Departments
Residents often need quick, reliable ways to reach the right office, whether they are appealing a property tax bill, reporting a public health concern, or checking on a loved one in custody. This article explains what the main departments in Cook County do, how they typically help residents, and how they fit together. At the end, you will find a structured table listing every department from this guide, along with a short description of services and a direct phone number for each.
Property, Tax, and Financial Service Offices
For matters involving property value and tax bills, several departments work together. The Assessor’s Office is the place to start when you have questions about how your property was valued or whether you qualify for certain exemptions. If you believe your assessment is wrong, the Board of Review handles formal appeals and can review the Assessor’s decision.
Once property values are set and taxes are billed, the Treasurer’s Office manages payments, refunds, and delinquent tax issues. The Clerk maintains key records that support these processes, including certain official documents and recordings. Behind the scenes, the Office of the County Auditor and the Department of Revenue help ensure county funds are collected and monitored properly.
Health and Environmental Protection Departments
A large portion of county services focuses on keeping residents healthy and neighborhoods safe. The Department of Public Health provides general public health information and connects people with clinics and prevention programs. Within it, specialized units handle targeted issues: tuberculosis services, communicable disease investigations, and epidemiology all support disease tracking and treatment.
Environmental health units respond to concerns about restaurants, swimming pools, private wells, mobile home parks, and nuisances such as pests or strong odors. Other specialists work on lead, mold, chemicals, and indoor air quality. When an urgent environmental health issue arises outside normal business hours, an after-hours line connects residents to help. Separate units oversee prevention services, tanning and tobacco oversight, and emergency preparedness and response planning for large-scale health threats.
Justice System, Courts, and Law Enforcement
When residents interact with the court system, the Clerk of the Circuit Court is often the primary point of contact for case records, dockets, and many legal filings. The Medical Examiner’s Office handles death investigations and related reports, especially when the manner of death is unclear or requires examination.
Law enforcement and custody services are handled through several Sheriff-related departments. The Sheriff’s Office general directory and customer service lines help route calls to the right division. Sheriff’s Police respond to incidents and provide patrol services in certain areas, while non-emergency lines let residents report issues that do not require 911. The Department of Corrections line provides information about individuals in custody, and specialized numbers exist for civil process, discrimination complaints, and employment questions through the Bureau of Human Resources.
Planning, Zoning, Real Estate, and Transportation
Residents planning to build, remodel, or change how property is used will often work with the Department of Building and Zoning and the Zoning Board of Appeals. These offices handle permits, zoning compliance, and requests for variances. Fax numbers exist for submitting plans and supporting documents when needed.
The Department of Planning and Development focuses on land use and community development efforts, while the Department of Real Estate Management takes care of county-owned buildings and leases. For road maintenance, traffic-related projects, and highway permits, the Department of Transportation and Highways is responsible. It also coordinates work such as resurfacing, snow operations, and infrastructure improvements that affect drivers and pedestrians.
Employee, Benefits, and Internal Support Services
Some departments primarily support county employees but still matter to residents. Employee Benefits within the Department of Risk Management helps staff access health and other benefit programs, which supports uninterrupted delivery of public services.
These internal functions work alongside the more visible offices that residents contact every day. Knowing which department handles which issue can save time, reduce frustration, and help you get the most accurate information on the first call.
Complete Contact Table for Cook County Departments
| Department | Services | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Assessor's Office | Property assessments, exemptions, and questions about assessed values for tax purposes | (312) 443-7550 |
| Board of Review | Reviews and hears appeals of property tax assessments | (312) 603-5542 |
| County Clerk | Maintains official county records and selected filings | (312) 603-5656 |
| Clerk of the Circuit Court | Court records, case information, and many court-related filings | (312) 603-5030 |
| Department of Building and Zoning | Building permits, code enforcement, and zoning compliance for construction projects | 312-603-0500 |
| Department of Corrections | Information about individuals in custody and jail status | (773) 674-JAIL (5245) |
| Department of Planning and Development | Land use planning, development review, and community development initiatives | 312-603-1000 |
| Department of Public Health | General public health services, information, and referrals | 708-836-8600 |
| Department of Real Estate Management | Manages county-owned property, facilities, and real estate leases | (312) 603-0040 |
| Department of Revenue | Administration and collection of certain county taxes and fees | 312-603-6961 |
| Department of Transportation and Highways | Road maintenance, highway projects, and transportation-related permits | (312) 603-1601 |
| Employee Benefits (Department of Risk Management) | Benefits assistance and information for county employees | 312-603-6385 |
| Medical Examiner's Office | Death investigations, autopsy reports, and related case information | 312-666-0500 |
| Office of the County Auditor | Financial oversight and internal audits of county operations | (312) 603-1500 |
| Sheriff's Office | General questions, feedback, and assistance with Sheriff’s Office services | (773) 674-1866 |
| Sheriff's Police | Law enforcement services and response in designated county jurisdictions | (708) 865-4700 |
| Treasurer's Office | Property tax payments, refunds, and questions about tax bills | (312) 443-5100 |
| Zoning Board of Appeals | Zoning appeals, variances, and hearings on land use decisions | (312) 603-0540 |