Major Goals 

GENERAL

1.   Cook County has an informed participating citizenry aware of the services that the County provides. Cook County responds quickly to citizen inquiries.

2.   Cook County employees are a valued resource. The County fosters a climate where staffs support team efforts, focus on positive solutions and assume responsibility for team results.  The County recognizes individual and team achievement and the environment promotes service excellence with ongoing training programs, fair pay, and opportunities for personal growth for all employees. 

3.   Cook County departments provide cost-effective courteous services in user friendly environments with enhanced information access.

4.   Cook County has a healthy infrastructure.  Its facilities, highways and equipment are well planned, built and maintained.

5.   Cook County has state-of-the-art information systems. Common information is shared through networks throughout the County in a manner that restricts access to data when necessary but insures access when needed. Users have confidence in the systems and their information needs are expeditiously addressed. Forms and information are readily available to the public through the internet.

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

6.   Cook County’s alliances and partnerships with public and private sector organizations enable us to attract and retain businesses creating sustainable wage jobs in globally competitive industries, bolstering the County’s economic base.

7.   Cook County’s neighborhoods are vibrant. All citizens, particularly seniors and growing families, have access to quality affordable housing through home ownership, rental,housing rehabilitation and community development program opportunities.

8.   Cook County government fosters a cost-effective, cooperative and inclusive regional approach to economic growth.

PUBLIC SAFETY

9.  Citizens of Cook County have control of their neighborhoods and feel safe.

10. Cook County youth expect a fulfilling future and are not lured into a life of crime.

11. Cook County attacks the roots of crime through progressive approaches to crime prevention, rehabilitation and corrections.

12. Citizens of Cook County receive timely justice including court services, counsel, guardianship, and victim assistance when appropriate.

13. Cook County’s facilities are accessible, structurally sound, and secure.

 HEALTH

14. Cook County citizens receive public health care in a user friendly, neighborhood-based setting with an emphasison prevention and maintenance.

15. The citizens of Cook County have access to state-of-the-art premier health care facilities. 

FINANCE

16. Cook County government is financially sound and has an investment grade bond rating.

17. Cook County has a revenue stream that is increasingly independent of the real estate tax.

18. Cook County’s fees are based upon the cost of service provided. The County contains costs within the growth rate of the overall economy.

19. Cook County government has cost effective, efficient management systems that foster accountability and process improvement.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

20. Cook County creates partnerships with state and local governments, businesses, civic groups and foundations to address regional issues.

21. Cook County effectively uses the legislative process at all levels to control cost, broaden its revenue sources and improve the lives of its citizens.

22. Cook County acquires and shares information on new techniques and best practices through national and international networks