Bloomington creates digital equity plan, awards grants to improve local internet access

Goals include creating a coalition of stakeholders to guide strategy and establish a leadership position implement programs, enhance coordination and drive action; expanding grant funding to launch and expand programs such as device provision and loaner programs, and potentially to launch technical support and training programs that serve target populations; working to expand utilization of internet essentials and other subsidized broadband programs; engaging with local foundations for financial and technical support; and facilitating broadband competition to potentially improve service and lower prices, including assessing the feasibility of expanding Wi-Fi in public housing and public spaces.

The strategic plan is designed to direct the city government’s investment in digital equity, with potential funding opportunities from state or federal COVID stimulus and other broad-based stimulus, according to a news release on the report.

The digital equity strategic plan were developed by the Bloomington Information and Technology Services Department and CTC Technology and Energy, headquartered in Maryland.