Cook County Offices

Cook County, located in northeastern Illinois, is the second most populous county in the United States, encompassing approximately 5.2 million residents. The county's seat is Chicago, the largest city in Illinois.

Government Structure and Services

Cook County operates under a home rule charter, governed by a 17-member Board of Commissioners elected from single-member districts. The Board is led by a County Board President, both serving four-year terms.

The county's jurisdiction includes 134 municipalities, with Chicago being the most prominent.

The county provides a wide array of services to its residents, including:

• Public Health Services: Administered through the Cook County Department of Public Health, offering programs in disease prevention, health education, and emergency preparedness.
• Public Safety: Managed by the Cook County Sheriff's Office, which oversees law enforcement in unincorporated areas and operates the Cook County Jail.
• Judicial Services: The Circuit Court of Cook County, the largest unified court system in the nation, handles a vast number of cases annually.
• Property Assessment and Taxation: The Cook County Assessor's Office is responsible for assessing property values and administering property tax exemptions.
• Economic Development: Through various initiatives, the county supports business growth, job creation, and community development.

Key Facilities and Locations

The county's central administrative offices are located in the City Hall-County Building at 118 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60602. This building houses the Cook County Board of Commissioners' chambers and various county offices.

Additionally, the Richard J. Daley Center, situated at 50 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602, serves as a major civic center, housing multiple divisions and districts of the Circuit Court of Cook County, as well as offices for the Cook County State's Attorney.

Branch offices are strategically located throughout the county to serve residents in suburban areas. For example, the Cook County Assessor's Office has branch locations in:

• Markham
• Skokie
• Bridgeview

Recent Developments

In July 2025, Cook County was honored with a record 78 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards, recognizing the county's innovative programs and services.

This achievement underscores the county's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in serving its diverse population.

Overall, Cook County's comprehensive range of services and strategic locations aim to meet the needs of its residents, ensuring access to essential resources and fostering community well-being.

Locations

• Chicago, IL, USA