Uplift Cook: Consolidated Plan and CEDS
We led the development of Uplift Cook, Cook County's 2025–2029 strategic plan guiding the use of federal investments for housing and economic development.
Cook County
Economic Development Strategies / Plans, Housing Needs Assessments
Cook County, WI
All Together
As prime consultant, SB Friedman managed all aspects of this project — from community engagement and technical analysis to strategic framework development and plan drafting. The plan covered five key topic areas: economic development, workforce development, housing and homelessness, community development and infrastructure. We synthesized two federally required technical documents — the Consolidated Plan and Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) — into a single, unified plan called Uplift Cook, informed by community input, stakeholder feedback, and a thorough review of existing county, regional and state initiatives.
Work Completed
Managed project coordination and engagement activities with key stakeholders
Conducted demographic and housing needs analyses, a housing affordability and market study, industry cluster analysis, and a review of workforce and business characteristics
Developed a SWOT analysis with stakeholders across the plan's five topic areas
Synthesized community input, SWOT findings and existing planning initiatives into a cohesive strategic framework
Drafted the Uplift Cook plan as well as the technical Consolidated Plan and CEDS reports for federal submission
Developed an evaluation framework with outcome-oriented metrics to track progress across stated objectives
Results
The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved Uplift Cook in summer 2025. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Consolidated Plan were subsequently submitted to the U.S. Economic Development Administration and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, respectively.
