Cook County administrator talks value of community partnerships

Cook County Administrator James Joerke arrived to the North Shore in September 2020.

At the time he was hired, Joerke said working with community partners would be a centerpiece of his role as the county administrator. These community partners include the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the Cook County Housing Redevelopment Authority, the Grand Marais City Council, healthcare officials, the Forest Service, WTIP Radio, and many others. Three years later, Joerke said he is proud of the work the county has done to engage with community partners, including efforts to address the housing crunch, an issue that impacts many aspects of life in Cook County.

WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs spoke with Joerke Oct. 18 during the first morning of the fall membership drive at the radio station. Listen to the full interview in the audio below.

Joe Friedrichs October 18, 2023