About Us
About Digital Equity at Cook County
Cook County is committed to ensuring every resident has the access, tools, and support needed to thrive in today’s digital world. Under the leadership of President Toni Preckwinkle, our digital equity efforts began before the COVID-19 pandemic and continue today through bold investments, innovative partnerships, and deep community engagement. Guided by the Cook County Council on Digital Equity (CODE) and a dedicated Guiding Team, we are working to remove barriers to broadband access, affordable devices, and digital skills training across suburban Cook County. Our Digital Equity Action Plan centers racial equity, accessibility, and community voice to ensure that no one is left behind in our digital future. By collaborating with local organizations, national experts, and residents, we’re building a more inclusive and connected Cook County—one where everyone can fully participate in civic, educational, and economic life.
Digital Opportunity
When digital equity is achieved, opportunity follows. It means residents can access better-paying jobs, pursue online education and training, grow small businesses, connect with loved ones, and access critical health, financial, and government services. It unlocks new pathways for innovation, creativity, and civic participation—especially for those historically left behind by the digital divide. In Cook County, we see digital equity as a catalyst for economic growth, educational advancement, and community well-being. By investing in infrastructure, devices, skills-building, and trust, we are laying the groundwork for a future where everyone—not just the connected few—can benefit from and contribute to a thriving digital economy.
History
As government services, social and civic connections, financial services, educational resources, and workforce opportunities increasingly move online, our suburban Cook County communities face a range of challenges. Those challenges include finding quality, affordable broadband internet service; obtaining usable, supported devices; and building the skills and confidence needed to navigate the internet safely and meaningfully.
People
Kyla Williams Tate
Director
Kyla Williams Tate is a visionary leader at the forefront of digital equity initiatives, currently serving as the inaugural Director of Digital Equity for Cook County Government in the Office of President Toni Preckwinkle. Under Kyla's leadership, Cook County launched its first-ever Digital Equity Action Plan and Digital Equity Map to advance its digital equity goals and create a growing and thriving digital equity ecosystem. In January 2025, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance selected Cook County as a Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for its digital inclusion efforts for the second consecutive year.
Mauricio Jimenez
Digital Equity Coordinator
In 2024 Mauricio Jimenez joined Cook County as the Digital Equity Coordinator where he leads strategy, policy, and implementation efforts to expand broadband infrastructure and digital access throughout one of the largest and most diverse counties in the nation. His work bridges government, nonprofit, and industry sectors to align regional goals, advocate for inclusive technology policy, and shape public understanding around digital transformation.
Digital Equity Plan
President Preckwinkle Announces First-Ever Digital Equity Action Plan to Bridge Digital Divide in Cook County.
In celebration of Digital Inclusion Week 2023, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle released Cook County’s first-ever Digital Equity Action Plan. The plan offers a strategic framework to ensure that all Cook County residents have equitable access to the digital infrastructure, devices and tools to thrive in today’s economy and society. It also invites residents, businesses and community organizations to collaboratively build impactful solutions in the areas of digital accessibility, confidence, safety and security, and infrastructure. To kick off Digital Inclusion Week, Cook County’s Bureau of Technology also released an interactive Digital Equity Map which allows residents to gain insights about digital access in their communities.