All Week Long
Originally published on abc7chicago.com 05/20/2024 | Photo: ABC7 Chicago
Family, friends and colleagues of former Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough gathered Monday to remember and honor her legacy.
The 73-year-old politician died last month from undisclosed causes.
Monday morning was a time for people to share stories and remember Yarbrough as a trailblazer who loved serving people through politics, and left an impression on just about everyone she met.
At a special meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, everyone's thoughts were centered on Yarbrough, the former Cook County clerk, who was remembered for her years of dedicated public service.
"If you spent more than about 10 or 15 minutes with her, you left with an assignment; you left with something to do," 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin said.
Yarbrough served as a state lawmaker, then recorder of deeds and finally as county clerk.
She was remembered as a trailblazer and a blunt talker.
"I want to thank her for her personal friendship and advice, which she was always quick to give. As many of you know, she didn't bite her tongue," Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle said.
Originally published on westcooknews.com 05/16/2024
The Cook County Board of Commissioners has given the green light to two pilot programs aimed at bolstering affordable, quality housing. The Bureau of Economic Development will roll out a $3 million down payment assistance initiative and a $12 million program for the construction of single-family modular homes in needy communities. These projects will be funded by money received through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle stated, “These two programs will help provide quality, single family homes to Cook County residents who need help the most. This new down payment assistance pilot will help home buyers navigate a grueling housing market, and our modular homes will inject an array of new housing in communities that have been historically disinvested.”
The down payment assistance program is set to launch in early June. It offers subsidies of $20,000 or 5 percent of the home purchase price, whichever is less. Eligibility is determined by income or location of the property. Buyers looking to purchase in a Disproportionately Impacted Area are automatically eligible. Elsewhere, those earning up to 120 percent of the county’s median income qualify.
Properties eligible for this program include single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses which must serve as the applicant’s primary residence. Both first-time and repeat buyers throughout Cook County who meet these criteria may apply.
Paid for by Preckwinkle for President. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board's official website, http://elections.il.gov/, or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois. All contributions are reported to the State Board of Elections. Contributions are not accepted from employees of Cook County. Companies holding contracts with the Cook County are limited to $750.
Political contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes.