Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced on June 22 a new partnership with United Way of Metro Chicago to launch the Transforming Places Pilot Program, a place-based investment strategy funded by $15 million from the Cook County Equity Fund and an additional $500,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The initiative marks the first major investment recommended by the Cook County Equity Fund Report, which aims to support community-driven and sustainable economic development in historically underserved neighborhoods. The pilot will back United Way’s Neighborhood Network Initiative, which focuses on resident-led neighborhood transformation.
“This first investment through the Equity Fund demonstrates our commitment to create more inclusive, sustainable, responsive and vital communities,” said President Preckwinkle. “Building up communities that have been historically left behind will require sustained, catalytic investments in people, businesses and the built environment. The Transforming Places Pilot represents our comprehensive, equitable approach to investment in underserved Cook County communities.”
The county’s funding will enhance United Way’s Neighborhood Network Initiative by coordinating resources and programs tailored to each neighborhood’s local plan. Each network is led by a “community quarterback,” an established agency that brings together organizations, leaders, and resources to develop a shared vision for affordable housing, education, family services, economic development, business ownership, arts and culture.
“We are thrilled to expand our reach and impact across the region in partnership with Cook County,” said Sean Garrett, President and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago. “Broadening our Neighborhood Network Initiative in additional suburban Cook County communities strengthens our commitment to building a more equitable Chicago region and, together, with our community partners, helping all neighborhoods and families thrive.”
United Way’s Neighborhood Networks currently include Auburn Gresham, Austin, Blue Island/Robbins, Brighton Park, Bronzeville, Cicero, Englewood, Evanston, Far South, Garfield Park, Little Village, South Chicago and West Chicago. More information about these efforts can be found at LIVEUNITEDchicago.org/neighborhood-networks.
The Cook County Equity Fund Taskforce continues its work to reimagine systems around justice, public safety, health care access and economic opportunity for Black and brown communities. The inaugural Equity Fund Report outlines financial commitments as well as recommendations for addressing structural barriers across Cook County.
