illi News - City Of Chicago Recognized as One of The Nation's Digital Inclusion Trailblazers for the Third Year

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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Named 2024 Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazer by National Digital Inclusion Alliance

The City of Chicago has been recognized as a 2024 Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). This prestigious designation is awarded to cities that have made significant efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all community members have access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training.

Chicago joins a record number of 60 awardees representing municipal, county, and regional governments across the United States. The city was chosen for its commitment to deeply integrating digital inclusion into city governance and leading the way in digital inclusion innovation. It is one of only 34 communities in the country to receive this recognition.

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his pride in Chicago's achievement, stating that "reliable and affordable home internet, paired with digital skills training, is fundamental to ensuring all Chicagoans can thrive in today's economy." He also reaffirmed his administration's dedication to making Chicago the most connected city in the country.

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NDIA Executive Director Angela Siefer praised local governments for their role in building digital inclusion ecosystems. She stated that "NDIA's Digital Inclusion Trailblazers celebrates these critical efforts to bring digital opportunities to all residents."

Christian Taylor, Director of Digital Equity for the City of Chicago, emphasized the importance of home internet access as a necessity rather than a luxury. He also highlighted NDIA's recognition of Chicago's work for three consecutive years as confirmation of their leadership in this space. Through investments in people and community-building initiatives, Chicago has been able to address disparities in connectivity on its South and West sides.

As a Visionary Trailblazer, Chicago serves as a model for other local governments looking to build their own digital inclusion ecosystems. The city achieved this status through various initiatives such as extending the Chicago Connected program for pre-K through 12 students in Chicago Public Schools, releasing the City of Chicago Neighborhood Broadband Request for Proposal, and staffing the Chicago Digital Equity Coalition.

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The Chicago Connected program provides no-cost broadband access to over 40,000 students this academic year. The City of Chicago Neighborhood Broadband Request for Proposal aims to connect more households to reliable home internet while also providing digital skills training through partnerships with community-based organizations. The Chicago Digital Equity Coalition ensures meaningful engagement with lived experts and communities impacted by the digital divide.

In addition, the city has collaborated with local non-profit organizations to collect, wipe, refurbish, and distribute 2,000 laptops, desktops, and tablets to Chicagoans in need.

NDIA's Digital Inclusion Trailblazers program has been setting the national standard for excellent digital inclusion work since 2016. Each applicant's materials are verified for accuracy and assessed for community impact before being posted on NDIA's website in an interactive map and searchable database. By sharing these materials openly, NDIA aims to provide resources for community advocates and local governments to continue learning and connect with trailblazing peers as they plan their own digital inclusion solutions.

Chicago's recognition as a 2024 Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazer is a testament to its commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all residents have access to the tools necessary to thrive in today's society. With its innovative initiatives and dedication to digital equity, Chicago is paving the way for other cities across the country.

Filed Under: Government, City

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