Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Governor JB Pritzker announced that alongside national nonprofit partner Undue Medical Debt, Cook County and the State of Illinois have successfully erased more than $1.5 billion in medical debt held by Cook County residents. The County has also committed to continuing to sustain this effort beyond the expiration of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in 2026, ensuring that medical debt relief remains part of its broader commitment to advancing health equity and economic stability for residents.

Cook County Board President, Assessor and Clerk announced today that First-Installment 2025 property tax bills have all been mailed by the Treasurer’s Office on schedule. They are also available online, and are due April 1. 

The on-time mailing affirms a dependable property tax calendar and provides certainty for homeowners, businesses and local governments across Cook County.

COOK COUNTY, IL – Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today the launch of Cook County Forging Growth, a new grant program designed to strengthen local casting and forging manufacturers, expand supply-chain opportunities and position the region’s industrial sector for long-term growth.

(Chicago, IL) Communities receiving higher levels of public investment in Community Violence Intervention (CVI) experienced increased services, stronger program participation and the largest public safety gains, according to a new 2025 impact report released today by the Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC).

Property owners face an important tax deadline in the coming weeks, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Treasurer Maria Pappas are encouraging residents to plan ahead and take advantage of available payment tools.

First Installment property tax bills for 2025 will be mailed by March 2 and will be due April 1, for nearly 1.8 million Cook County properties. That’s a month later than usual because we pushed lawmakers for the extension to give property owners some breathing room after second installment bills for 2024 were late. 

13-week program helps place veterans in tech industry jobs upon completion

Program offered by County's Animal and Rabies Control as part of National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month

Pet owners can bring their dogs and cats to participating veterinarians throughout Cook County to receive up to a $40 discount on spay or neuter services February 1 - 28. The County’s Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) is offering the spay and neuter program during February – Spay and Neuter Awareness Month.  

Chicago –The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has named Cook County Government a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the County’s continued leadership and commitment to closing the digital divide.

Cook County will experience extreme cold weather for several days starting Thursday morning. The National Weather Service has advised that wind chills will make it feel as cold as -35°F over the next several days. Extreme cold creates hazardous conditions for residents and their pets. The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control reminds residents to take special precautions to keep their pets safe. 

Cook County will experience extreme cold weather for several days starting Saturday evening. The National Weather Service has advised that wind chills will make it feel as cold as -10°F over the next several days. 

Cook County is opening warming centers in the north, west and south suburbs to help residents combat extreme weather conditions. The warming centers will  be open 24 hours beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, January 17 and will run continuously until 8 a.m. Wednesday, January 21.