ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from Mayor Ali with a Request to RECEIVE and FILE a PRESENTATION Regarding the BROADBAND AND DIGITAL EQUITY INITIATIVE from the Illinois Office of Broadband.
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BACKGROUND: The "Illinois Broadband Lab" collaboration between the Illinois Office of Broadband and the University of Illinois System soon will be announcing the launch of the Connect Illinois Broadband and Digital Equity Planning Initiative - designed to meet the state's broadband and digital equity planning obligations per the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The year-long planning activity will leverage growing capacity within the Illinois Broadband Lab to prepare for the arrival of federal Digital Equity (DE) program and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program funds in 2024 and 2025, respectively. To ensure that federal BEAD and Digital Equity funding addresses demonstrated barriers and needs, the "Lab" will work with a wide range of community organizations, local governments, and broadband stakeholders to gather critical input. Outreach and engagement will include various activities, including:
? Town hall meetings and small group listening sessions to hear from residents and community organizations;
? Webinars and info sessions with internet service providers and other private sector stakeholders;
? Workshops and small group interviews with representatives from state and local government; and
? Phone and online surveys targeted at historically marginalized groups to ensure that we understand the needs of the most impacted populations
Matt Schmitt, Director of the Illinois Office of Broadband will provide a presentation on the program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Fund for local governments and community groups will become available in 2024 and 2025.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Closing digital equity gaps improves the lives of residents and thereby improving neighborhoods.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: N/A
IMPACT IF DENIED: N/A
ALTERNATI...
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