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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF APRIL AS FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, this resolution affirms Cook County’s commitment to advancing financial capability as a cornerstone of economic mobility, institutional trust, and long-term community stability, grounded in evidence-based policy and equitable access to financial knowledge, and reflective of Cook County’s leadership in strengthening pathways to: economic empowerment across the Southland and throughout Cook County; and
WHEREAS financial literacy constitutes a foundational competency necessary for individuals and households to make informed financial decisions, maintain economic stability, and achieve sustained financial security within an increasingly complex financial environment; and
WHEREAS persistent deficiencies in financial knowledge materially contribute to adverse economic outcomes, including elevated debt burdens, increased exposure to predatory financial practices, impaired creditworthiness, and the perpetuation of intergenerational economic instability; and
WHEREAS, the acquisition of financial literacy equips individuals with the analytical capacity and practical skills required to effectively navigate financial systems, including banking, credit utilization, savings accumulation, and long-term investment, thereby reinforcing both household resilience and the broader economic infrastructure of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, a substantial body of empirical research establishes a positive correlation between financial literacy and improved financial behaviors, including increased savings, reduced indebtedness, and enhanced capacity to withstand economic shocks; and
WHEREAS, financial behaviors and decision-making patterns are established early in life, rendering ages 6 through 17 a critical developmental period for structured, intentional, and sustained financial education interventions; and
WHEREAS disparities in access to high quality financial literacy education continue to impede economic mobility, particularly within historically underserved communities disproportionately affected by structural barriers to wealth accumulation and capital access; and
WHEREAS advancement of financial literacy across all populations, including residents, students, and public sector leaders, strengthens institutional accountability, promotes responsible stewardship of resources, and supports data informed decision making that advances long term community well-being; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Cook County hereby formally designate the month of April as Financial Literacy Month in Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this designation serves as a countywide call to action to expand the availability, accessibility, and quality of financial literacy education for residents of all ages, with a targeted emphasis on youth ages 6 through 17 as a critical population for early intervention; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Cook County reaffirms its commitment to advancing economic equity through the promotion of policies, programs, and strategic investments that support access to financial knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to foster financial stability, entrepreneurship, and pathways to homeownership, while expanding equitable access to technical assistance for municipal leaders, particularly in underserved communities, to strengthen their ability to navigate county processes, secure funding, and deliver impactful, measurable financial literacy programming outcomes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County encourages continued collaboration among educational institutions, financial institutions, and community-based organizations to deliver culturally competent, evidence informed, and outcomes driven financial literacy programming; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be disseminated to educational institutions, community partners, and stakeholders engaged in advancing financial literacy throughout Cook County, Illinois.
Adopted on the 16th day of April 2026
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