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Webinar Summary
The Local Infrastructure Hub hosted a session on July 30, 2024, to discuss how cities prepare for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant program. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) just announced its latest Internet for All funding program from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—the Digital Equity Competitive Grants Program. This $1.25 billion grant program bolsters community initiatives that expand access to technologies supporting an increasingly digital economy and build people’s skills for using them. The session featured Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator; Angela Thi Bennett, Director of Digital Equity, National Telecommunications and Information Administration; Amy Huffman, Policy Director, National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA); Rachel Stark, Smart Cities Program Manager, City of Charlotte, and Rebecca Kauma, Director of Digital Equity, County of Los Angeles, for a discussion on how to secure this critical funding,
Key Insights Shared
Recognize the Broader Movement
Participating in Federal grant programs for digital equity is part of a larger movement to bridge the digital divide. Cities should see their involvement as contributing to a historic effort to ensure internet access and digital literacy for all, recognizing the broader social and economic impact of this work.
Emphasize real-world solutions and community needs
Assistant Secretary Davidson emphasized that NTIA is looking for practical solutions to real world problems and encouraged cities to focus on their community’s specific needs. Collaborations, such as regional partnerships and working with nonprofits, can ease the burden of applying for federal funding and improve grant application success.
Plan and Prepare Early
Amy Huffman from NDIA, encouraged cities to not delay the application process. This federal grant program is highly competitive, and waiting until the last minute can increase the risk of missing deadlines or submitting incomplete applications. Early planning and preparation can improve the chances of a successful application. She also emphasized the importance of reading the NOFO word for word front to back. It will be essential in helping cities understand how to apply and to begin having conversations with potential funders.
Promote digital equity and inclusion through allowable activities
Angela Thi Bennett at NTIA discussed that the competitive grant program aims to achieve digital equity by funding activities that promote broadband adoption and digital inclusion among covered populations. This includes ensuring access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet and appropriate devices, providing skills and resources for healthcare, civic engagement, quality education, and fostering economic stability through workforce development. Allowable activities encompass upgrading public computing centers, implementing training programs, and providing affordable equipment. Programs can also address specific subgroups within covered populations, such as youth, LGBTQ+ communities, and the unhoused, with room for proposing innovative projects beyond the listed activities.
Focus on Comprehensive Solutions
Rachel Stark, Smart Cities Program Manager for City of Charlotte discussed how despite being an urbanized area with fiber coverage, Charlotte faces challenges related to the affordability and accessibility of Internet for residents. The city’s efforts focus on providing affordable Internet options and ensuring digital literacy and device access. Initiatives like Access Charlotte and partnerships with the Center for Digital Equity provide affordable housing residents with internet and digital navigation support. Programs also include digital literacy training, device distribution, and career exposure for youth in technology fields. Additionally, Charlotte is exploring ways to streamline access to digital resources and reduce the administrative burden on residents, aligning with the city’s broader goals of racial equity and closing the upward mobility gap.
Engage and empower the community
Effective digital equity initiatives should involve community input and co-creation. Cities can establish forums, advisory groups, or working groups, including residents from underserved areas, to provide feedback and shape strategies. Rebecca, the first Director of Digital Equity for Los Angeles County, emphasized the importance of collaboration through the Intergovernmental Broadband Coordinating Committee (IBCC). The IBCC works with local jurisdictions, nonprofits, and community members to secure and implement grant funding, focusing on capacity building and providing resources and technical assistance, particularly for smaller cities and organizations. This engagement ensures initiatives are tailored to actual needs and fosters a sense of ownership in the digital transformation process.
Resources Shared During the Webinar and in Discussion
Local Infrastructure Hub Bootcamp Materials
The Local Infrastructure Hub is here to support cities in communicating the success of BIL-funded projects through a mix of webinars, practical tools, and templates. Our webinars and Grant Application Bootcamps can guide you through different application processes and actionable steps to submit a strong application.
Local Infrastructure Hub Bootcamps are especially helpful for cities as they provide technical assistance for city staff on relevant tools and templates that can be applied to grant applications; how to build community engagement plans; how to leverage community assets; how to effectively incorporate data into the grant application process; and how to construct a strong budget and grant narrative. Register for our bootcamps now and receive expert assistance to construct your next federal grant application!