It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and division, especially after the turbulent events that have transpired over the last few weeks. And it could be easy to overlook the significant changes that have been happening in our communities, quietly bringing hope and progress. But these changes deserve a spotlight. They are a testament to the power of effective leadership and thoughtful policy, exemplified by President Joe Biden. As he steps aside from the presidential race, I want to applaud his 50-year career marked by responsibility, decency and bold action. His legacy of transformative policies will continue to impact and inspire us for generations to come. Now, it is up to the rest of us to carry the torch forward.

In Cook County, there’s no debating this fact: Through Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), we are driving transformative change. This historic investment is reshaping our communities and laying a foundation for future growth.

The American Rescue Plan Act is one of the most impactful pieces of federal legislation since the New Deal. In 2021, Cook County received $1 billion in ARPA funding. This was an opportunity to recover from the pandemic and make critical investments throughout Cook County. Our ARPA programming is committed to equity, addressing the needs of our historically disinvested communities.

I often say we have one map in Cook County. Those with the highest rates of violence also face the highest rates of poverty. Those same communities often have the least access to essential services such as health care, grocery stores and technology. With input from tens of thousands of Cook County residents, we prioritized transformative investments with our ARPA dollars to target these disparities. Our commitment is to change that map, ensuring equitable access to vital resources for all our residents. That commitment is being realized every day in Cook County, thanks to ARPA and Biden’s vision.

Among our top initiatives is one of the largest guaranteed income pilots in the country. This $42 million initiative provides unrestricted recurring monthly payments to 3,250 residents for two years. Early surveys show that more than 90% of participants have used their payments for financial emergencies or unexpected expenses. Around 75% feel more financially secure, and nearly 70% report a positive impact on their mental health.

Cook County has also led the nation with the first government-funded medical debt relief program using ARPA funds. Since launching in 2022, we’ve abolished more than $380 million in medical debt for more than 213,000 residents. Participants have shared stories of the stress and depression caused by these bills and the immense relief felt when their debt was abolished. This initiative alleviates financial burdens and restores hope and stability for families. Inspired by our success, similar programs are emerging across the country.

Addressing gun violence is another critical focus in our ARPA investments. Cook County designated $85 million to our Violence Prevention and Reduction Grant portfolio, with an additional $25 million from the Illinois Department of Human Services Office of Firearm Violence Prevention. Our approach includes funding diverse service providers supporting residents at high risk of experiencing gun violence, prioritizing the most affected communities. We’re proud to see that, while we still face unacceptable levels of violence, we’ve seen a significant reduction in homicides since their peak in 2021.

Beyond these flagship programs, ARPA funding has enabled us to expand behavioral health services, promote climate resiliency initiatives, and launch small business grants and supportive housing developments. Each program addresses long-standing inequities and promotes sustainable growth in our communities.

The impact of ARPA funding in Cook County is profound and far-reaching. Thanks to Biden’s leadership, we have had the opportunity to invest in our communities in unprecedented ways. Programs such as guaranteed income and medical debt relief have had immediate impacts on residents, but the long-term effects are what we’re most interested in. These investments will have a tremendous impact on the quality of life for historically disinvested communities, setting Cook County on a path toward a more equitable and prosperous future.

Biden’s legacy is one of compassion, dedication and impactful change. As we look to the future, we are committed to building on the foundation laid by ARPA. Ensuring that the progress we’ve made in Cook County and across the nation endures and grows is our priority. The commitment to investing in America is not just a policy — it’s a lived reality for millions of Cook County residents, and we must continue to carry this torch forward.

Toni Preckwinkle is president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.