Press Releases

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant today delivered her annual State of the County and Budget address at the August meeting of the Will County Board, spotlighting accomplishments across county offices that have positively impacted residents. Bertino-Tarrant proposed a Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Budget that leverages efficiencies to hold the line on taxes, with no increases in property taxes.

Following a series of storms that have resulted in damage and power outages in several communities, the Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is spotlighting recovery resources available to residents. These include the 2-1-1 information hotline, a Multi-Agency Resource Center, and a Food Distribution Event.

Will County residents are invited to attend a drive-up event for free fruits and vegetables in Romeoville on July 29, hosted as a partnership between Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, and State Representative Natalie Manley aimed at connecting local households with healthy food options.

Will County Animal Protection Services (Will County APS) has launched their Helping Owners & Pets Equitably (HOPE) Program, a free program for eligible Will County households to spay, neuter, and microchip their dogs and cats. The program aims to ensure healthy outcomes for Will County pets, help control pet overpopulation by reducing the number of unplanned litters, and lower the number of pets in area shelters.

Will County has awarded more than $129,000 in grants aimed at strengthening school safety. The Will County School Safety Grant, which has been awarded to 33 middle and K-8 schools, will support the installation of main entrance reinforcements and improved visitor and attendance management systems.

Will County residents will have a new way to receive emergency alerts and important community information as Will County 9-1-1 launches an enhanced public notification system designed to keep people informed before, during, and after emergencies.

Will County Animal Protection Services (APS) and Chicagoland Speedway are partnering to celebrate both the return of NASCAR to Joliet on July 3-5 and America’s 250^th birthday with a special “Every Pet Deserves a Victory Lap” adoption campaign, that includes waived adoption fees, free pet microchipping, and a special adoption event.

Will County’s Workforce Services Division is hosting a Job Fair on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. The job fair will be the first hosted at the new Workforce Center of Will County office located at 1300 Copperfield Avenue in Joliet.

The Will County Division of Transportation (DOT) will hold a Public Information Meeting concerning proposed improvements to Wilmington-Peotone Road Study between Old Chicago Road to US Route 45/52. The meeting will be held at Wilton Township Community Center, 14355 W. Joliet Road in Manhattan, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on May 20, 2026.

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and ShareFest Will County will host a free drive-thru food giveaway event from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the Will County Office Building located at 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432.