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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
INCREASE TO THE SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN COOK COUNTY AND CIRCLE ROOT COLLABORATIVE FOR THE DIGITAL EQUITY PLANNING INTIATIVE
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2021, the federal government authorized the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) which includes $1.9 trillion in federal stimulus funds to hasten the United States’ recovery from the economic and health effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, specifically, the federal government has authorized and allocated a federal award of approximately $1,000,372,385B of ARPA funding to Cook County to assist the County in its recovery from the economic and health effects of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2021, the Cook County American Rescue Plan Act Framework (the “ARPA Framework”) was presented to the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners via Resolution 21-3654 accepted the ARPA federal award allocated to Cook County to assist the County in its recovery from the economic and health effects of COVID-19 in the amount of approximately $1,000,372,385.00; and
WHEREAS, the County’s Policy Roadmap, Smart Communities Pillar seeks to provide an innovative infrastructure that will change how we live, work, and connect by providing safe and secure internet connectivity among its residents and investing in digital equity; and
WHEREAS, Cook County (“County”) allocated approximately $2 Million of the ARPA Funds for the purpose of addressing digital equity across communities and advancing access to digital technologies; and
WHEREAS, Circle Root Consulting, LLC (“Circle Root” or “Subrecipient”), a small woman-owned business in Oak Park, IL, is an established community engagement and outreach consulting agency, which has extensive experience and expertise in providing technical assistance to local governments in achieving their digital equity goals; and
WHEREAS, the County and Circle Root entered into a Subrecipient Agreement (“Agreement”) on May 31, 2023 under program NT-119, providing $148,000 in Program Funds to further the County’s Digital Equity goals; and
WHEREAS, the County and Circle Root entered in an Amendment on December 19, 2023, increasing the total award to $437,380.00; and
WHEREAS, the County and Circle Root entered into a second Amendment on December 20, 2024, increasing the total award to $715,092.17; and
WHEREAS, the County and Circle Root entered in a third Amendment on June 5, 2026, increasing the total award to $999,998.99; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 23-2340 provided up to $2,000,000.00 broadband internet capabilities to HACC owned properties under program NT-795; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 23-2340 also authorized the Director of Digital Equity-Office of the President to modify the funding allocation under NT-795 based upon need and utilization; and
WHEREAS, Phase 1 of the NT-795 program with HACC was completed at a total cost of $946,078.85; and
WHEREAS, due to time constraints related to ARPA requirements, there is a need to shift the remaining funding allocation for the NT-795 project towards NT-119; and
WHEREAS, Circle Root has been instrumental in implementing tools and resources designed to meet the needs of Cook County residents impacted by the digital divide, including the creation of Cook County’s first ever Digital Equity Action Plan, participating in the County’s Council on Digital Equity (“CODE”), and numerous community conversations with HACC residents, including device giveaways to HACC residents; and
WHEREAS, Cook County Office of the President seeks to continue community engagement and outreach activities with Circle Root; and
WHEREAS, the continuation of stakeholder involvement beyond the initial informant activities that supported the Digital Equity Action Plan, will illuminate the utility of the plan for a myriad of audiences and build County capacity to champion future implementation efforts; and
WHEREAS, a funds transfer from program NT-795 to NT-119 to increase the Agreement with Circle Root will allow Circle Root to further expand its role in supporting the County’s digital equity outreach and engagement strategy, including the planning and execution of Digital Inclusion Week, the Access Amplified Digital Equity Learning Symposium, and the refresh of the Cook County Digital Equity Action Plan; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 22-0637 provided that any grants issued regarding ARPA programs in an amount over $1M shall require the approval of the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, this expanded scope will strengthen community engagement, deepen stakeholder participation, and ensure that digital equity initiatives are informed by the voices, experiences, and needs of residents across Cook County, advancing the County’s commitment to equitable access to technology, connectivity, and digital opportunity for all.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the award of additional ARPA funds in the amount of up to $145,415.18 to Circle Root Consulting, LLC in order to continue the County’s mission of promoting digitally equitable communities that are equipped with the skills and resources to fully participate in the digital world; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Director of Digital Equity-Office of the President at Cook County Government or its designee to modify the agreement and funding allocation to the Subrecipient based upon need and utilization.
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