Saturday, April 27, made for a snowy - albeit successful - debut at #Team14's first Northfield Township Democratic Mini-Convention. The Northbrook Public Library housed a robust crowd of engaged citizens, who heard updates on key local legislation.
A report of Commissioner Britton's 146 days in office focused on achievements in community development. In addition to passing legislation to raise the age of sale of tobacco to 21, Commissioner Britton was a supporter of the opening of Cook County Health and Hospital's Arlington Heights Health Center. The opening of the center is a major step toward health equity and parity that all Cook County residents deserve.
Tax incentive reform is another pillar of community development that has seen attention on the county board level. Commissioner Britton was a co-sponsor of a unanimously passed ordinance amendment that looks to reform commercial property tax incentives. Led by Commissioner Donna Miller, this legislation seeks to give municipalities tools to notify the Assessor's Office if properties receiving tax incentives haven't progressed with the sale, lease or development of said property.
A third critical aspect of community development is housing. The April board meeting saw the passage of Commissioner Brandon Johnson's Just Housing Ordinance. This common-sense legislation protects renters from being discriminated against solely because of past arrest records, and will go a long way in reducing homelessness and recidivism in Cook County. Another avenue for supporting underserved families and individuals is supportive housing. Most recently, a HOME Investment Partnership loan passed the County Board, loaning $800,000 toward the construction of a 44 unit development known as Spruce Village in Palatine.
Also in attendance was Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Commissioner Cam Davis, Rust Belt Rising Executive Director Daniel Biss, and other elected officials.