About Cook County HRA
Housing in a Unique and Vibrant North Shore Community
Serving Cook County Through Housing Leadership
Advancing safe, stable, and attainable housing for today and future generations
The Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) works to strengthen the community by addressing local housing needs through planning, partnerships, and targeted investment. By supporting housing development, preservation, and energy-efficient improvements, the HRA helps ensure that residents across the county have access to safe and stable homes that support long-term well-being.
Through collaboration with local governments, community organizations, and residents, the HRA plays a vital role in shaping housing solutions that reflect Cook County’s unique character and challenges. Its work supports workforce stability, helps seniors remain in their homes, and contributes to a more inclusive and resilient community where individuals and families can continue to thrive.
Our Values
Inclusion
The HRA welcomes people from all backgrounds, races, and creeds and believes all people deserve the opportunity to access safe, attainable housing.
Integrity
Progress that reflects stewardship of public trust, resources, and goals through transparent communication and diligent effort.
Action
Innovative, data-driven, and evidence-based action that produces long-term results.
“Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.”
Jimmy Carter
What We Do
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) of Cook County is a government authority established by and operating within the jurisdiction of Cook County. According to Minnesota State Statute, HRA’s exist for the following purposes:
- To provide a sufficient supply of adequate, safe, and sanitary dwellings in order to protect the health, safety, morals, and welfare of the citizens of this state.
- To clear and redevelop blighted areas.
- To perform those duties according to comprehensive plans.
- To remedy the shortage of housing for low and moderate income residents, and to redevelop blighted areas in situations in which private enterprise would not act without government participation or subsidies
Serving Cook County
Residents in Cook County have struggled with housing shortages and for decades. According to the recent Housing Needs Analysis (available HERE), Cook County could absorb over 500 new units by the end of 2026. The HRA is working diligently to understand the types and locations where these units should be built and is working with a variety of partners to get shovels in the ground for new, attainable housing.
To learn more about the HRA’s goals and where we are going, please see the Strategic Plan!
Why We Are Here
Community leaders and housing advocates have long recognized the need for more housing in Cook County. Groups of concerned and engaged citizens and leaders began meeting regularly during the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss how the community might address its housing challenges. Eventually, this group championed the idea of establishing a Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) for Cook County. The Cook County Board passed a resolution in August of 2021 establishing the Cook County HRA and in September approved an initial budget of $125,000.
In October, 2021, five Board Commissioners were appointed, each representing one of the five districts in Cook County. The HRA Board began to meet in November, 2021, establishing its workplan, approving a job description and commencing a search for its first Executive Director. The HRA hired its Executive Director in April, 2022.
