Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
Status Indicator: 
In Progress | 
On Hold | 
Complete/Ongoing
Initiative: 3.33 Create and recommend a digital inclusion roadmap for residents and provide equitable access to digital resources
Connected, Engaged, & Inclusive Communities
Description
This initiative aims to develop and implement a digital inclusion roadmap that strives to ensure that every resident of Durham is provided with access to or use of digital tools and services regardless of their background. The digital inclusion roadmap includes goals, objectives, and strategies regarding equitable digital access. The digital inclusion roadmap focuses on two key areas, stakeholder engagement and community engagement.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
.png)
Broadband adoption in Durham increased from about 70% in 2019 to nearly 90% in 2024, reflecting strong progress in expanding affordable internet access. Over the same period, the share of households without a computer declined from roughly 7% to 3%, indicating improved access to essential devices. Together, these trends demonstrate meaningful advancement toward universal digital inclusion.
Why is it important?
Empowering residents of the City of Durham with digital tools and resources ensures they have the necessary means for success. This is particularly crucial for individuals in under-resourced and under-represented communities, enabling them to broaden their access to digital resources, community programs, and services provided by the City, County, Durham Public Schools, and other community organizations.
What have we been doing?
Staff have continued implementing initiatives that expand digital access for Durham residents through partnerships, technology distribution, and community outreach. A major focus has been the MiFi hotspot distribution program and building partnerships with community organizations to support digital inclusion programs.
Key activities include:
Executing the Verizon Wireless contract and launching the MiFi hotspot distribution program.
Distributing mobile hotspots and conducting outreach to reach residents without reliable internet access.
Engaging community-based organizations to support digital inclusion initiatives and programming.
Developing curriculum, partnerships, and planning activities for the Digital Durham ecosystem.
What's next?
Work to expand digital inclusion and access will continue through the following activities:
Public Wi-Fi Expansion – Coordinating project timelines for Wi-Fi access at Durham Parks and Recreation sites.
Youth Digital Training – Launching the Digital Brilliance Hour youth training initiative.
Community Focus Groups – Engaging residents and facilitators to gather input for the digital inclusion roadmap.
Senior Digital Skills Training – Developing programs to improve digital literacy for older residents.
Program Evaluation – Conducting follow-up surveys to measure the impact of the MiFi hotspot program.
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division