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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
WHEREAS, it is the mission of the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability (“DES”) to foster healthy, resilient and thriving communities by improving the quality of life, protecting the environment and promoting sustainability and environmental justice throughout Cook County; and
WHEREAS, DES develops and implements innovative programs that address climate change, pollution prevention and community engagement, while cultivating partnerships with residents, municipalities and the business community; and
WHEREAS, the Climate Resiliency Planning for Communities Program and the Businesses Reducing Impact to the Environment (“BRITE”) Program are two DES initiatives funded, in whole or in part, with Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allocated to Cook County pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2) (“ARPA”), and are designed to respond to the negative economic and public health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, including investment in environmental resilience, pollution prevention and sustainable economic recovery; and
WHEREAS, the Climate Resiliency Planning for Communities Program is a DES-managed initiative that supports municipalities and community partners in preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change, including extreme heat, flooding and other climate-related hazards, through data-driven planning, robust community engagement and practical implementation strategies; and
WHEREAS, public engagement for the Climate Resiliency Planning for Communities Program included approximately 90 separate engagement sessions, resulting in valuable feedback from more than 1,025 participants that helped define community-driven goals, priorities and recommendations for the municipalities of Bellwood, Franklin Park, Justice, Lynwood and Markham; and
WHEREAS, the public engagement strategy for the Climate Resiliency Planning for Communities Program was led by Metro Strategies Group, serving as the subcontractor responsible for engagement activities, in collaboration with Geosyntec and ICF, under the overall management of DES; and
WHEREAS, the Publicity Club of Chicago, a professional organization that recognizes excellence in communications, marketing and public relations work throughout the Midwest, conducts the annual Golden Trumpet Awards program; and
WHEREAS, the Climate Resiliency Planning for Communities Program received a Golden Trumpet Award in the Community Relations category, which includes communications programs that seek to serve, educate, enlighten or influence specific communities, and was further selected as one of ten finalists for the Platinum Trumpet Award; and
WHEREAS, the BRITE Program is a DES initiative that assists businesses in reducing waste, conserving energy and water, preventing pollution and improving environmental performance through technical assistance, education and voluntary pollution prevention practices; and
WHEREAS, the BRITE Program promotes economic efficiency while reducing environmental impacts, supporting sustainable business practices and contributing to improved air, land and water quality across Cook County; and
WHEREAS, as of July 2025, the BRITE Program had assessed over 65 small businesses in heavy polluting industries (dry cleaners, auto body and repair shops, food and beverage manufacturers, metal finishers and metal fabricators) and offered more than $3.8 million in grants, achieving estimated reductions of 5,576,252 kWh of electrical energy use, 600,526 therms of heat energy, 6,906 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, 17,312 pounds of hazardous materials, and 6,664 gallons of fuel, saving these businesses approximately $1,075,337.00 and reducing risks to health and the environment in Cook County workplaces and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (“NPPR”) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing pollution prevention and sustainability through collaboration, innovation and recognition of exemplary programs; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the BRITE Program’s effectiveness and innovation, DES has been awarded the NPPR 2025 Most Valuable Pollution Prevention (“MVP2”) Multimedia Award; and
WHEREAS, these awards reflect the dedication, expertise and leadership of DES staff and partners, and highlight Cook County’s commitment to environmental sustainability, climate resilience and community-centered solutions; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate for the Cook County Board of Commissioners to formally accept these awards and recognize the accomplishments of DES.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby accept, on behalf of Cook County, the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability, and its program partners:
1. The 67th Annual Golden Trumpet Award for Excellence in the Community Relations Category awarded for the Climate Resiliency Planning for Communities Program; and
2. The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable 2025 MVP2 Multimedia Award awarded for the Businesses Reducing Impact to the Environment (“BRITE”) Program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners commends DES for its outstanding achievements, leadership and continued commitment to advancing environmental protection, sustainability and climate resilience for the residents and communities of Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability in recognition of these honors.
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