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Section 3
May 12, 2026
Lake County and North Chicago To Bring Free Public Wi-Fi Downtown
Lake County and the City of North Chicago have approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to provide free, high-speed public Wi-Fi to North Chicago’s downtown corridor.
Using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Lake County will construct the network this year. After construction is completed, the network will be owned and operated by the City of North Chicago.
The network is tentatively planned to span Foss Park Avenue on the north to 18th Avenue on the south, and from the North Chicago Metra Station on the east to Sheridan Road on the west.
“Whether someone is applying for a job, finishing homework, accessing healthcare or supporting a small business, using the internet is part of everyday life,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “We’re excited to partner with North Chicago to create more opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with important resources.”
This is the second municipal public Wi-Fi partnership under Lake County’s Digital Growth Initiative (DGI), aligning 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 North Chicago.
“Reliable internet access opens doors for our residents, from education and workforce development to small business growth,” said North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham. “We’re proud to work alongside Lake County to bring this important resource to our downtown and create a more connected future for North Chicago.”
“Providing free public Wi-Fi in North Chicago’s downtown corridor will help support local businesses, attract visitors and make this area an even stronger community hub,” said Lake County Board Member Angelo Kyle. “I’m grateful to everyone who helped move this partnership forward and bring this investment to the community.”
“Launching a second municipal Wi-Fi network shows that this approach is working and can be scaled,” said District 15 County Board Member and Technology Committee Chair Jennifer Clark. “We’re taking what we’ve learned and applying it in new communities to expand access in a thoughtful way.”
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