Brittany Maruna

The meeting featured federal updates regarding the BEAD funding allocation, a challenge process, and state grant timelines. Discussions included Illinois Broadband Lab updates on broadband affordability, the Connect Illinois Broadband & Digital Equity Planning Initiative, digital equity programming through the Broadband READY and Digital Navigator Network, and the Broadband Breakthrough initiative for agriculturally centered regions. The Office of Broadband reported on the re-opening of the Connect Illinois Broadband Grant Program and community capacity building. Additionally, the National Skills Coalition presented findings on the importance of digital skills in the current job market.

The council discussed federal broadband funding opportunities and potential state legislative impacts. The Illinois State Board of Education presented preliminary survey findings regarding digital device accessibility and internet access in schools. Updates were provided on the Connect Illinois Broadband Grant Program, the Illinois Connected Communities and Accelerate programs, and the Broadband READY initiative. Additionally, the Internet Equity Initiative presented research on the digital divide within urban environments, with plans to expand into other regions of the state. The council also addressed the formation of working groups focused on digital equity, smart cities, and rural innovation.

The council received updates from the Office of Broadband regarding the Illinois Broadband Connections Newsletter, the public WiFi map, and various federal funding initiatives, including the Emergency Broadband Benefit, Broadband Infrastructure Program, Connected Minority Communities Program, American Rescue Plan Act, and the pending Infrastructure and Jobs Act. Updates were also provided on the Connect Illinois Broadband Grant Program, the Connected Communities Grant program, the Broadband READY Program, the Digital Indicator Dashboard, and the Illinois Broadband Lab. Additionally, the council heard a presentation on the Computer Equity Network, discussed the establishment of new working groups focused on digital equity and inclusion, smart cities, and rural innovation, and reviewed Illinois broadband maps.

The meeting featured presentations on digital equity initiatives in Cook County and Chicago, including the development of strategic plans and the use of data-driven approaches. The council discussed National Telecommunications and Information Administration funding programs, specifically the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program and the Digital Equity Act. Updates were provided regarding the Connect Illinois Broadband grant program and the pause in Round 3 for administrative rule-making. Additionally, the council reviewed efforts by PCs for People to support digital literacy and addressed updates on the Regional Engagement for Adoption and Digital Equity program, as well as the implementation of an interactive dashboard for tracking broadband infrastructure and funding.

The meeting featured a review of the Net Inclusion conference and the upcoming Illinois Connected summit. Stakeholder updates were provided regarding digital equity initiatives in Cook County, including the structure of various action committees. Federal updates from the National Telecommunications & Information Administration covered the launch of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, detailing its purpose, funding waves, eligible activities, and evaluation requirements. Additionally, the Illinois Broadband Lab presented updates on the BEAD challenge process, Connect Illinois funding progress, and the proposed approach for managing broadband deployment through standard units known as PAUs.