Join the Conversation: Share Your Voice on Cook County’s Environmental Justice Policy!

Join us for a town hall on January 21, and share your thoughts online!

Cook County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) wants to hear from you about its draft environmental justice (EJ) policy. This policy aims to address environmental issues faced by many communities in the area, particularly those that are low to middle income and communities of color.

Many residents have suffered from pollution and a lack of green spaces. These problems affect their health and overall quality of life. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle emphasizes the importance of feedback from residents to make sure this policy is effective and truly addresses past injustices.

If you live or work in Cook County, your input is vital. A public input form is available on the DES website until midnight on February 7, 2025. This is a great opportunity to make your voice heard. Check out the upcoming town hall meetings:

Tuesday, January 21 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Niles North High School
9800 North Lawler Ave
Skokie, IL 60077

Wednesday, January 22 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Cicero Public Library
5225 W Cermak Rd.
Cicero, IL 60804

Monday, January 27 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
South Suburban College
15800 State St.
South Holland, IL 60473

Wednesday, January 29 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual – Via Zoom
Register for the Zoom session here

Monday, February 3 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Malcolm X College
1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60612

To register for a town hall, click here.

For more information and to provide your feedback, visit Cook County’s Environmental Justice page.

Environmental justice aims to correct the historical unfair treatment of various communities when it comes to environmental issues. The new policy is part of a broader strategy to tackle these challenges and create a better future for everyone.