About Us at the Bureau of Economic Development

The mission of the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development is to foster economic development and job growth within Cook County.  Our goal is to strategically leverage resources and provide efficient professional management in order to promote:

  • Sustainable community investment
  • Business growth, attraction, and retention
  • Affordable Housing
  • Regional Planning
  • Workforce Development

Meet our Bureau Chief:

Herman Brewer, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Economic Development

Herman joined the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development initially as the Director of Capital Planning & Community Development departments in the Spring of 2011. In December of 2011, Herman was named Bureau Chief for Economic Development; taking charge of all departments within the newly formed area of County government. The departments include Capital Planning, Building & Zoning, Real Estate, Cook County Works and Planning & Development.

Before arriving at Cook County, Herman served as Executive Vice President of the Chicago Urban League, managing the daily operations and all program areas, including its Entrepreneurship Center, Workforce Development, Housing, Education, marketing and communications. In September of 2009 Brewer was asked to serve as Acting President and CEO during the organization’s leadership transition process.  Click here for his full biography.

 

Senior Staff:

Maria Choca-Urban, Director, Planning and Development
John Cooke, Director, Capital Planning and Policy
Anna Ashcraft, Director, Real Estate Management
Timothy P. Bleuher, Commissioner, Building and Zoning
Andrew Przybylo, Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals

 

Find out more:

We work closely with:

Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
Housing Authority of Cook County

 

Cook County Bureau of Economic Development – Agency Website

E-mail us at: Info.Edev@cookcountyil.gov