All Week Long
Originally published by Sam Lounsberry via The Real Deal | October 19, 2025
Shortly after banning ICE action on public property, Cook County Board President laments Chicago’s suppressed housing development
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is displaying some familiarity with an old real estate adage: possession is nine-tenths of the law. The county owns a lot of land, and she made a move Thursday that could characterize federal agents as trespassers, should they engage in certain immigration enforcement activity.
A few hours after Preckwinkle signed an executive order banning ICE operations on county property, she again touted the capacity of real estate dealmaking to shape politics, albeit in a much different arena.
The takeaway: Preckwinkle understands how to wield real estate as a tool for creating, maintaining and checking power.
Originally published by Damon R. Sheffield via Hoodline Chicago | October 21, 2025
Cook County's commitment to sustainability and environmental justice has taken a significant leap forward with the appointment of a new leader in the fight against climate change. Dr. Suzanne Malec-McKenna was named the new director of the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES), according to an announcement made by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. With over three decades of experience under her belt, Malec-McKenna's tenure is poised to drive meaningful advancements not only for the environment but also for the historically under-resourced communities within the county.
In her previous roles, Malec-McKenna managed a series of initiatives that have shaped Chicago's environmental landscape. "Her decades of experience and dedication to public service are vital to ensuring sustainability and environmental justice throughout our County," President Preckwinkle said, "and specifically in some of our most under-resourced communities," according to a Cook County press release. Malec-McKenna's varied experience spans the gamut from climate mitigation to workforce development and urban forest management.
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.