Bureau  of 
Economic Development                                                      
 Bureau e-newsletter                                                                            August 2018
Our New Bureau Chief

We are pleased to announce Jay Stewart has been confirmed by the Cook County Board of Commissioners as the new Deputy Bureau Chief for the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development. Prior to his appointment, he served as our Deputy Bureau Chief, largely responsible for operations and administration. Since 2016, he worked alongside Mike Jasso, our former Bueau Chief, until Mike left us to accept a position on the west coast.

Jay came to the County with extensive administrative experience in government. He served as the Director for the Division of Professional Regulation - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (2011 to 2016). He also worked in the Office of the Governor (2009-2011). Prior to serving in state government, Jay was the Executive Director for the Better Government Association (2004 to 2009).

Jay holds a J.D.(with honors) from the DePaul University College of Law, and a Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. When not at work, Jay enjoys camping, biking and hiking with his family.
HACC Announces $75 Million Investment to Improve Low-Income Housing in South Suburbs


The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) was joined by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle,Congressman Bobby Rush (to her left); Audra Hamernick, Executive Director, Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)  (to her right); Richard Monocchio, Executive Director, Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC); Joseph P. Galvan, Midwest Regional Administrator for the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); other elected officials and residents, to announce ongoing plans to improve affordable housing in four south suburban communities.

Construction has officially begun on exterior and interior infrastructure improvements at five low-income housing properties that include 556 housing apartments located in Harvey, Robbins, Chicago Heights and Park Forest.The $75 million project will consist mostly of senior and disabled units.The Richard Flowers family site in Robbins will receive most of the financing to rehabilitate the family complex and includes a new playground. The project is projected to be completed at the end of the year and will provide workforce development training to residents, education and job opportunities in the south suburbs.

Additionally, to support these projects, Cook County has invested $3 Million (part of a $12 Million, 2 year commitment to HACC), from their HOME Partnership and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs.
Manufacturing Jobs Exist. How Do We Fill Them?

A new study by the UIC Great Cities Institute and the Century Foundation found that there are two openings for every hire in manufacturing.The problem is the lack of qualified workers to fill those open positions, because there are not enough young people prepared with the right skills for jobs in today's manufacturing. Leaders met at UIC last month to try to figure out how to close the gap. Read the Chicago Tribune editorial  "Wanted: Workforce for 'The City That Makes Things'"  to learn more about this call to action.

Submitted by:Vanessa Uribe, Bureau staff

Cook County Receives Grants to Advance Community Based Projects

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Board of Commissioners have accepted annual grant awards from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support vital infrastructure, community services and economic development activities in Cook County. View full release .

This funding, pending HUD approval, will be used for projects that include infrastructure improvements for communities and businesses. Support will also be provided for shelters and services for veterans, the homeless, individuals with disabilities and other residents in need. 

Technology Enhances our Work

In order to enhance safety and efficiency within the incorporated parts of Cook County, our Department of Building and Zoning has been charting their progress with the on-line permitting system.
  
In December of 2016, 21% of total permits were paid online. As of December, 2017, 55% of total permits were paid online. As we move forward in 2018, we will continue to grow our success using technology to enhance our work for residents and businesses.

To find out more about our online permitting process, go to:

Bureau of Economic Development |Cook County, Illinois|  E-mail us at: [email protected]

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