Title
Special recognition celebrating Digital Inclusion Week.
Body
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, broadband services are essential infrastructure for the 21st century and play a crucial role in providing access to knowledge, education, healthcare, and opportunities from communities locally and around the world; and
WHEREAS, digital equity and inclusion ensures all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have the knowledge and technology needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy, and are necessary for civic and cultural participation, lifelong learning, and access to essential services, and
WHEREAS, the gap between those who have affordable access, skills and support to engage online and those who do not limits opportunity in all parts of life, and disproportionately affects people of color, Indigenous peoples, households with low incomes, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, and older adults; and
WHEREAS, over 3,870 Lake County residences and businesses are located in areas with unserved or underserved internet service, 19,400 residents do not have broadband, over 35,000 Lake County residents do not have a computer or laptop, and an estimated 72,000 Lake County households were eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, highlighting a significant need for broadband infrastructure and digital equity throughout our county; and
WHEREAS, the Special Committee on Broadband and the Lake County Board adopted the Lake County Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan in 2023, furthering Lake County’s commitment to closing the digital divide through actionable strategies aimed to increase local coordination, remove barriers to internet access, improve device affordability, promote digital skills, and realize Lake County’s vision for digital equity and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, since 2023, Lake County has advanced these strategies through the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative, which has provided over 3,000 residents with digital skills training through the Digital Navigator Program, distributed over 600 laptops through basic digital skills programs, expanded partnerships with libraries, community organizations, Lake County Departments, and schools through the Lake County Digital Equity Coalition, and received national recognition as a Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance; and
WHEREAS, the Digital Growth Initiative supports the Lake County Strategic Plan by expanding economic opportunities, developing equitable infrastructure, increasing diversity and inclusion in our communities, and forwarding our County’s mission of providing exceptional services and support for Lake County residents, communities, and environment; and
WHEREAS, Digital Inclusion Week aims to raise awareness of solutions addressing affordable home internet access, personal devices, and community-based technology training and support programs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, that this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, does hereby acknowledge October 6-10, 2025, as Digital Inclusion Week and further designates the entire month of October as a period to celebrate and advance digital skills and growth. The Board hereby invites all residents, employers, schools, and community organizations to join in raising awareness of the importance of digital equity and inclusion, and to support initiatives that ensure all individuals can participate fully in our digital society for the entire month of October.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on October 14, 2025.