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Cook County
Quick Hit
by Matthew Blake
3:51pm
Tue Aug 14, 2012

Emanuel Opposition May Squelch Use Of Eminent Domain On Foreclosures

A San Francisco-based firm spent the morning trying to sell the Chicago City Council on the idea that they can use eminent domain to seize properties in danger of falling into foreclosure. The firm argued that the use of eminent domain, which occurs when government acquires private property in the name of the greater good, could lead to the public benefit of fewer foreclosures. Representatives from Mortgage Resolution Partners LLC had the ear of Ald. Ed Burke (14th), chairman of the City Council Finance Committee, and the backing of Ald. Ray Suarez (31st), head of the Housing and Real Estate Committee.

But the effort was perhaps futile as Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel indicated at a press conference today that he opposes the plan.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Emanuel said that he did not think eminent domain was the “right instrument” to combat foreclosures. Read more »

Quick Hit
by Steven Ross Johnson
12:53pm
Mon Aug 13, 2012

Cook County Residents Ask Preckwinkle, Dart For Foreclosure Eviction Moratorium (VIDEO)

Homeowners and tenants frustrated by the impending threat of foreclosure called on county leaders to put in place a one year-stay on evictions.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle along with Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart met with a crowd of more than 100 residents at a community meeting held Thursday on the city's near West Side.  Organizers said the event was intended to give individuals the opportunity to tell officials their own experiences with facing the threat of losing their homes, and to explain how delaying the eviction process could provide some with much-needed — albeit temporary — relief.

Read more »

Quick Hit
by Matthew Blake
4:49pm
Tue Jul 24, 2012

Board Takes First Step Toward Cook County Land Bank

The Cook County Board passed a resolution today setting up a committee that has 60 days to devise a model for a county land bank, an ambitious proposal that board President Toni Preckwinkle called a “critical tool to help combat the foreclosure crisis and eradicate blight in our communities.”

As we have reported, a land bank is a quasi-governmental organization intended to seize and manage properties until they can be put into productive use. Read more »

PI Original
by Matthew Blake
6:04pm
Thu Jun 28, 2012
9 comments

After ACA Ruling, Celebration And Uncertainty In Illinois

Health Care

Illinois health care advocates, organized labor, and Democratic politicians cheered the U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling announced this morning that all major provisions of the landmark Affordable Care Act of 2010 are constitutional. But there are questions about how Illinois will set up its health care insurance exchange.

PI Original
by Ellyn Fortino
6:36pm
Tue Jun 26, 2012
5 comments

Preparing For Climate Change In Illinois

Environment

Efforts are underway in Chicago and across the state to inform citizens on the importance of being prepared for emergencies and the potential future effects of climate change, among other crises. We take a look at some of the latest efforts.