Dear Neighbors,
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I am thrilled to share with you the news that Lake County has secured federal funding that will advance opportunities and make a real difference in our communities.
Among the projects that will receive funding are:
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Lake County Community Violence Intervention Project: Implement a community violence intervention program and expands services for victims and survivors to improve public safety and support affected residents
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North Chicago Police Radio Communications Modernization: Upgrades police radio communications to improve interoperability with surrounding agencies and strengthen emergency response capabilities.
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North Chicago Lead Service Line and Water Main Replacement: Replaces lead service lines and aging water mains to ensure residents have access to clean, safe drinking water.
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Lakeside Tower Rehabilitation: to rehabilitate Lakeside Tower, a 150-unit affordable multifamily building in Waukegan.
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Waukegan Park District Adaptive Recreation Project at Roosevelt Park: to build an inclusive, adaptive recreation space at Roosevelt Park for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Please read more news in this newsletter below, including more information about the federal funding that Lake County will be receiving towards local projects as well as the recognition the County received for our efforts to pave the way to digitally inclusive communities and news from the Lake County Clerk's Office about vote by mail guidelines.
Dr. Mary Ross-Cunningham
Lake County Board Vice-Chair
Lake County Board Member, District 9
View My County Board Member Web Page
Lake County Government News
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Funding Earmarked for Infrastructure and Housing Projects
Lake County is slated to receive more than $3 million in federal funding that will support two Lake County Public Works projects and one community development project aimed at strengthening water and wastewater infrastructure and affordable housing.
County Board Votes to Support Illinois RIFL Act Legislation
The Lake County Board voted on Tuesday, February 10, to legislatively support the Illinois Responsibility in Firearm Legislation (RIFL) Act, reaffirming the County’s commitment to supporting responsible firearm regulation.
The legislation has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly but has not yet been enacted into law.
County is Named Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named Lake County as a 2025 Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for its efforts to close the digital divide.
Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer is the NDIA’s highest honor for municipal, county and regional governments who are paving the way for digitally inclusive communities. It reflects the growing reality that affordable high-speed internet, digital devices and digital skills training are fundamental necessities for people and communities to fully participate and thrive in today’s world.
Calling All K-12 Students! Join the America 250 Art and Essay Contest
To mark America’s 250th anniversary, Lake County is inviting kindergarten through twelfth-grade students to participate in the K-12 Art and Essay Contest, “We the People: America Through My Eyes.”
The contest encourages students to explore what America means to them and express it through art or writing. It is among a variety of activities that the County has planned to celebrate America’s anniversary.
Lake County Celebrates 211 Day
The Lake County Board proclaimed February 11, 2026, as 211 Day, recognizing a vital resource that has connected hundreds of thousands of residents to critical services since its launch.
By dialing 211 or texting a ZIP code to 898-211, Lake County residents can connect with live, highly trained experts who help navigate callers to the resources they need. These services range from addressing food insecurity and housing challenges to finding health care, behavioral health services and much more.
Forest Preserves News
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Pollinators in the Spotlight
The Dunn Museum in Libertyville opens For the Love of Pollinators on February 14, a special exhibition that blends art, ecology and everyday action. Created with The Bee Collective, the exhibit features more than 30 sculptural works from around the world and highlights pollinators native to Lake County, including the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee.
The exhibition, which runs through May 31, explains the role pollinators play, their long history with plants and easy steps people can take to support them.
Learn More »
Turn Time Outside Into a Job
The Forest Preserves is hiring for a variety of temporary positions that support some of the county’s most popular places and get you working outdoors. Openings include marina attendant, guest services, food and beverage, golf course operations and grounds maintenance. Positions are available at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. Jobs are also open at all three golf courses and the Beer Garden at Independence Grove.
These roles are a great fit for people who enjoy hands-on work, helping others and spending time outside. Full and part-time positions are also available. View Openings and Apply »
Lend a Hand for Nature
Help restore local habitats by volunteering at restoration workdays across the county. Volunteers remove invasive plants, collect seeds and plant native trees and shrubs, with training provided and no experience required.
