Cook County State’s Attorney's Office Strategic Roadmap
Client: Cook County State's Attorney
Opportunity
The Cook County State’s Attorney's Office (SAO) is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases, representing the county in civil actions, and ensuring justice and public safety for Cook County residents.
In 2024, the State’s Attorney’s Office began preparing for a leadership transition, with Eileen O’Neill Burke set to assume office in December 2024. To support the incoming administration’s ability to navigate the SAO’s administrative landscape, the Civic Consulting Alliance team was asked to serve as a partner to help the SAO achieve its goals.
Action
Drawing on prior experience working within the State’s Attorney’s Office, Civic Consulting Alliance supported the administration throughout its first year in office through two projects:
Transition resources: The Civic Consulting Alliance team served as a thought partner during the transition by sharing best practices and resources for transition planning, including thought partnership on how to develop a “Day 1” packet to support effective internal communication.
Strategic Operational Roadmap: From October through December 2025, our team worked with the SAO leadership team to facilitate and align leadership and staff on shared goals, translate those goals into initiatives and enablers, and sequence them into a practical roadmap.
“Civic Consulting Alliance was an invaluable partner during our leadership transition. Their team provided thoughtful guidance, practical tools, and expertise to help our office hit the ground running. Their support has laid the foundation for us to develop a strategic roadmap that aligns our team, priorities, and initiatives, ensuring we can serve the people of Cook County more effectively and efficiently.”
Impact
The SAO team now has clearly articulated priorities built through a collaborative effort, resulting in a plan that is both actionable and widely supported throughout the SAO office. This foundational work of providing transition thought partnership and now the roadmap will strengthen the SAO organization and help it be more effective and efficient in ensuring public safety for the people of Cook County.