Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The Massachusetts Broadband Institute announced on Aug. 13 that it is awarding $555,747 to nine municipalities as part of the Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program.
The funding will support a broad range of activities across each community, including expanding digital literacy instruction, digital education and access, digital navigation services, laptop and tablet distribution and public Wi-Fi networks.
The nine communities previously developed digital equity plans under the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program, a statewide initiative that connects municipalities with qualified consultants to determine access gaps and enact planning activities aimed at bridging the digital divide.
Awardees are Charlemont, Clarksburg, Dalton, Lenox, North Andover, Northfield, Orleans, Shutesbury and Somerset, and the awarded funding ranges from $47,000 to $85,000.
Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba said the Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program “offers a roadmap to local leaders through a planning exercise, and puts dollars on the table to implement the communities’ top priorities to close the digital divide.”
Applicants were able to select one or more of seven focus areas for implementation funding: connectivity for economic hardship; device distribution and refurbishment; digital literacy; education, outreach and adoption; public space modernization; staff capacity for digital equity; and wifi access and innovative connectivity technology.
A total of 105 cities and towns across Massachusetts participated in the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program, and 28 are currently participating in the Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program. Communities participating in the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program may apply for a direct grant of up to $100,000 after completing the planning process.
Details about the digital equity projects and each community’s plan are available on the Massachusetts Broadband Institute website.