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Special recognition of October 2026 as Digital Inclusion Month.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, reliable internet access, modern technology, and the skills and support to use digital tools are essential for residents to participate fully in work, education, healthcare, government services, and everyday life; and
WHEREAS, not every Lake County resident has reliable internet access or the digital skills and support needed to confidently use technology, creating barriers to opportunity for individuals and families throughout our communities; and
WHEREAS, according to the 2026 Illinois County Broadband Dashboard, more than 1,400 Lake County locations remain eligible for broadband infrastructure investment because of a lack of reliable broadband service, while more than 16,000 households do not have an internet subscription and more than 8,400 households do not have a computer; and
WHEREAS, Lake County adopted its first Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan in 2023 to help close the digital divide by removing barriers to affordable internet and devices, increasing access to digital skills training, and strengthening partnerships throughout the county; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, the Lake County Board established the Technology Committee to address matters related to technology, broadband, digital equity, and the safe and effective use of technology in Lake County operations; and
WHEREAS, through the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative, more than 6,600 residents have received digital skills training through the Digital Navigator Program, and more than 2,000 laptops have been distributed through basic digital skills programs; and
WHEREAS, Lake County is expanding public access to the internet through partnerships with the cities of North Chicago and Waukegan to provide free, high-speed public Wi-Fi in their downtown areas; and
WHEREAS, Lake County has brought together more than 50 residents, organizations, and community partners through the Lake County Digital Equity Coalition to share resources, identify local needs, and work together to expand digital access and opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Lake County’s commitment to digital inclusion has earned national recognition from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, which named Lake County a Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer in 2024 and 2025; and
WHEREAS, Lake County recognizes that digital inclusion is about more than internet connections and devices, and that helping residents build the skills, confidence, and access they need to navigate an increasingly digital world strengthens our communities and expands opportunity.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that October 4 to October 10, 2026, be designated as Digital Inclusion Week and that the entire month of October be recognized as Digital Inclusion Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED, that this County Board celebrates the progress made throughout Lake County and encourages continued collaboration among residents, community organizations, libraries, schools, businesses, and government agencies to ensure all residents have the opportunity to connect, learn, work, and thrive in a digital world.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on October 13, 2026.