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Creating affordable, inclusive broadband strategies for communities

URBANA, Ill. - Illinois community leaders are encouraged to review the recent University of Illinois Extension government webinars on CONNECT Illinois, the state's broadband infrastructure grant program to expand broadband access across the state. One additional free online webinar will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 3 and cover the personal application of broadband connectivity for the public.

"The final webinar addresses broadband affordability and digital inclusion," says Nancy Ouedraogo, Extension community and economic development specialist, "including low cost broadband, connection of digital literacy with relevant content and services, low-cost computer availability, and public-access computer centers." 

To register, one may check out the Developing Broadband Leadership website. Presenters include community leaders with expertise in building increase connectivity capacity, building community engagement for a comprehensive local broadband development plan, and determining strengths and weakness of different available technologies. 

The series is hosted by Illinois Extension's Local Government Education program, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic OpportunityIllinois Office of Broadband, and the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

To participate and receive program materials, officials, agency staff, organizational partners, and community leaders are encouraged to register online. Contact Ouedraogo at esarey@illinois.edu to request a reasonable accommodation. Early requests are encourage to allow adequate time to meet the requested needs. 

Illinois Extension is the outreach effort of University of Illinois, extending unbiased, research-based information to help residents identify and solve local problems that build better futures for individuals, families, businesses, farms, and communities. Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

SOURCE: Nancy Ouedraogo, Community and Economic Development Specialist, University of Illinois Extension
WRITER: Judy Mae Bingman, Communications and Marketing Manager, University of Illinois Extension, jmbingma@illinois.edu