City of Dallas Named 2022 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by NDIA

Trailblazers are judged based on six criteria showing a city or county’s digital inclusion leadership. These include having full-time local government staff, a digital inclusion plan, an open-access coalition, survey research, funded digital inclusion programming, and efforts to increase affordability of home broadband service.

The City of Dallas met all six of the Digital Inclusion Trailblazer criteria.

“Bridging the digital divide between Dallas residents will help create an equitable city. Access to the Internet and knowing how to use it are important tools to success in today’s world,” said Councilmember Jaime Resendez. “I am proud to see that the City of Dallas is a leader in these efforts.”

The NDIA’s six criteria also provide cities and counties that are just getting started with digital inclusion an effective pathway to leadership in their community.

“The City of Dallas is committed to leading initiatives that promote digital equity for residents,” said Chief of Staff Genesis Gavino. “The NDIA designation validates that the City is making the necessary steps forward as outlined in the City’s Broadband and Digital Equity Strategic Plan.”

The City’s Broadband and Digital Equity Strategic Plan was developed in collaboration with Dallas Independent School District and identifies specific ways the City can bridge the digital divide through infrastructure investments, public-private partnerships, and programming.

For more information about the City of Dallas’ Broadband and Digital Equity Strategic Plan, click here.

As the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to roll out, city and county digital inclusion plans and work will continue to become more necessary and influential. As states create plans under the Digital Equity Act, they will be required to consult and include existing city plans within their state.

About National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 800 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information on Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, visit digitalinclusion.org/digital-inclusion-trailblazers.