Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
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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
The data on Households with No Internet Access was gathered during the implementation of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Unfortunately, the ACP funding ran out earlier this year and has not been renewed. The loss of the (ACP) could have significant consequences for residents of Durham, NC, especially those already facing economic challenges.
The discontinuation of the ACP poses a substantial risk to the digital inclusion and economic stability of many Durham residents. Policymakers and community stakeholders will need to address these challenges to ensure continued access to affordable internet services.
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?
The Technology Solutions Digital Inclusion Services division has successfully executed the contract with Digital Durham for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Project, titled "Digital Equity Delivers Equitable Durham." The City made an initial upfront payment of 20% ($98,616) of the total contract amount ($493,080), which allows Digital Durham to hire a Project Coordinator.
This initiative includes the City's sponsorship to update and implement the Digital Equity Plan, convene partners, and expand the network of community-based organizations that provide digital inclusion services.
Additionally, through an ARPA Interlocal Agreement with Durham County, we have received $750,000 to expand Digital Equity programs. These funds will be used to increase access to affordable internet, improve digital readiness, provide skills training, and create opportunities for participatory engagement.
We also had the opportunity to participate as guest panelists, presenting on the topic of Digital Inclusion tailored for Duke Pre-College students and older adults at Aging Well Durham. We attended the Digital Equity Town Hall, a collaborative community conversation aimed at fostering meaningful engagement around digital inclusion. This event, hosted by North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Digital Durham, provided valuable insights and encouraged dialogue among stakeholders to address digital disparities.
Lastly, we are proud to announce that we received the prestigious Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer Award from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide. Notably, this is the third time the City of Durham has been honored as a Trailblazer, and it is the first time we have received NDIA’s top distinction.
What's next?
The Digital Inclusion Services team has several important initiatives planned, including facilitating ARPA sponsorships for the Digital Equity Delivers Equitable Durham program and the City-County partnership for Digital Equity initiatives.
Our team aims to enhance our approach by clearly defining our strategies, setting SMART goals, and improving stakeholder engagement efforts to ensure measurable impact. Additionally, we plan to create a community engagement plan to strengthen our outreach efforts.
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
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