Cook County Board Approves $2.8M Budget Amendment

Cook County commissioners unanimously approved a $2.8 million budget amendment Tuesday evening that reallocates funds toward affordable housing initiatives, expanded mental health services, and critical infrastructure improvements across the county.

The amendment, which passed 17-0 during the board’s regular meeting at the county building downtown, redirects previously unallocated federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to address what commissioners described as urgent community needs identified over the past fiscal quarter.

The largest portion of the amendment, $1.2 million, will support the county’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, specifically targeting first-time homebuyer assistance programs in communities hit hardest by the pandemic’s economic fallout. Areas including South Shore, Austin, and Englewood are expected to see the most immediate impact from these funds.

“This investment represents our commitment to ensuring that working families can remain in their communities despite rising housing costs,” said Commissioner Monica Gordon, who chairs the board’s Housing Committee. “We’ve seen too many longtime residents priced out of neighborhoods they’ve called home for generations.”

An additional $900,000 will expand mental health services through the county’s existing partnership with community health centers. The funding will allow for extended hours at existing facilities and mobile crisis intervention units that can respond to mental health emergencies in underserved areas.

The mental health allocation comes as Cook County continues to grapple with increased demand for services following the pandemic. County health officials report a 34% increase in mental health service requests since 2020, with particularly acute needs in communities of color and among young adults.

The remaining $700,000 targets infrastructure improvements, with priority given to road repairs and traffic safety enhancements in unincorporated areas of the county. Several commissioners noted that harsh winter weather over the past two years has accelerated deterioration of county-maintained roadways.

Commissioner James Martinez, representing portions of the Southwest suburbs, emphasized the infrastructure component’s importance to his constituents. “These aren’t luxury improvements – we’re talking about basic safety measures like proper signage, pothole repairs, and intersection improvements that residents have been requesting for months,” Martinez stated.

The budget amendment process began in September when county staff identified approximately $4.2 million in unallocated ARPA funds that needed designation before federal spending deadlines. The Board of Commissioners held three public hearings to gather community input on spending priorities.

During those hearings, housing affordability emerged as the top concern among speakers, followed closely by mental health resources and infrastructure needs. More than 150 residents participated in the hearings, with many sharing personal stories about housing insecurity or difficulties accessing mental health care.

County Budget Director Sarah Chen explained that the amendment represents careful financial planning designed to maximize federal funding opportunities. “We wanted to ensure these dollars address immediate needs while also building capacity for long-term community stability,” Chen said during Tuesday’s meeting.

The housing trust fund portion will be administered through existing county programs, with applications expected to open within 60 days. Eligible first-time homebuyers can receive up to $25,000 in down payment assistance, with additional support for closing costs and home inspections.

To qualify, applicants must meet income requirements – typically 80% or below the area median income – and complete homebuyer education courses. Priority consideration goes to essential workers, including teachers, healthcare workers, and public safety personnel.

The mental health funding expansion will support three existing community health centers in adding weekend hours and extending weekday operations until 8 p.m. Additionally, two mobile crisis units will be deployed to provide immediate response capabilities in areas currently underserved by traditional mental health infrastructure.

These mobile units, staffed by licensed social workers and peer counselors, can respond to non-emergency mental health crises and connect individuals with ongoing services. Similar programs in other counties have shown success in reducing emergency room visits related to mental health episodes.

Infrastructure improvements funded by the amendment will focus on unincorporated areas where county government serves as the primary local authority. Projects include intersection improvements at several high-accident locations, pedestrian safety enhancements near schools, and repairs to county-maintained bridges.

County engineering staff have already identified specific projects based on safety assessments and resident complaints. Work is expected to begin in spring 2024, weather permitting, with completion targeted before the following winter season.

The amendment also includes provisions for community oversight, with quarterly reports required on all funded programs. Commissioners emphasized transparency in implementation, noting that federal funding comes with strict accountability requirements.

Public comment during Tuesday’s meeting was overwhelmingly supportive, with speakers praising the board’s focus on community-identified priorities. Several housing advocates noted that the trust fund expansion, while modest, represents an important step toward addressing the county’s affordable housing shortage.

The approved amendment brings Cook County’s current fiscal year budget to approximately $8.9 billion, with the majority of funds supporting healthcare services, criminal justice operations, and essential county services. Federal pandemic relief funds have provided crucial flexibility for addressing community needs beyond traditional county responsibilities.

Implementation of the amendment’s provisions begins immediately, with county departments expected to have programs operational within 90 days. Progress reports will be presented to commissioners monthly through the remainder of the fiscal year.