AUSTIN, TEXAS – The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named the City of Austin as a 2023 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the City’s efforts to close the digital divide.

As the pandemic demonstrated, digital inclusion – access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training – is essential to participating and thriving in today’s world. Recognizing the ongoing needs of the community, the City of Austin didn’t stop digital inclusion efforts at the end of the quarantine.

“We are honored to be recognized by NDIA for this award for the third year in a row,” said Rondella Hawkins, the City of Austin’s Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Officer. “I'm proud of our team for championing leading practices towards digital equity. These efforts would not be possible without the unwavering support from City management, elected officials, and community partners to foster a digitally inclusive Austin for all. Providing opportunity is essential to a thriving community!”

This year, the City of Austin joins a record number of Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, with 47 total awardees representing municipal, county, and regional governments paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US.

“Nonprofits, libraries, churches, and other community organizations can’t reach digital equity on their own. For everyone to thrive in today’s digital world, we need all hands on deck,” said Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director. “NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers exemplify the key role local governments have in building connected communities for all of their residents.”

Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems. The City of Austin achieved Trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of their communities through:

• Grant for Technology Opportunities Program – funding non-profits in the community doing digital equity work

• Community PC Program – computer re-use/refurbishment program that provides devices to the community

• Digital literacy training programs - with our community partners, Austin Free-Net

• Digital Navigation and 1:1 computer support - with our community partners, Austin Free-Net

NDIA revised the seven-year-old Trailblazer program this year, identifying seven categories of current best practices. Each applicant’s materials are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact, and posted in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA’s website. By sharing materials with open-sourcing, NDIA provides community advocates and local governments ways to continue learning, connect with trailblazing peers, and plan their own digital inclusion solutions.

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About the City of Austin Financial Services Department:

The City of Austin Financial Services Department (FSD) maintains the financial and economic integrity of the City of Austin and provides comprehensive and integrated financial management, administration, and support services to the City departments and other customers. Under FSD, the Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs division advocates for the welfare of citizens by ensuring the City receives fair compensation for the private use of public right-of-way, by bringing access to the internet and computer technology to all members of the community through digital inclusion programs, and by protecting consumers from utility rate increases and unfair predatory lending practices.

About National Digital Inclusion Alliance:

NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 1,500 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.