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January 21, 2026
Lake County Board and Waukegan City Council Sign Intergovernmental Agreement to Implement Free Public Wi-Fi in Downtown Waukegan
Waukegan, IL - Lake County and the City of Waukegan have approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to provide free, high-speed public Wi-Fi to Waukegan’s downtown corridor. The project is Lake County’s first municipal public Wi-Fi partnership.
Using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Lake County will construct the network this spring and be responsible for maintenance through December 31, 2026. After this date, the network will be owned and operated by the City of Waukegan.
The network is tentatively planned to span Grand Avenue on the north to Belvidere Road (IL 120) on the south, and from Park Avenue on the west to Sheridan Road on the east. It will also include an area around the Waukegan Metra station.
“Providing free public Wi-Fi reflects our commitment to make Lake County a more connected and inclusive place,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “This partnership with the City of Waukegan demonstrates how strategic investment can remove barriers and create meaningful opportunities for residents.”
The project is part of the County’s Digital Growth Initiative (DGI) and aligns with its Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan. The plan aims to build a connected, thriving and inclusive county where internet access is affordable and residents have the resources needed to participate in an increasingly digital society. The DGI team will be able to help residents connect to the network during ongoing office hours at locations throughout Waukegan.
“The free public Wi-Fi network is a huge step in expanding access for residents, visitors and businesses, aligning with other investments the City of Waukegan is making in the downtown corridor to be a more welcoming and vibrant place,” said Lake County Board Vice Chair and District 9 Board Member Mary Ross-Cunningham.
The project aligns with the City of Waukegan’s Rebuild Waukegan initiative, which aims to revitalize the downtown corridor's infrastructure to support residents and businesses.
“Access to the internet is no longer a luxury, but an essential,” said Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham. “The City of Waukegan is proud to partner with Lake County to ensure individuals in Downtown Waukegan have access to free and reliable public internet. This investment will allow visitors to stay connected, whether they are studying, working remotely, accessing services or enjoying everything that Downtown Waukegan has to offer. It is a smart investment in digital equity that reflects the power of intergovernmental collaboration.”
“Free public Wi-Fi has been a goal of the County Board’s Technology Committee for several years, and it’s exciting to see it become a reality,” said District 15 County Board Member and Technology Committee Chair Jennifer Clark. “By using ARPA funds strategically, we’re improving access in Waukegan while creating a pilot model that can be replicated in other communities across Lake County.”
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