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Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that $8.27 million will be distributed through the 2025 Invest in Cook grant program to fund transportation projects across the county. The funds will support 32 projects in 26 municipalities, three transit agencies, two park districts, and one township. These include four transit projects, eight pedestrian improvements, six bicycle paths, one freight project, and 13 road initiatives.
Since its start in 2017, Invest in Cook has provided $72.7 million for 310 transportation-related projects throughout Cook County. This year’s investment is expected to leverage nearly $21 million from additional local, state, and federal sources. According to the county, every dollar awarded through Invest in Cook typically attracts an extra three dollars from other funding partners.
More than 60% of this year’s grants are directed toward low and moderate-income communities as part of an effort to promote equity in transportation infrastructure.
“Every community needs good transportation options in order to thrive,” said President Preckwinkle. “The Invest in Cook program helps meet the needs of all communities, whether it is enhanced public transit, safer streets, new bicycle paths or improvements to industrial roads to support businesses. The program especially helps traditionally under-resourced areas. When we lift these communities up, we’re improving the quality of life for not only these residents but for all County residents.”
Pace Suburban Bus was among this year’s recipients and received a total of $356,000 for two separate initiatives: $176,000 for construction costs related to the Cermak Road Business Access and Transit Lane pilot program and $180,000 for expanding on-demand service between Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows.
“Pace’s collaborations with Cook County have consistently delivered better service for our region,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “Now, as Pace navigates a period of fiscal uncertainty, the County has stepped up once again to help us keep people connected to jobs, schools and essential services.”
The Village of Phoenix was awarded $430,000 for design and construction work on its 7th Avenue improvement project.
“Projects like the 7th Avenue improvements in the Village of Phoenix are a great example of the things we can do when we work together,” said Phoenix Mayor Terry Wells. “It is so important to reinvest in our infrastructure, and this grant will help maintain and modernize roadways in the County and in my village.”
Invest in Cook provides gap funding needed by municipalities for planning phases such as engineering or right-of-way acquisition before construction can begin—a step seen as critical for attracting further grant opportunities.
The initiative is part of Connecting Cook County—the county’s long-range plan aimed at guiding investments that attract businesses and talent while supporting sustainable growth (www.cookcountyil.gov/investincook). Projects were selected based on criteria including prioritizing transit alternatives; supporting freight movement; promoting equal access; maintaining existing infrastructure; and increasing overall investment.
County Department of Transportation staff evaluated applications using both quantitative data points and qualitative assessments such as interviews with applicants.
For a full list of grant recipients visit www.cookcountyil.gov/investincook
