Building a Stronger 3rd District—Together

As we begin a new year, I am proud to welcome you to the first 3rd District newsletter of the year. This newsletter is one of the many ways my office stays connected with you, sharing timely updates, valuable resources, and important information that impacts our neighborhoods and families.

Our district is made up of resilient, hardworking residents, small business owners, community leaders, and families who continue to shape the strength and spirit of our community. My team and I are committed to making sure you have access to programs, services, and opportunities that support your well-being and help our district thrive.

Throughout this newsletter, you will find a variety of updates—from community events and public health information to economic opportunities and county resources designed to meet the needs of residents at every stage of life. We work diligently to ensure this information is clear, helpful, and relevant to you.

January marks a fresh start and a renewed commitment to service. As we move forward into the year, my office remains focused on advocacy, equity, and accountability, while continuing to listen to your concerns and uplift your voices.

Thank you for staying engaged, for supporting one another, and for being an essential part of the 3rd District. I look forward to another year of progress, partnership, and positive impact as we continue working together to build stronger, healthier communities.

Cook County FY2026 Budget: A Commitment to Stability, Equity, and Community Investment

On November 20th, the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a balanced $10.12 billion FY2026 Budget—a fiscal blueprint that reflects responsible stewardship, strategic investment, and deep care for the communities we serve. I am proud of the responsible and compassionate governance this achievement represents.

This year’s budget continues Cook County’s longstanding tradition of protecting taxpayers. It includes no new taxes, preserves all essential services, and upholds our remarkable record of no property tax levy increase since 1994. For nearly three decades, we have demonstrated that fiscal discipline and community-centered investments can not only coexist but thrive together.

Throughout the budget process, I emphasized that this plan reflects our unwavering commitment to more than 5 million residents who rely on Cook County’s health systems, safety-net programs, public safety efforts, and economic infrastructure.

Key Community Investments in the FY2026 Budget

Our priorities are clear—and they are reflected in the investments we are delivering:

• Over $40 million dedicated to combating domestic violence and strengthening community safety
• Expanded support for Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs
• Sustained funding for Cook County Health, behavioral health services, and the Forest Preserves
• Continued commitments to affordable housing, small business development, and working families
• Ongoing support for transformative initiatives such as the
• Homeowners Relief Fund
• Guaranteed Income programs
• Birthday Health Screening Program, which continues saving lives across Cook County

Leadership and Collaboration

I want to extend my appreciation to President Toni Preckwinkle, Chairman Daley, and all of my colleagues on the Board for their leadership throughout this year’s budget process. Together, we navigated federal uncertainty with prudent, forward-thinking solutions that safeguard critical services while keeping residents’ needs at the forefront.

Moving Forward

With this balanced budget, we reaffirm our commitment to equity, resilience, and responsible governance. Cook County is prepared not only to respond to federal cuts, but to continue uplifting families, strengthening neighborhoods, and investing in a future where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

You can read more about the FY2026 Cook County Budget here:

🔗 https://www.cookcountyil.gov/Budget

A balanced budget. No new taxes. Strategic, people-centered investments. This is what effective public service looks like.

Board Week: Honoring Service,

Commitment, and Legacy

Board Week is always a powerful reminder of what it means to serve the people of Cook County. During this time, we pause to honor individuals whose dedication, leadership, and commitment have shaped our county for years. These are the people who devoted their careers to public service, built meaningful relationships, and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to move our communities forward.

This week, we proudly recognized those who are retiring after years of service. Their careers are a testament to perseverance, collaboration, and purpose. While they may be stepping away from their formal roles, their impact will continue to live on through the work they’ve done, the systems they’ve strengthened, and the people they’ve inspired. We celebrate their next chapter and wish them continued success as they move on to bigger and better things.

Celebrating History, Family,

and the Power of Legacy

We also had the honor of acknowledging the legendary Harlem Globetrotters, and I was truly amazed by the story behind their formation and enduring history. Their journey is more than basketball, it is about resilience, innovation, and breaking barriers on a global stage.

At the heart of their story is family, and the importance of preserving history and legacy for future generations. Family is the foundation of our history and the key to how our stories are passed down. Dana London, you are doing an incredible job keeping that legacy alive and ensuring that the story of the Harlem Globetrotters continues to inspire audiences around the world.

Moments like these remind us why honoring service, history, and legacy matters. They connect our past to our future and reinforce the values that guide our work every day.

