survey Report, released today, summarizes the survey results. 

Topics report addresses include:

• environmental justice issues people are most concerned about, such as access to clean drinking water, safe and healthy housing and access to healthy food
• differences in concerns between geographic regions of the County
• a map illustrating where survey responses originated by zip code
• top suggestions as to what the County should be doing to address these environmental justice issues, focused on categories such as regulation, industry, transportation, community involvement, disinvested communities, flooding and more

“Establishing an environmental justice policy is a priority for my administration and feedback from our residents is vital in ensuring that those who are impacted by our policies have a real voice in helping to shape them," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "The County's dedication to environmental justice work showcases our commitment to lead with policy that puts compassion and equity first."

The County will release a public draft of the policy in early 2025, followed by opportunities for comment at public town hall meetings and a second survey. 

“As an environmental engineer, environmental justice is always top of mind for me. Communities of color have been overburdened by the effects of industrial waste, lead, pollution, food insecurity and heat,” said Environment and Sustainability Chair Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen. “Since residents know best how to improve their community, I am thrilled to see the environmental justice survey responses released. It’s clear that people want and deserve green spaces, clean drinking water, access to healthy and local food, and a resilient and sustainable future.”

“This survey illustrates that fighting climate change and advancing environmental justice is a priority for Cook County residents from flooding and clean water to housing and access to healthy food,” said Environment and Sustainability Committee Vice-Chair Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita. “These are environmental issues and these are equity issues. These results call for a robust and multifaceted approach to environmental justice for Cook County.”

The creation of an environmental justice policy was requested in the Cook County COVID-19 Response Plan, the Cook County Equity Fund Taskforce recommendations and in Cook County Board Resolution 23-1092. 

For more information about Cook County’s environmental justice policy, please click HERE.