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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING COMMISSIONER BRANDON JOHNSON
WHEREAS, Commissioner Brandon Johnson will vacate his seat on the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners to become the fifty-seventh mayor of the City of Chicago in the near future after over 4 years of service as a Forest Preserves of Cook County Commissioner; and
WHEREAS, it is the mission of the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) "to acquire, restore and manage lands for the purpose of protecting and preserving public open space with its natural wonders, significant prairies, forests, wetlands, rivers, streams, and other landscapes with all of its associated wildlife, in a natural state for the education, pleasure and recreation of the public now and in the future"; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves was founded over one hundred years ago, currently spans almost seventy thousand acres across Cook County making it one of the largest urban open space organizations in the nation experiencing millions of visits annually, and contributes immeasurably to the quality of life of residents of Cook County, and scientific research and conservation; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Johnson has led as the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Labor, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Capital Development & Ecological Restoration, and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Recreation & Engagement; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Johnson has also served on the Committees on Finance, Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations, Real Estate, Law Enforcement, the Botanic Garden, Contract Compliance, Pension, and on the Subcommittee on Litigation where his contributions and insights have aided the Forest Preserves in advancement of its mission and improved the quality of life for Cook County residents and Forest Preserves visitors; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Johnson, a dedicated public servant, made his mark on the Forest Preserves for generations to come in many ways including sponsoring Resolution 21-0532. The resolution placed the Clear Air, Clean Water, and Wildlife Habitat Protection question on all Cook County voters’ ballots in November 2022, a measure that passed with 69% of the vote; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Johnson is a fierce champion for equity, who ceaselessly advocates for marginalized and disenfranchised communities. He is not only extremely responsive to constituents’ requests, but also actively seeks to make the Forest Preserves more inclusive of communities that often face obstacles with accessibility; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Johnson approaches policy decisions with a holistic and equitable lens resulting in well-reasoned and sound public policy that advocates for communities that have experienced historic racialized disinvestment; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Johnson leads by his example, using practices with his family that protect the land, including bicycling and public transportation, respect for nature and wildlife, energy efficient electricity use, composting, recycling, and water conservation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that President Toni Preckwinkle and members of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby extend their sincere and grateful appreciation to Commissioner Brandon Johnson for his exemplary service on the Board and wish him the best for continued success, happiness, and good health in the years to come; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of the same be tendered to Commissioner Brandon Johnson.
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