Digital Equity

Francesca Ioffreda has a long list of job experiences that include consulting and economic development. She will lead a team funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies — an effort her new employer expects other states to imitate.

Buoyed by a $102,000 state grant, a City Council working group on digital equity is helping develop a plan to ensure improved access to technology. Officials are also working with residents on a digital equity plan.

Plus, additional states have been awarded federal funding from the Digital Equity Act; St. Louis, Mo., is installing free Wi-Fi in parks; Yolo County, Calif., preserves free digital literacy classes in Spanish; and more.

This year, local and state governments increased access to digital services for people with disabilities, in part due to a new ruling from the DOJ.

Winning cities in the 2024 Digital Cities Survey are not only modernizing their IT infrastructure — they're investing in digital equity programs, upgrading resident-facing services and prioritizing data security.

Plus, Massachusetts is investing in digital skills training; a partnership in Scranton, Pa., aims to create a universal network; the Federal Communications Commission looks to drive tribal participation in E-rate; and more.

Plus, Hawaii has launched a broadband mapping initiative, Boston has announced more than $1 million for digital equity, and more.

The Cybersecurity Research and Outreach Center at Emporia State donated a pair of computers to the local senior center, and ESU students will provide monthly classes on topics such as scams and basic computer skills.

Plus, a federal digital equity program received hundreds of applications, a tracker illustrates the rising trend of digital service teams, new research quantifies the positive effects of fiber broadband on rural communities and more.

The Bay Area city is making high-speed Internet more accessible with projects focused on affordability and service delivery and aimed at closing the digital divide. A California Public Utilities Commission grant is among the funding sources.

Libraries taking part in a Digital Equity Pilot Project will bring on digital helpers to give residents free tech assistance and build online skills. A $250,000 national leadership grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services underpins the effort.

Plus, the U.S. Senate passes new broadband legislation, more federal broadband funding proposals get approved, Seattle launches an interoperable multilingual application process for low-cost Internet, and more.

Per capita broadband infrastructure funding is highest in rural states, a new report finds, even though the digital divide exists in all areas. Reviews.org examines funding states are receiving from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program.

Plus, Wisconsin has been awarded additional funding for digital equity causes, a new NTIA document offers guidance for native entities applying for Digital Equity Act funding, and more.

The NCW Digital Access and Equity Coalition unveiled its 2024 Digital Equity Plan Summary, a comprehensive initiative designed to bridge the digital divide in several Washington counties, leaders said.

"Last mile" grant money from the American Rescue Plan Act and California's general fund will help construct a broadband network for 700 homes and businesses at the county's northern border along Highway 1.

Plus, Kansas has announced funding for digital skills training, a map illustrates municipal networks across the country, and more.

The organization that popularized civic hackathons is now taking on the responsible use of AI in government. Code for America draws on the collective expertise of the public, tech and nonprofit sectors to tackle societal challenges.