Some towns have been reluctant to annex many of these areas in the past because of infrastructure needs or public safety concerns.

During budget hearings last year, Preckwinkle had called for a surcharge of about $150 per household on unincorporated property owners to maintain sheriff's patrols. She backed away from that and instead created the task force that is calling for an end to unincorporated areas.

The task force included officials from county, municipal and township government as well as residents and economic development experts.

“We want to accelerate annexation of these unincorporated areas,” Preckwinkle said. “This will allow for local control over local decisions, which is desirable for a public policy standpoint.”

Hundreds of unincorporated neighborhoods are scattered throughout the county's 945 square miles, but 25 of those parcels account for 86,000 of the unincorporated residents. Preckwinkle said the initial focus will be on getting municipalities to annex some of the smaller lots first.