Municipal digital equity planning underway

Cape Cod towns are working to become more digitally inclusive communities.

On November 13, interested citizens gathered in-person and virtually for a digital equity workshop in Bourne, a component of the town’s process to develop a digital equity plan.

Digital equity is “a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services,” according to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.

Digital equity efforts seek to ensure everyone has the same access and opportunities to necessary information technology. The focus is on bridging the affordability of internet service and devices, building skills to use programs and equipment, increasing trust, and overcoming language or other barriers that keep individuals from fully participating.

The Town of Bourne’s Municipal Digital Equity Plan is intended to assess the digital divide in Bourne and identify opportunities to advance digital equity. The plan will consider the affordability of internet service, access to technology necessary for participation in civic, social and economic life, and the skills required for meaningful digital engagement. Once finalized, the Municipal Digital Equity Plan will prepare Bourne for funding opportunities and help guide decision-making, investment, and implementation regarding information technology.

The Commission is also providing technical assistance to the Town of Sandwich to develop a digital equity plan. A workshop is planned for December 6, 2023, at 6:00 PM at the Sandwich Center for Active Living. More details can be found by visiting cccom.link/sandwichde.

This project is funded by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the MassTech Collaborative under the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program. Funding was provided by Massachusetts ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds.