What types of transportation do you use during an average week, and how has this shaped your view of transportation policy?

I walk almost everywhere, which gives me a firsthand understanding of how our streets function (or don’t) for all users. During my daily observations, I consistently note the need for safer streets – especially for pedestrians and bicyclists.

I take these observations seriously. In my role as 42nd Ward Alderman, my goal is to improve pedestrian safety by calming traffic and addressing dangerous conditions throughout the ward.

To that end, I regularly ask the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to conduct detailed traffic studies at various locations throughout Chicago’s Central Business District.

These day-to-day experiences inform and help reinforce my commitment to building a safer and more accessible transportation network for everyone in Cook County.

What are some transportation challenges in Cook County?

Cook County currently faces significant transportation challenges that affect residents daily. Ongoing congestion on major roadways and expressways results in longer daily commutes, which negatively impacts workforce productivity and makes travel far too unpredictable for both families and businesses.

Furthermore, the region’s transportation network is aging. Roads, bridges and transit systems require major reinvestment to remain safe, reliable and accessible. Specifically, the CTA, Metra and Pace all face massive capital needs that far exceed current funding, which impacts service quality and decimates ridership.

Safety for people walking, biking and using mobility devices is another major concern. Crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists remain far too common and underscore the urgent need for better street design and traffic calming measures across the county.

Making our communities safer and more connected requires sustained investment, collaboration and a commitment to building a transportation system that works for everyone

Cook County residents often find their local roadways fall under multiple different jurisdictions and standards. How do you view the County’s role in ensuring consistent, safe, and accessible transportation for constituents?

As Cook County Board President, I view it as our responsibility to provide the leadership necessary to bring consistency and coordination to a transportation system that can often feel confusing for residents. When improving a single roadway involves coordination between the State of Illinois, Cook County and the local municipality - it is essential that we establish clear standards for safety, accessibility and maintenance. Residents should not have to worry about which jurisdiction controls a street; they should be able to trust that every roadway they use is safe, well-maintained and designed to accommodate all users.

Cook County must continue to strengthen intergovernmental collaboration to ensure projects move faster and consistently meet the same high expectations, regardless of location. This means aligning design standards, prioritizing safety improvements and investing in infrastructure that supports drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders alike. By taking a proactive and coordinated approach, we can make our entire regional network more reliable, accessible, and responsive to the daily needs of Cook County residents.

What can Cook County do to stabilize and expand access to bikeshare programs that span municipalities?

Cook County has a significant opportunity to stabilize and expand access to bikeshare programs by building on investments planned in the 2025–2029 Proposed Transportation Improvement Plan.

This plan strengthens key bike corridors and improves first-mile and last-mile connections, which are essential for bikeshare expansion. With this foundation, the County can take the following steps:

1. Work with local municipalities to create consistent standards for bike-share docking stations;

2. Coordinate funding for equipment and maintenance; and

3. Support shared mobility programs that operate seamlessly across municipal geographic boundaries.

By investing in safer bike infrastructure, helping municipalities fill network gaps and providing technical and financial support for regional partnerships, Cook County can ensure bikeshare is reliable, accessible, and affordable for all residents. Strengthening these systems will not only improve mobility but also advance the County’s goals for sustainability, safety and equitable transportation access.

What role can the County play in bringing funding sources and revenue streams to county transportation projects?

As Cook County Board President, I will lead by example and play a central role in securing and aligning funding needed to advance major transportation projects. My plan involves several key strategies:

1. Work closely with federal and state partners to pursue grant opportunities;

2. Identify innovative new grant funding & revenue streams;

3. Ensure County resources are used strategically to support our long-term transportation goals; and

4. Work with Cook County Board commissioners to authorize funding through timely budget allocations.

By coordinating these efforts and advocating for strong, stable funding streams, I aim to build a safer, more reliable, and more equitable transportation network for all Cook County residents.

Cook County has a history of innovating access to public services, including public transit – such as the Fair Transit South Cook pilot. As President, what are ways you envision the County innovating on transportation?

As Cook County Board President, I will build on the County’s strong record of innovation, including efforts like the Fair Transit South Cook Pilot, by expanding programs that improve access, reliability, and affordability across our entire transportation network.

One key opportunity is leveraging the investments authorized in the 2025–2029 Proposed Transportation Improvement Plan to modernize infrastructure, strengthen multimodal connections, and support first-mile/last-mile options that make transit more usable for all residents. I also see real potential in expanding bikeshare and shared mobility systems across municipal borders, supported by coordinated planning, County-led technical assistance, and targeted funding.

I will also champion data-driven safety initiatives like Chicago’s “Vision Zero” work and align them with the “Cook County Safety Action Plan” to help reduce crashes and make our streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders. The County can also lead on clean energy transitions by supporting electric bus infrastructure, advancing solar projects on County property and improving resilience in transportation corridors.

By leveraging partnerships, pursuing federal and state funding, and working with County Commissioners on strategic budget allocations, we can continue to innovate and deliver a transportation system that is more equitable, sustainable, and accessible for all communities.