Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (12/22)

December 22, 2023

Editor’s note: There will be no Illinois Insights next week. Updates will resume on January 3, 2024. 

ILLINOIS

Cook County publishes second Policy Roadmap 

On Thursday, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle released the Policy Roadmap 2024-2027: Four-Year Strategic Plan for Offices Under the President – a strategic plan to guide legislative and administrative actions over the next four years.

The Policy Roadmap 2024-2027 is an update to the original roadmap published in 2018 and focuses on the same six priority areas: health and wellness, economic and community development, safety and justice, climate resiliency, public infrastructure and technology, and good government.

A town hall meeting  with Board President Toni Preckwinkle will take place sometime in the coming weeks to allow county employees in the Offices Under the President to ask questions and learn more about the plan.

A full press release can be found here.

| AROUND THE STATE

New Illinois laws 2024: Full list of laws taking effect Jan. 1

“More than 300 new Illinois laws will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Here’s a look at some of the highlights of the new laws that take effect on New Year’s Day. You can click here to see a full list of Illinois’ new laws in 2024,” by ABC 7 News.

Republicans select Nicole La Ha as 82nd District representative

“Republicans in the southwest suburbs selected Nicole La Ha to be the new state representative for the 82nd House District Thursday. La Ha is the third person to hold the seat since the start of 2023. Lemont Mayor John Egofske resigned from the House earlier this month after a brief stint in the General Assembly,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Ex-Ald. Ed Burke convicted on 13 of 14 counts at landmark federal corruption trial; jury convicts one co-defendant and acquits the other

“Seven weeks ago, officials at Chicago’s federal courthouse used brown butcher paper to cover up large hallway displays highlighting infamous political corruption cases, featuring names like Walker, Ryan, Blagojevich and Vrdolyak. On Thursday, a federal jury added another name to that inglorious roster: Edward M. Burke,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago plans to borrow over $1 billion as it weans itself off TIFs

“The move would be a remarkable shift in how the city pays for and subsidizes development projects. The bond issuance would begin the process of Chicago weaning itself off the special tax districts created in the last three decades to incentivize development,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Leadership Appointments To City Of Chicago Departments Of Transportation, Water Management And Human Resources

“Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of Tom Carney as commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), Sandra Blakemore as commissioner of the Department of Human Resources and Alfonzo ‘Randy’ Conner Jr. as commissioner of the Department of Water Management,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Plan Commission OKs apartment-to-hotel room conversion for some units at Fulton Market complex, receives update on mixed-use Garfield Ridge development

“The Chicago Plan Commission held its final meeting of the year Thursday and approved a proposed amendment to a Fulton Market planned development and heard a presentation on the next phase of a previously approved planned development in Garfield Ridge,” by The Daily Line.

If you have any questions regarding this update or if you’re interested in ways to engage on these issues, please contact one of our team members here.

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

Explore Articles and News

See All News