Workdays are offered on weekdays and weekends at dozens of sites, and you can join whenever it fits your schedule. Adults and children ages 10 and up are welcome with a waiver. Learn More »
County Clerk's Office News
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USPS Vote by Mail Update
The United States Postal Service has advised that it cannot guarantee a ballot’s postmark will match the mailing date. Since Illinois Vote by Mail ballots are counted based on the postmark, voters are encouraged to mail their ballot at least one week before Election Day. Voters returning ballots closer to Election Day should take extra steps to ensure their vote is counted.
Watch this video as Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega spoke at the recent Financial and Administrative Committee meeting to explain the changes and provide important tips and options to voters to help your ballot arrive on time. Among the tools available, track your ballot with BallotTrax.
Stormwater Management News
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SMC Wins Green Ribbon Award for DCEO Project
We're excited to announce the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) received the 2025 Green Ribbon Award from the Friends of the Chicago River (FOCR) at the Chicago River Blue Awards on January 30 for the Talbot Avenue Drainage Improvement Project located in Shields Township.
The Green Ribbon Award recognizes projects that demonstrate a high level of river-sensitive design and consideration for the Chicago-Calumet River system and surrounding watersheds.
SMC staff members Ernesto Huaracha and Ashley Strelcheck attended the ceremony to receive the Green Ribbon Award. SMC is honored to share the spotlight with several other area agencies also receiving Green, Silver or Blue Ribbon Awards for projects, programs, and studies!
You can learn more about this SMC DCEO Funded Capital Improvement Project and others on our website.
Sign Up to Join HOA Workshop and Vendor Expo
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is excited to host the 2026 Homeowners Association (HOA) Workshop and Vendor Expo on Wednesday, February 25. The Vendor Expo starts at 3:30 p.m. and the HOA Workshop Presentations start at 5:30 p.m. This will be a hybrid event, with the Vendor Expo open to in-person attendees only.
This event is for HOAs and property owners who are responsible for maintaining detention ponds, wetlands, natural areas, and other drainage infrastructure to learn how to best care for these areas, featuring knowledgeable speakers and experts. Visit SMC’s HOA Workshop web page for more information, including the Workshop agenda.
This event will be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Anyone needing special assistance should contact Sharene Gould Dulabaum at at least one week prior to the event.
Register for the in-person HOA Vendor Expo and Workshop
Register for the online HOA Workshop
Health News
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Second Annual Operation Dropbox to Support Veterans
The Lake County Health Department is excited to announce its second annual Operation Dropbox, a donation drive dedicated to supporting more than 3,000 local veterans and their families, in collaboration with the McHenry County Department of Health.
Organizations, churches, libraries, and businesses in Lake and McHenry counties are invited to participate as drop-site locations for this important initiative. Those interested in hosting a donation box or one day event in Lake County can sign up here.
Chief County Assessment Office News
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Qualified Professionals Needed to Serve as Board of Review Hearing Officers
The Lake County Board of Review is seeking qualified professionals with real estate or appraisal backgrounds to serve as Board of Review Hearing Officers. The Lake County Board of Review acts as an unbiased intermediary between assessors and taxpayers. Hearing officers play an important role in striving for equitable and fair property assessments through the assessment appeal process.
Hearing officers hear testimony on written appeals of any real estate parcel that is claimed to be over-assessed or under-assessed. The Board reviews the assessment and either deems it to be just or corrects it as necessary.
Job News
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Learn How Grant-Funded Training Can Work for You
Discover how programs offered through the Job Center of Lake County can open the doors to career growth and skill development through accessible training opportunities.
This information session, which will begin at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 24 will give you a clear overview of the support available and how we guide you toward employment success. Attend the program in person at 1 N. Genesee St., Waukegan or online via Zoom.
Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers.
Watch this video as the Job Center team guides you through the virtual and onsite resources available to job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.
Hire Lake County
Check Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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The public is welcome to attend all Lake County Board and committee 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 meeting schedule.
Lake County Board and committee meetings after July 8, 2024 are available to view online with English captions or subtitles (written translation into another language). Captions and subtitles are created automatically with artificial intelligence (AI) software. Access to automated captions and subtitles is being provided for viewer convenience and is not to be considered official transcription or translation of the meeting. Watch County Board meetings, including standing committee meeting
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