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
WHEREAS, technology is constantly evolving, and is 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 residential and business locations are in areas with unserved or underserved internet service, 19,400 residents do not have broadband, over 35,800 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, the Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan 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 2024 aims to raise awareness of solutions addressing home internet access, personal devices and local technology training and support programs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, that this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, does hereby acknowledge October 7-11, 2024, as Digital Inclusion Week and encourages 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.
DATED, at Waukegan, Illinois, on October 8, 2024.