Cook County AdministratorKristen Trebil-Halbersma. Photo provided 

From Cook County, MN - April 17, 2026

By: Kristen Trebil-Halbersma, County Administrator

April is National County Government Month, a time to recognize the essential role counties play in supporting community well‑being. Across the country, county governments lead disaster preparedness and emergency response, own and maintain nearly half of all publicly owned roads, and serve on the front lines of community health care. They employ 3.6 million people, connect veterans with vital services, operate 91% of all local jails, and invest $107 billion each year in justice and public safety. Counties fulfill a vast range of responsibilities and deliver services that touch nearly every aspect of residents’ lives.

Cook County is proud of its role in protecting and enhancing the well‑being and safety of our residents in efficient, cost‑effective ways. As Administrator, I have seen countless examples of County employees going above and beyond- through everyday actions and the long‑term programs they lead- to uphold that responsibility. In honor of County Government Month, I want to take a moment to highlight some of those commitments.

Pop Up Food Pantry

The success of the Pop‑Up Food Pantry organized by Cook County Public Health staff has been remarkable. The pantry was launched as a temporary effort to support residents facing food insecurity during the temporary suspension of federal SNAP benefits.  This kind of fast, responsive, and direct programming—centered on improving the well‑being of our community—is something we are truly proud of.

Community Engagement

Since stepping into this role, I have been impressed by civic engagement from the public and the County Board and Staff’s commitment to rolling up their sleeves and making community informed decisions at all levels. From routine public comments, town halls, and Board work sessions- there is a clear commitment to involve residents in decision making and to be as transparent as possible along the way ensuring policies and investments reflect community needs.

Transportation Legislative Request

Cook County owns and maintains 49% of the roads within the county. Advocating for state and federal transportation funding helps keep those roads safe and well‑maintained without placing the full burden on local taxpayers. This legislative session, our Highway Department staff have been working tirelessly to share Cook County’s story through conversations and visits to the Capitol. Their efforts support the infrastructure improvements that make travel smoother, safer, and more reliable for everyone.

Law Enforcement Center & Transfer Station Updates

There are several major capital improvement projects currently underway. Updates to the Law Enforcement Center ensure it operates safely, efficiently, and responsibly. Likewise, improvements to the county’s major transfer stations support our responsibility to manage locally generated waste in an efficient and environmentally sound manner. Managing construction projects of this scale is no simple task, and our Facilities team has done a tremendous job keeping day‑to‑day operations running smoothly while overseeing these significant upgrades.

County Attorney's Office

I also want to take a moment to recognize the County Attorney’s Office. In a small community like Cook County, their work spans an impressive range- from civil to criminal matters, and from misdemeanors to felonies. They play a vital role in protecting residents by upholding the law and ensuring fair, consistent processes across all departments. Their efforts support everything from public safety to policy implementation, helping the County serve its residents effectively.

As we celebrate National County Government Month, it’s worth recognizing the wide range of services and responsibilities carried out by County staff every day. From public safety and infrastructure to health, human services, and administrative support, County employees keep essential functions running so our community can thrive. This short list truly only scratches the surface of what the County and its employees work on to serve the public every day. Thank you for your patience and partnership as we work—imperfectly and humanly—to serve you.

County Connections is a column on timely topics and service information from your Cook County government. Cook County – Supporting Community Through Quality Public Service.