About Digital Equity
Seattle works together for digital equity, to ensure all residents and neighborhoods have the information technology capacity needed for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services. We collaborate to create opportunities and to reduce and eliminate historical barriers to technology access and use. This is digital equity or digital inclusion.
The City of Seattle began its digital inclusion work in 1996. (More history below)
In July, 2020, the Internet for All Resolution 31956 was adopted by City Council & signed by the Mayor. A detailed report with gap analysis and guiding strategies followed. (Learn more)
Four Digital Equity Elements guide our work: Internet, Skills & Tech Support, Devices and Applications & Services. Learn more in the detailed description (pdf)
Our digital equity resources include:
- Low-income internet programs including the Affordable Connectivity Program subsidy
- Digital equity community grants (Technology Matching Fund, Digital Navigators)
- Free public wi-fi at city and library locations
- Free Internet Access for Organizations (see bottom of internet page)
- Technology Access & Adoption research study
- Digital Skill Sets for Diverse Users research report: A comparison framework for curriculum and competencies (with the University of Washington)
Seattle has a long history of digital equity work
The City of Seattle started its digital equity work in 1996 with a commitment to ensure residents could obtain government information and participate online. in 1997, the City and community created a set of values for a Technologically Healthy Community and started the Technology Matching Fund grant program. In 2016, prior to the 2020 Internet for All guiding resolution, the City worked with a wide range of stakeholders, City Departments and leadership to develop a Digital Equity Action Plan. This plan was developed with more than 100 community leaders, non-profit organizations, companies, and members of the public participating. They helped identify needs, a vision and possible strategies (See first vision and strategies report). Our digital equity initiatives are closely aligned with and further the City of Seattle broadband efforts, Race and Social Justice Initiative, and other education, neighborhood, equitable development, technology, cultural and human service goals.
Our strategies are informed by Seattle's Technology Access and Adoption community research data, consulting with the community, and other population and program data. Our Technology Access and Adoption research began in 2000, continues to evolve, and continues to be used to guide funding and services.