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Cook County Acknowledged as Innovative Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for the Second Year Running
(COOK COUNTY, IL) – The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has once again named Cook County as a 2024 Innovative Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, the most prestigious recognition in its annual program. This accolade honors Cook County’s enduring leadership and creativity in bridging the digital gap and promoting equity for all residents through the execution of its Digital Equity Action Plan.
“We are thrilled to be acknowledged once more by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance as an Innovative Digital Inclusion Trailblazer,” stated Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This recognition reflects our dedication to enhancing digital equity by creating a strong ecosystem based on accessibility, security, and teamwork. Cook County is committed to providing sustainable, community-focused solutions to bridge the digital gap and guarantee every resident has the resources and opportunities to flourish.”
In 2024, Cook County joins a record number of 60 communities recognized as Digital Inclusion Trailblazers by NDIA. These local administrations are leading the charge for digitally inclusive communities nationwide by emphasizing accessibility, infrastructure, and initiatives that build digital confidence among residents. Cook County’s accomplishment highlights its pledge to guarantee all residents have access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and the capabilities necessary to navigate today’s digital landscape with assurance.
“We are profoundly honored that Cook County has been recognized as an Innovative Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for the second consecutive year by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance,” remarked Kyla Williams Tate, Director of Digital Equity. “This accomplishment signifies our steadfast dedication to narrowing the digital chasm and ensuring that all residents enjoy fair access to technology and digital resources. Through the execution of our Digital Equity Action Plan, we have made remarkable progress, but we recognize that much work remains. Together, we will continue to instigate transformative change and empower our communities to succeed in the digital era.”
“In the past ten years, we have witnessed local governments take on the crucial role of creating digital inclusion ecosystems, where service-providing organizations can connect and thrive,” noted Angela Siefer, NDIA Executive Director. “NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers celebrates these vital efforts to bring digital opportunities to all residents.”
Cook County’s recognition as an Innovative Trailblazer emphasizes initiatives such as:
- Cook County allocates funding to digital inclusion through two full-time staff members, including the appointment of Mauricio Jimenez as the first Digital Equity Coordinator in May 2024. The County drives policy and practice initiatives in partnership with its Council of Digital Equity (CODE) and the Digital Equity Action Committee (DEAC).
- In collaboration with City Bureau, Cook County initiated and announced the first recipients of the Digital Equity IMPACT Small Grants Program, an innovative initiative aimed at fostering digital inclusion through storytelling and community involvement. Fifteen organizations in Cook County received grants ranging from $7,500 to $15,000, totaling $187,500.
- Cook County organized 52 events during Digital Inclusion Week 2024 in collaboration with community organizations, libraries, and institutions, further reinforcing the Cook County Board of Commissioner’s 2023 resolution to recognize and celebrate Digital Inclusion Week indefinitely, highlighting the County’s deep commitment to promoting digital equity.
- Over 35,000 pounds of equipment from Cook County Government agencies were donated to PCs for People for refurbishment and redistribution to the community. Additionally, Cook County partnered with Compudopt to conduct several device distribution events, providing over 960 laptops and 210 high-speed internet devices to households. Both initiatives support an IMPACT recommendation in the County’s Digital Equity Action Plan to enhance “High-Quality Device Access.
Since 2016, NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers has established the national benchmark for outstanding digital inclusion initiatives. Each applicant’s submissions are verified for accuracy, evaluated based on community impact, and showcased in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA’s website. By offering materials through open source, NDIA equips community advocates and local governments with resources to continue learning, connect with pioneering peers, and devise their own digital inclusion strategies.
For additional information regarding Cook County’s digital equity initiatives, please visit www.cookcountyil.gov/service/digital-equity.
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