December 10, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
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As we wind down 2021, it is important to note how far we have come this year in Lake County. We have gone from lockdowns last year due to Covid to everything opening up and families being able to move forward. I want to thank everyone in our area for doing their part with vaccinations and masking and helping to keep our area safe and healthy. Lake County recently surpassed handing out 1 million vaccines. We are one of the leading counties in Illinois for vaccine distribution. I urge everyone 18 and over to continue getting your booster shots. I also urge all parents to get your children vaccinated as soon as possible.
The pandemic has also afforded the county some additional funds to be used for many project needs including additional housing and infrastructure necessities around the county. I continue to push for key projects that will help benefit the constituents in our area.
I am also serving on the Route 53 Task Force Committee that will work to delegate land uses for parcels that were set aside for a proposed Route 53 extension. This committee is set to launch shortly. I am representing the desires of many in our area to preserve much of the land as open space as well as the needs of the Stormwater Management Commission. After many years of no movement on this issue, it is time for some decisions to be made on the outcome of the land parcels involved.
I am wishing everyone very happy holidays and a healthy and peaceful new year!
Best,
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Adults Ages 18 and Older Are Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Dose
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters for all adults, age 18 and older. Any adult, age 18 and older, who has received their second dose at least six months ago is eligible to get a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 booster shot. If eligible, visit Vaccines.gov to schedule an appointment near you.
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Lake County Providers Administer Over 1 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine
Lake County vaccine providers have administered over 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Lake County residents. According to data provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health, more than 69% of eligible Lake County residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 60% are fully vaccinated.
With over 200 vaccination sites throughout Lake County, residents are encouraged to explore their options for vaccination. Many providers, pharmacies, and community clinics offer appointments and walk-ups for both first and second doses as well as booster shots. Learn more
COVID-19 Helpful Links
Lake County Government News
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Reapportionment Plan Receives Committee Approval, Goes to Board
The Lake County Board reapportionment plan, which details the boundaries of the proposed 19 County Board districts, was approved by the Reapportionment Committee at its Nov. 30 meeting. During the meeting, the committee reviewed the public comments submitted, the proposed final map, and an ordinance that establishes the compensation for the Board.
The reapportionment plan will next be brought to the County Board for approval. State law requires the County Board approve an updated district boundary map no later than Dec. 31, 2021. Watch the full meeting discussion
County Focuses on Immediate Needs, Long-term Investments After Pandemic
The Financial and Administrative Special Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery and Investment met on November 19 to continue the County’s efforts to address distribution of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to assist the County through the pandemic. Lake County is reviewing how to address immediate needs and looking at long-term investments such as household assistance and infrastructure. The Committee will plan further conversations to address public health, economic and business initiatives, and internal county operations. Watch the full meeting discussion
Winter Weather is Coming! Prepare Yourself So You’re Safe
Love it or hate it, winter weather is pretty much here. Prepare for the cold weather by preparing your home and creating an emergency supply kit for your car before the snowflakes start falling and the temperatures keep dropping. Learn more
Use Lake County PASSAGE to Know Before You Go
Prepare yourself and ease your drive, whether it’s to work, shopping or that upcoming holiday gathering by knowing the road conditions before you leave home. Make Lake County PASSAGE your go-to resource before you hit the roads. See the latest road conditions.
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Get Help
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. 211 is multilingual with English and Spanish speaking staff and interprets more than 150 other languages. Learn more
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Additional Resources
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Rental Assistance: Lake County’s program for renters provides needed relief to those who need help making past-due or current rent and utility payments. Learn more
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Food for Families in Need: Northern Illinois Food Bank operates a traveling food pantry that delivers nutritious food directly to those in need and coordinates pop-up food markets across Lake County. Find food
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Help for Veterans: The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County can help veterans and their families with a variety of issues, including financial help, survivor spousal benefits, burial arrangements and more. Call them at 847-377-3344.
