Title
Receive update on Digital Inclusion and vote to adopt updates to the Chatham County Digital Inclusion Plan
Abstract
Introduction & Background: The Chatham County Board of Commissioners adopted the Chatham County Digital Inclusion Plan at its regular meeting in December 2024. The plan was developed to help guide countywide efforts related to availability, access, and adoption.
As part of the plan's one-year review process, the Chatham County Digital Inclusion Coalition met to review the plan and recommend updates based on current needs, completed work, and changes in the digital inclusion landscape. This update also includes information on broadband expansion efforts and digital inclusion programming, including work funded through the Office of Digital Equity and Literacy grant awarded to Central Pines Regional Council, with programming support from Kramden Institute.
Discussion & Analysis: The Board of Commissioners will receive an update on broadband expansion, digital inclusion programming, and recommended updates to the Chatham County Digital Inclusion Plan. The recommended updates were developed by the Chatham County Digital Inclusion Coalition as part of the plan's one-year review requirement and include adjustments related to affordability programs, device access, hotspot availability, digital literacy, Generative Artificial Intelligence, data privacy, and the continued role of the Digital Inclusion Coalition. If adopted, staff will incorporate the updates into the plan through an addendum.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: This initiative supports Objective 7 by enhancing infrastructure that fosters economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life. It also advances specific policy recommendations, including:
* Health Policy HL 10, Strategy 10.1: Expanding access to broadband to improve health outcomes through virtual healthcare services.
* Health Policy HL 11, Strategy 11.3: Supporting virtual workplaces...
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