For Immediate Release: 7/17/2024 11:43 am
WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester, in partnership with the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) and the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC), has issued a digital equity report, which details the current digital landscape in the city, particularly affordable high-speed internet, access to digital devices, and digital literacy.
In the Fall of 2023, the municipality applied to partake in the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute and chose the CMRPC as the consultant to lead the planning program.
“We are proud to have partnered with the City in completing Worcester's Digital Equity Report," said Janet Pierce, Executive Director of the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC). "Through engagement with diverse City residents and community partners, we evaluated current programs to develop a comprehensive strategy with actionable directions.”
The municipality undertook a series of public workshops to engage local officials, community groups, residents, and key stakeholders about the status of digital equity in the city. Following a four-month planning timeline that included gathering and analyzing demographic data, broadband usage data, distributing community surveys, tabling at events, resource mapping, one-on-one interviews with community leaders, and convening the Worcester Digital Equity Group, CMRPC completed its report.
The report illustrates both the community's needs and opportunities for the municipality to further digital equity initiatives.
The areas of focus include the affordability of home internet subscriptions, access to digital devices, language and age barriers to digital literacy, coordination between community organizations, and online safety. Together with community partners, the municipality is well-positioned to address the digital divide and create real solutions that will impact residents.
“I hope this report will highlight the importance of investing in digital equity initiatives, which will strengthen our community, foster innovation, economic development, and social cohesion,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “I am proud of the work accomplished in this report and thank the residents, community partners, library, and city hall staff for their contributions. I also want to share my appreciation and thanks to the community organizations in the city that are already doing digital equity work. I look forward to the continued partnership and opportunities for collaboration.”
The report highlights the central role the Worcester Public Library will play in addressing digital equity in the city, the importance of engaging in coalition building efforts, and augment the digital services the library currently provides to our residents. The library was recently awarded $100,000 from MBI in implementation funding. These funds will be critical to jump starting the municipality’s digital equity initiatives and strengthen its digital skills training and device lending programs.
“The Worcester Public Library is deeply committed to advancing digital equity, said Worcester Public Library Executive Director Jason Homer. “We are excited to utilize the resources provided by MBI, thanks to CMRPC’s report, along with the expertise of our talented librarians. Our goal is to bridge the gaps in access and implement meaningful, sustainable programs that benefit those with the greatest need in our community.”
