February 27, 2026
Lake County Government News
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Advocating for Locally Focused Federal Policies
I recently traveled with members of the Lake County Board and staff to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference, where county leaders from across the nation met with members of Congress and federal agency officials to advocate for federal policies that directly impact local communities.
During the Telecommunications and Technology Policy Steering Committee meeting, I presented a resolution focused on the importance of protecting local decision-making in determining how artificial intelligence (AI) is developed and regulated in local communities. The resolution was ultimately passed by the Committee.
Summer Youth Employment Program Application Period Opens
It’s almost time to apply to join the Lake County Summer Youth Employment Program.
Funded by the Lake County Board, this program will provide meaningful work experiences in various worksites for about 175 young people this summer.
Read the Qualifications
Apply at the Job Center of Lake County Website Beginning March 1
Coalition Unveils Comprehensive Housing Action Plan
A coalition of more than 175 leaders recently gathered in Lake County to unveil a comprehensive Call to Action designed to address the county’s shortage of more than 16,000 homes.
The Housing Lake: Call to Action provides a diverse collective of leaders throughout Lake County, which includes municipalities, developers, employers, nonprofits and more, with a roadmap to expand housing options for working families, seniors and young professionals.
$380M Expansion Strengthens County’s Life Sciences Leadership
AbbVie’s $380 million investment to build two new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facilities at its North Chicago campus will bring 300 new jobs to Lake County and reinforce the County’s role in producing the medicines and technology of tomorrow.
Digital Growth Initiative News
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Learn with Northstar and Earn a Laptop
The Lake County Digital Growth Initiative (DGI) is hosting a laptop distribution event for residents who meet certain requirements and have completed Northstar Digital Literacy learning at a participating site.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Lake County Central Permit Facility, 2nd Floor Conference Room #220, 500 W Winchester Rd., Libertyville
To attend the event and qualify for a laptop, residents must:
- Live in Lake County and meet certain eligibility requirements
- Be enrolled in Northstar at a participating site
- Complete three Northstar Online Learning modules
- Pass three proctored Northstar assessments
Residents can enroll in Northstar Digital Literacy at partner sites, including the
- Community Center of Catholic Charities
- Family First Center of Lake County
- Highwood Library & Community Center
- Lake County Housing Authority
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
- Round Lake Area Schools District
- Waukegan Public Library
To learn more and enroll in a course, reach out to the DGI at (847) 377-3442 or broadband@lakecountyil.gov
County Clerk's Office News
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Grace Period Registration for March 17 General Primary Election
If you are not currently registered to vote at your Lake County address, you can still register for the March 17 General Primary Election. Here’s how:
Online
Register at ova.elections.il.gov through March 1 with a valid Illinois Driver’s License or State ID. Online registration is unavailable March 2 to 19.
DMV
Register at the Department of Motor Vehicles while using their services through March 1.
Grace Period Registration
Register and vote the same day at these locations:
Go to the County Clerk’s Office website to learn more about grace period registration and more information regarding the March 17 General Primary Election.
Forest Preserve News
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Board Approves Lakewood Land Purchase
The Lake County Forest Preserves' Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of 29.4 acres to expand Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.
The Forest Preserves will pay $2.1 million for the property, strengthening wetland connections and protecting habitat for rare and endangered species. The acquisition supports long-term conservation goals and keeps the land open for future generations. Learn More »
Mshkodé Forest Preserve Reflects Potawatomi Heritage
The Forest Preserves has named a new 119.9-acre preserve in Winthrop Harbor, Mshkodé (mish-coe-deh) Forest Preserve, a Potawatomi word meaning “prairie.” The name honors the land’s natural history and reflects consultation with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
The property along Lewis Avenue borders the Robert McClory Bike Path and will be restored to its natural state as planning and funding move forward, supporting long-term conservation and public access. Read More »
$1 Million Grant to Restore Gander Mountain
Congressman Brad Schneider visited Gander Mountain Forest Preserve in Antioch after securing a $1 million federal grant to complete ecological restoration at the 250-acre site near the Wisconsin border.
The funding will restore rare prairie, oak savanna and wetland habitats, improving conditions for endangered species and strengthening water quality in the Fox River watershed. There are no maintained trails or public parking areas at the preserve, and roadside parking along Wilmot Road can be dangerous. Learn More »
Veteran News
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Free VA Claims Help Is Available: Don’t Fall for “Claim Sharks”
Free help is available to Veterans and their families navigating VA benefits, but unaccredited claims representatives, also known as “claim sharks,” are on the rise. These predatory companies illegally charge Veterans tens of thousands of dollars for help with VA disability claims, often misrepresenting their services and exploiting loopholes to avoid accountability.
The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County (VACLC) and the Lake County Board support H.R. 1732, the GUARD VA Benefits Act, to hold these bad actors accountable. Andrew Tangen, Superintendent of the VACLC, will be going to Washington, DC to testify in support of this legislation.
Veterans should not be afraid to report these predatory actions or if they have entered a contract with these unaccredited representatives. The VACLC, in partnership with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, can work to ensure Veterans and their family members are not targeted by these companies and hold them accountable at the State level.
Look to my next County Board Member newsletter to learn more about this legislation.
Sheriff's Office News
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Kudos to Our K9s
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit concluded 2025 with a year marked by numerous deployments and continued dedication to public safety.
Throughout the year, K9 teams were deployed 485 times in support of patrol operations, criminal investigations, and specialized searches, contributing to 90 arrests and the successful location of 35 individuals, including endangered missing persons and criminal suspects.
Get Help
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Use 211 to Connect to Help in Lake County
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 live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages.
Learn more about 211, the free, confidential one-step resource that connects Lake County residents to the services they need.
Opportunities Start at the Job Center of Lake County
The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers.
Take a virtual tour to learn about the services the Job Center provides, and view the full Job Center calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.
Watch County Board and Committee Meetings
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The public is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County St., Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda.
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.
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