#CookCounty #BoardWeek #HonoringService #CommunityLegacy #TeamLowry

Celebrating Dr. King’s Birthday

and a Commitment to Care

I was honored to attend the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Celebration hosted by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a powerful gathering that reaffirmed the enduring relevance of Dr. King’s moral vision. This celebration was not only a moment of remembrance, but a call to responsibility, reminding us that leadership must always be rooted in service, justice, and action.

Dr. King’s birthday challenges us to live out his values, not simply admire them. In that spirit, I reflected on the importance of initiatives like the Birthday Resolution program, which ensures that individuals are recognized and honored during life’s most meaningful moments. Recognition is more than ceremonial, it is an affirmation of dignity, humanity, and belonging, values that must remain central to public service.

Advancing Health, Equity, and

Opportunity in Cook County

Health care remains one of the most critical issues facing Cook County residents. Access to quality, affordable, and equitable care is foundational to stability, opportunity, and community well-being. As Chair of the Health and Hospitals Committee, I remain committed to advancing policies and investments that protect patients, strengthen our health care system, and ensure every resident, regardless of zip code, receives the care they deserve.

The program was further elevated by an inspiring performance from the Leo Catholic High School Choir. Their excellence, discipline, and passion reflected the promise of the next generation and reminded us that when we invest in our young people, we invest in a future defined by leadership and possibility.

This celebration reaffirmed my commitment to serving Cook County with equity, compassion, and accountability. Dr. King’s legacy continues to guide my work, and I remain dedicated to honoring that legacy through meaningful action for the people we serve.

#DrKingBirthday #HealthCareForAll #BirthdayResolution #CookCountyLeadership

Building Brighter Futures for Our Youth and Families

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Knock Around Midnight Tour, and the experience left a powerful and lasting impression. Visiting A Knock At Midnight (AKAM) allowed me to see firsthand how deeply rooted this organization is in serving youth and families across Auburn Gresham, Englewood, West Englewood, and communities throughout Chicago.

During the tour, I met dedicated staff members and community leaders who are doing transformative work every single day—uplifting residents, strengthening families, and creating real pathways to opportunity. What stood out most was AKAM’s holistic approach. Their work goes beyond meeting immediate needs; it is about building long-term stability, self-sufficiency, and leadership within our neighborhoods.

AKAM’s impact is evident through the breadth and depth of its programs, including college readiness and academic support through Upward Bound, truancy and dropout prevention initiatives, and computer literacy programs that prepare young people for success. Their youth development efforts include after-school and enrichment programming focused on STEM, the arts, digital literacy, mentoring, and violence prevention. Workforce development programs offer job readiness training, financial literacy, and paid summer employment opportunities through initiatives such as One Summer Chicago. Families are supported through advocacy, counseling, and reunification services in partnership with DCFS, while community training programs provide life skills, parenting education, and prevention workshops that strengthen entire neighborhoods.

AKAM’s mission to empower individuals and families through education, skill-building, and positive engagement is exactly the kind of work that strengthens communities from the ground up. I am grateful for the opportunity to witness this work in action and remain committed to supporting organizations that are creating lasting, positive change across Cook County.

#TeamLowry #CommunityLeadership #YouthDevelopment #FamilySupport #ChicagoCommunities

Celebrate Your Birthday with the Gift of Health!

Cook County Health is giving the ultimate birthday gift – the gift of health! 🎉 Eligible Cook County residents can schedule free breast and prostate cancer screenings during their birthday month.

Here’s how it works:

✅ For Uninsured Residents: Screenings are provided at no cost.

✅ For Insured Residents: Screenings are billed to your insurance plan.

Who’s Eligible?

🩺 Breast Cancer Screening (Women, 40–74): Must not have had a mammogram in the past 2 years. Includes consultation, assessment, and follow-up.

🩺 Prostate Cancer Screening (Men, 45–69): Must not have had a prostate screening in the past 2 years. Includes consultation, assessment, and follow-up.

The Impact of Birthday Screenings

🎯 Mammograms & PSA Screenings: Nearly 22,000 screenings completed in 2025 – a 17% increase from last year.

🎯 Uninsured Patients: Birthday screenings resulted in a 54% increase in mammograms for those without insurance.

🎯 All Populations: A 17% increase in mammograms overall.