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Mental Health Support: The Lake County Health Department offers a free, 24/7 confidential hotline for those experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use issue. Call 847-377-8088 any time. Learn more
Employment Resources
Health News
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Enroll Today for 2022 Health Insurance
Keep yourself and your family healthy in 2022. Open enrollment has begun for 2022 health insurance. View the important deadlines to know if you wish to enroll in health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Visit HealthCare.gov for more information about coverage. If you do not have a health care provider and are interested in receiving services from the Lake County Health Department, call 847.377.8000 to learn more.
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Transportation News
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Buffalo Grove Road Reconstruction Update
Buffalo Grove Road from Illinois 22 to Aptakisic Road is almost complete! Asphalt paving and pavement striping is now complete. This week, crews plan on finishing landscape restoration, removing barricades, and other miscellaneous cleanup work.
The Lake County Division of Transportation appreciates everyone’s patience throughout the construction season. We’re excited to say that all lanes of traffic are now open. Learn more about this project
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Metra To Install Ticket Vending Machines at Its Stations
Metra will begin installing ticket vending machines at every one of its 242 stations in the Chicago area beginning in 2022. This will eliminate cash sales of tickets onboard trains, while also making tickets easier and more convenient to purchase at the stations since many don’t have agents to sell tickets all day. This system will also have fare integration with CTA and Pace. Learn more
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Treasurer's Office News
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Donate A Toy to Join Treasurer’s Office Annual Toy Drive
Bring some cheer to local families this holiday season. Donate a new, unwrapped gift as the Lake County Treasurer's Office joins local state representatives to hold its Annual Toy Drive. Today is the final day to donate! All toys will be donated to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to distribute to agencies across the County. Learn more
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Property News
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Board of Review Completes All Assessment Appeal Cases for 2021
The Lake County Board of Review has completed all assessment appeal cases for tax year 2021. The Board's Clerk has mailed out decision letters, which represent the final decision on your assessment appeal before the Board of Review. You may appeal this decision to the State of Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board by filing a petition for review with the Property Tax Appeal Board within 30 days after the notice is mailed to you or your attorney. Forms are available here.
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Property Owners May Be Eligible for Flood Insurance Premium Discount
Property owners residing in unincorporated Lake County may be eligible to save an average of $297 a year on their flood insurance policies.
Currently, there are more than 851 flood insurance policies in unincorporated Lake County. Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program, residents within unincorporated Lake County – who meet certain requirements – are eligible for up 20 percent savings on flood insurance premiums. This results in a potential annual total savings of $252,519 overall for residents across the county. Property owners should contact their flood insurance agent to obtain individual savings information. Learn more
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Forest Preserves News
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Reservations Open for 2022
Snowmobile Safety Course
The Forest Preserve Ranger Police are holding a snowmobile safety education course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, at the Operations and Public Safety Facility in Lindenhurst. Completing eight hours of instruction and passing a written exam allows youth ages 12 and older to earn a state of Illinois Certificate of Competency so they can operate a snowmobile on their own. To reserve a spot in the free course, call 847-968-3404 from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.
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AAA Bond Rating
The Lake County Forest Preserve District was awarded the AAA bond rating by Moody’s Investors Service, one of the top credit rating agencies in the world. The importance of the AAA rating was highlighted recently, when the District sold a $14.9 million series of bonds to refinance $16.9 million of outstanding bond issues. The sale resulted in about $1.6 million in total savings in tax levies through 2033. The savings, passed onto taxpayers, are worth about $1.5 million in today’s dollars. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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Discover Some Fun this Holiday Season
Lake County is home to many holiday festivities, meet and greets with jolly old St. Nick, shopping sprees, delectable eats and more to enjoy with the family. Enjoy this jolly list from Visit Lake County of the top 10 holiday things to do in Lake County.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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All Lake County board and committee meetings can be viewed on lakecounty.tv and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). The public also is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda. |
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Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail. View the current meeting schedule.
All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website. Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including the video recordings and agendas:
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