The Lake County Health and Community Services Committee discussed the potential effects of the federal government shutdown on funding to provide County services at the October 7 meeting. Representatives from Lake County Community Development, Health Department and Workforce Development addressed the impact on their departments and providing services to residents. This is a summary from each department. Watch the meeting discussion to learn more.  

Community Development 
The impact of the federal government shutdown is being felt by Lake County Community Development (CD). With federal staff furloughed, day-to-day communications with the local Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Field Office have ceased. Thankfully, fiscal impacts have been minimal. Existing contracts with HUD are being honored, and CD maintains the ability to draw federally appropriated funds. The department is engaged in planning efforts to ensure that if the shutdown persists, disruptions in service will be minimal.  

Health Department 
The federal shutdown has been disruptive to the Lake County Health Department (LCHD), affecting meetings, calls and overall communication with both staff and clients. Fortunately, the Health Department has experienced minimal immediate impact on operations as they continue to draw down existing federal grants to maintain operations.  

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) have indicated that programs they support will continue for now; however, there is growing concern from IDHS about the continuation of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program beyond November.  Additionally, routine updates from the CDC regarding outbreaks and infectious diseases have been suspended during the shutdown. Broader concerns also remain about the ongoing political dispute over Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, which could result in as many as 9,800 County residents losing access to the ACA Marketplace.  

Workforce Development  
Workforce Development and the Job Center have not experienced a disruption in services and are continuing to serve job seekers and employers. The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded all active Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants and has been disbursing grant funds.  

As it relates to the WIOA going forward, the statute has expired, and Congress is still negotiating the framework and level of funding. Workforce Development is prepared for a transition period and remaining agile in responding to potential shifts in funding structure and program priorities. 

The Pumpkin Smash is an annual effort by the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and communities to divert pumpkins from landfills.  Bring your pumpkins, gourds, corn and other natural decorations. Pumpkins are 90% water and are full of nutrients, so they are great for our soil and can easily be composted.   

Check out all the collection dates this year. 

This year, Lake County Public Works (LCPW) is investing $15.3 million in a dozen projects that preserve, modernize and expand the water distribution and wastewater systems customers use every day. Major projects in 2025 include the Gages Lake Water Tower, Pekara Lake Michigan Water Connection, upgrades at the LCPW wastewater treatment plants and more.  

Watch this video and visit our website to learn more about the projects LCPW is working on.  

K9 Teams Excel at USPCA Region 19 Trials 

Construction continues at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda as part of a master plan to improve access, sustainability and visitor experience. Several new features are open, including a 1.6-mile paved loop and fishing pier. 

More improvements are on the way through 2027. Once complete, Lakewood will be better equipped to serve visitors for generations to come. Read More » 

The Lake County Forest Preserves’ Board of Commissioners approved a balanced budget for 2026, described as “razor thin.” The plan focuses on protecting land and connecting people to nature while keeping property taxes well below 2009 levels.  

Spending is down 22.8% from last year, reflecting reduced capital costs and continued fiscal discipline. Funded in part by the 2024 voter-approved referendum, the budget supports restoration, access, sustainability and public safety while maintaining a top Aaa Moody’s bond rating. Learn More » 

If you need help finding food, healthcare, shelter, or other services, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. Speak to a live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 languages. The service is free and confidential.   

Learn more about 211, the free, confidential one-step resource that connects Lake County residents to the services they need.