Lake County Government News  

Lake County continues its work to allocate nearly $136 million in federal funds to support residents, communities, businesses and governmental services following the COVID-19 pandemic as the nation observes the two-year anniversary of the American Rescue Plan Act.

To date, Lake County has committed approximately $90 million to address pandemic response needs such as food distribution, housing programs, long-term initiatives to improve water quality, mental health support services, workforce programs, and more. Learn more

Lake County renters who faced financial hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for the Lake County Rental Assistance (LCRA) Program, which provides financial assistance to individuals to help pay rent. The application period runs through April 14.

Eligible households may receive up to six months of assistance with rent. This can include up to one month of future rent. Households that have previously received more than six months of total assistance from programs like the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program and LCRA Program will not be eligible.  Learn more

The Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund provides up to $60,000 in mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners, paid directly to the servicer, taxing body or other approved entity. Applications are now being accepted for assistance.

Homeowners are encouraged to attend a webinar. These sessions will provide a roadmap to follow to make the application process more efficient.

Learn more, including a list of upcoming webinars

Lake County held a webinar to inform vendors and businesses about contracting and subcontracting opportunities with Lake County. The webinar recording is now available to view online: 

Watch webinar recording 

Vendors and businesses are encouraged to watch the webinar recording to learn about the three-step process to work with Lake County, upcoming projects and procurement opportunities, how businesses can work with Lake County, and various initiatives and programs including job order contracting.

Health News

Is your pet a star and yearning for the spotlight? Your cat or dog can become our 2023 mascot, help the Lake County Health Department spread the importance of tick prevention and what pet owners can do to protect four-legged family members.

Submit your photo, including your pet’s name via Instagram DM, Facebook messenger or by email to healthcommunications@lakecountyil.gov by April 14. The new mascot will be named in early May.  

Election News

Early Voting
Early voting is available at sites across the county through April 3. Remember, voters can visit any early voting site, regardless where you live. Some sites offer extended hours including evenings and weekends.  View the early voting sites across Lake County or use the early voting site locator.

Where to Vote on Election Day

Neighborhood polling sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must use their assigned neighborhood voting site serving your address. Find your Election Day polling place by visiting Voter Power.

Learn More

Environmental News

Learn Composting Basics, Benefits and Beyond as the 2023 Garden Learning Series continues at 6 p.m. April 12. Learn why to compost, how to compost and how to use compost to make a positive contribution to your garden and our environment.

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, University of Illinois Extension and Lake County Forest Preserves are partnering to provide a series of programs through the year focused on promoting composting and food waste diversion in Lake County. Registration is free. Learn more

Recycle your bicycles, eyeglasses and shoes at the Green Living Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 15 at the University Center at the College of Lake County. 

This free, family friendly event will feature over 50 exhibitors focusing on environmentally sustainable practices, including environmental clubs from local high schools. There will be information provided about gardening, composting, renewable energy, conservation and more.

Public Defender's Office News

Earlier this month, Lake County recognized National Public Defender’s Day and the 60th anniversary of the Gideon v. Wainwright ruling that made the Public Defender's Office profession possible. In this landmark Supreme Court decision, justices unanimously ruled that defendants facing substantial jail time deserved legal representation in state courts, even if they could not afford to pay for counsel.

The first Public Defender in Lake County was appointed in 1972, which marked the creation of the Public Defender’s Office. Public Defender Joy Gossman is the first woman to be appointed to the role, and she has served the longest. The office now consists of 52 employees consisting of support staff, social workers, investigators, and attorneys, all who work together to serve the indigent accused in Lake County.

Learn more about the Public Defender Office

The Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court Office can assist you to apply for or renew your passport. Passport applications also are processed from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at their office in Waukegan. View application requirements, including fee information.

Forest Preserves News

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Chicago District received funding to restore native habitats and improve ecosystem services in the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed. The Lake County Forest Preserves is a partner in this project, which will take place at Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch. 

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin announced that $11 million in earmark funding will address ecosystem restoration and mitigate flooding along 67 miles of the river in Lake and Cook counties. 

This funding will allow the Corps, in coordination with the Lake County Forest Preserves, to restore Pollack Lake, also known as Timber Lake, and Hastings Creek wetlands. The 421-acre site was modified to support decades of agricultural use. This project will restore the site's natural hydrology, which will have local and down-stream benefits. Learn more »

After missing for five days, a red-tailed hawk, used for education programming, was found near its home at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods on Tuesday, March 14. He escaped from his home when it was vandalized.

“The entire education staff is thrilled that our education hawk has been recovered safely, knowing how challenging it must have been for him since he is severely limited with flight,” said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. “The hawk, as an education ambassador, provides the opportunity for program participants to learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, food webs and more while admiring an animal that could not survive without our help.” Find details » 

The Bess Bower Dunn Museum is conducting a survey for museum-goers. “The survey will provide staff with data from our visitors as well as nationwide results for context, helping us be more effective in the communities we serve,” said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. “We want to know how we can support and engage visitors in 2023 and beyond.”

The American Alliance of Museums is sponsoring the survey that takes about nine minutes to complete. There is an opportunity for participants to win one of ten $100 Visa gift cards. Take survey »

Lake County COVID-19 Update  

• Find a Vaccine 
• Find a COVID-19 testing location  
• Illinois Vaccine Administration Data 
• Lake County Coronavirus Data Hub 

Get Help

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. Speak to a person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more 

The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers. Watch this video to learn more about the virtual and onsite resources that are available to all job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the full Job Center calendar to learn about various upcoming events and resources.   

Check Hire Lake County
Check Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.

Community Events and News

As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, Visit Lake County highlights those entrepreneurs, makers and creative minds that have inspired women from Lake County and beyond. These quintessential, women-owned boutiques and supply shops give Lake County its personality and character. Check out Visit Lake County’s list.

Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings