Lake County Gazette

Lake County announced that board members and county staff attended the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., to discuss federal policy issues affecting local communities. The announcement was made in a press release on March 12, 2025.

According to the press release, Lake County representatives participated in sessions at the NACo Legislative Conference on topics such as public safety, emergency management, and environmental sustainability. They gathered information on best practices and potential funding opportunities for review and consideration. Board members took part in policy steering committee meetings, including Vice-Chair Mary Ross-Cunningham, who worked on advancing NACo’s priorities and Lake County’s federal legislative agenda. Board member Jennifer Clark participated in a panel discussion during the Telecommunications & Technology Policy Steering Committee meeting, addressing digital access and skills training.

Clark, as chair of the Technology Committee, outlined Lake County’s initiatives to support digital literacy. Six digital navigators assist residents with basic digital skills, security, and telehealth services. The county collaborates with community organizations to distribute digital devices, providing 87 new and refurbished laptops through events and educational programs. The Lake County Digital Growth Initiative, launched in 2023, examines high-speed internet service and digital equity to identify and implement improvements.

"Residents have access to basic technology at locations throughout the county such as libraries, health centers and the Job Center of Lake County, meeting residents where they are to improve digital skills and confidence," said Clark.

The Lake County Board consists of 19 elected members representing different districts and is responsible for approving the county budget, financial matters, and ordinances affecting government departments. Meetings are held in person at the County Administrative Tower in Waukegan or remotely via Zoom, with schedules and agendas available online. The board convenes monthly for regular sessions along with additional committee meetings; all can be viewed live on LCTV.