🎯 Breast Cancer Screening Goal: Among women aged 45–75, screenings now exceed the stretch goal at 62.5%.

🎯 Blood Pressure Screenings: Hypertension control (<140/90) is trending upward at 60%, surpassing goals.

Why Screenings Matter

Early detection saves lives by catching cancer before it causes serious problems. Even if you feel fine, screenings can help identify risks before symptoms appear.

🎥 Hear Commissioner Bill Lowry speak about the impact of his Birthday Resolutions initiative here: YouTube Link

SNAP Benefits at Risk: Resources to Help Families in Need

As the federal government shutdown continues, many households across the nation face uncertainty about their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Beginning November 1st, these vital benefits— which help millions of Americans put food on the table — may be at risk of interruption.

Here in Chicago, we’re committed to making sure families and individuals have access to the resources they need during this challenging time. The City of Chicago and community partners have mobilized to connect residents with food support and assistance programs.

If you or someone you know needs help, here’s where to start:

🍎 Food Assistance:

Call 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or visit 211metrochicago.org to find nearby food pantries and assistance programs.

You can also visit the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s updated pantry directory at chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/

🏪 Support for SNAP Recipients & Retailers:

The Illinois Retail Merchants Association offers guidance and resources for both shoppers and store owners at irma.org/snap

🍲 Help for Seniors:



The Seniors Home Delivered Meals Program (HDM) provides hot or frozen meals for older adults who are frail or homebound. To apply, call the City of Chicago Senior Services Information and Assistance Hotline at 312-744-4016 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM).

🧒 Support for Children:

The City’s early childhood education programs continue to offer healthy meals and snacks for children ages 0–5 during program hours.

💛 Community Partnerships:

The City also works with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to strengthen local food pantries, provide fresh produce to shelters, and ensure families can enjoy holiday meals through community service centers.

Please note: SNAP recipients may still use any remaining benefits from October during November, and WIC benefits will not be affected.

During times like these, community connection matters most. Let’s continue to look out for one another and share these resources with anyone who may need them.

Chicago’s Winter Overnight Parking Ban Is Now in Effect

What Drivers Need to Know from December 1 through April 1

As winter settles in, the City of Chicago has officially activated its annual Winter Overnight Parking Ban, a critical safety measure designed to keep main roadways clear for snow removal, emergency access, and safe travel during the snow and ice season. The parking restrictions help ensure that plows and emergency vehicles can move quickly and efficiently—especially during severe winter weather.

Beginning December 1 and continuing through April 1, drivers are reminded that parking is prohibited between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM on designated “Snow Route” streets, whether it snows or not. Signs are clearly posted along all affected roadways. Parking during these restricted hours will result in towing and a citation, so motorists are strongly encouraged to check signage carefully before leaving their vehicles overnight.

In addition to the overnight ban, the city enforces a separate rule during heavy snowfall. Parking is not allowed on marked Snow Routes whenever more than two inches of snow have accumulated, regardless of the time of day. This policy ensures that plows have the space needed to keep major streets passable and safe for residents, buses, and emergency responders.

If you believe your vehicle has been towed, you can call 311 or visit the City of Chicago’s website at www.cityofchicago.org

for assistance and to search “Find Towed Vehicle Information.”

As winter weather becomes more unpredictable each year, these measures play an essential role in protecting residents and keeping Chicago moving. Please plan ahead, watch for posted signs, and help keep our streets safe all season long.

Stay informed and engaged with the work of t

he Cook County Board of Commissioners.

This section gives you the opportunity to review recent Board meetings and see how policies, resolutions, and investments move forward to serve Cook County residents. From community initiatives to budget decisions and legislative actions, these meetings reflect the ongoing work being done on your behalf.

By revisiting past Board meetings, you can better understand how decisions are made, track issues that matter to you, and remain connected to the progress shaping our communities.

Featured in the News

I’m honored to have my work and community efforts highlighted in various news outlets. Each feature reflects the dedication, collaboration, and impact made through service in Cook County’s 3rd District. Take a look at some of the stories that showcase our continued commitment to uplifting our communities.

Watch Our Story on YouTube

Check out some of the amazing moments we’ve shared across Cook County’s 3rd District! From community events to powerful conversations, these videos highlight the people, partnerships, and passion that keep us moving forward. Grab a seat, hit play, and see the difference we’re making, together!