Better Know Your Elected Officials: Bridget Degnen, Cook County Commissioner

My name is Bridget Degnen and I am the Cook County Commissioner for the 12th District. The 12th District runs from River North all the way up north through the 40th Ward and Lincoln Square, and then it runs straight West all the way to Portage Park and the 38th Ward. It covers parts of 14 different Chicago wards and contains about 330,000 people.

What does the 12th District mean to you personally?

There are so many nooks and crannies to the 12th District, it is hard to choose one thing! We are a diverse and thriving community, from single-family homes to towering skyscrapers. When I think of the district, I think of its kindness and strength, its many organizations and block clubs, and its walkability. I think about how fortunate I am to represent so many different neighborhoods and populations.

What made you want to get into public service?

When I graduated college, I served in the United State Peace Corps and was stationed in West Africa until I was 24. I lived within a very small village of under 500 people and learned to speak my neighbors’ language, and I discovered the meaning of taking care of each other very quickly within tough conditions. When I returned to the United States, that understanding of community and public service became a cornerstone of my career and kickstarted my interest in local politics. I believe you have to be laser-focused on helping people if you want to be an effective elected official.

It has obviously been a very difficult time as of late – what were some of your office’s greatest challenges and successes during the pandemic?

I was sworn in December 2018, so we had over a year of getting our service office in place, doing outreach and attending board and community meetings in person. But then as COVID-19 hit, we had to switch to virtual like most everyone else while we continued to build up our constituent services. It is a challenge when you need to reach people in person about important government projects and services, like property tax appeals and block grants, when we can’t knock on doors or meet neighbors where they are. So, I am proud of the way my staff was able to pivot so quickly, and for their ability to engage and connect with constituents through so many ways and so many channels online - whether it be over Zoom, social media, email, and more – as well as making sure we call and reach the people who are not online, like many of our elder residents in the 12th District.

Speaking of connecting with residents, what is the main topic or service that people contact your office about?

Our number one issue is addressing your property tax concerns, because the County runs all of the tax operations. The Assessor’s Office assesses your property, the Treasurer’s Office takes your payment, the Clerk’s Office helps with the valuations and levies - and our office is the one-stop shop for all of your questions about payments, appeals, and exemptions. We have extended office hours each summer to support people who need help through the process, which will return again this summer.

And what is one issue that your office handles that you think more people should know about?

As our district connects with over 14 different aldermen, several state representatives and senators, as well as your federal officials, we can really try to help you with most questions. Though if I have one I would like to highlight, it would be our work to protect and improve the environment at the County level. My background is in environmental engineering and law, and when I became a Commissioner, I started an environmental committee to help better intersect with the County’s work in green initiatives. Right now, we are looking at ways to increase our urban tree canopy and industrial composting availability. We are looking at legislation that will change Chicago’s ordinance to allow better opportunities for native plantings and community gardens. And we are looking at ways for city agencies like Chicago Public Schools to go solar and for more city vehicles to go electric. There is a significant amount of work we do for our environment on the Cook County Board that we are really proud of.

Speaking of the environment, us neighbors love our Cook County Forest Preserve spaces. Do you have a favorite?

My personal favorite is the LaBagh Woods, in the 12th District of course, which is at the southern start of the North Branch Trail at the Chicago River. We were recently there to shoot a video about conservation, and this year we are having our second annual Fall Nature Fest there on September 18th, where we will have a number of great local vendors and activities for families. We encourage everyone to come!