Jeff Brand

This year-end update outlines Cook County's progress on key initiatives and future strategic direction. The county has completed a Capital Improvement Plan for deferred maintenance and a Judicial Center, and accepted a Financial Management Plan. A new strategic plan is under development, focusing on three main initiatives: enhancing organizational efficiency and resilience, investing in a highly trained workforce, and increasing transparency, accountability, and information accessibility. These efforts aim to ensure the continued provision of high-quality public services amidst growth and evolving challenges.

The meeting of the Public Health and Human Services Board included discussions and proclamations related to mental health awareness. The Child and Family team provided insights into their roles, responsibilities, and methods, along with fundamental information and common misconceptions regarding maltreatment in Minnesota. The team also reviewed reports from mandated reporters, screened them according to state guidelines, and worked to support families and children to stay safe. The team aims to see things through the eyes of the child and be strength focused, developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.

The meeting included a mindfulness exercise with chocolate. The board elected the 2020 chair and vice-chair. The meeting also recognized the service of Marla and Jerry, who are leaving the advisory board. The staff provided a year in review, including the department's mission statement, core values, and information on staff and contracted services. The review also included program updates, such as the development of a multidisciplinary team for crisis response and the impact of state and federal changes on the department. The meeting also covered community engagement and health improvement, including the formation of a new Advisory Council for mental health and the development of the community health improvement plan. The meeting also discussed who benefits from the department's programs.

The meeting included discussions and approvals regarding the consent agenda, which covered payments to JSK Contracting LLC for the energy and envelope program, funding for the Heights project using ARPA funds, contracting with Raven Marketing for a new website, and reimbursement for travel to the Minnesota chapter of the National Association of Housing Redevelopment Organizations. There was also discussion on resolution 258 concerning an extension for One Roof Housing to close on Birwood Terrace. Additionally, resolution 259 was discussed, focusing on re-evaluating AMI 60% funding for the Heights project to accommodate more two-bedroom housing. Other business included updates on the Heights project, Temperance Trails, the energy and envelope program, strategic planning, and developer outreach for next year's building projects.

The meeting included a staffing update, welcoming a new Office Support Specialist and discussing the process of filling vacant positions such as the adult mental health case manager and fiscal supervisor. Strategic planning was discussed, utilizing a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the agency. Caseload activity for social services was reviewed for December and January, and an update was provided on the rollout of mnsure workflows, aiming to create a paperless system. The board also mentioned the approval of a DHS disability services innovation grant, which will provide supported employment services for individuals with disabilities.