Continuing their commitment to closing the digital divide for Sacramentans, the City Council on June 15 approved $600,000 to continue the efforts of the Digital Equity Program over the next three years.
The program is operated by the City’s Information Technology department in partnership with United Way California Capital Region.
“United Way is proud to continue offering our vital digital equity services through our expanded partnership with the City of Sacramento and community-based organizations,” said Amber Lovett, interim president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “This partnership is addressing the important digital divide that is disproportionately affecting people of color and low-income populations.”
“We need to ensure our residents most in need are provided with training, technology and internet,” said the City’s Information Technology Manager Ignacio Estevez. “With City Council’s leadership and the hard work of United Way, our community-based organizations and City staff, we will continue to provide these vital services to our community.”
The funding will support efforts to provide equitable access to digital services, devices and the training necessary for Sacramento residents to connect to essential community, education, medical and government services.
The approved funding will add to more than $900,000 in CARES Act funding that was spent to create a Sacramento Public Library Wi-Fi hotspot check-out program and to distribute 2,765 laptops and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to low-income individuals impacted by COVID-19.
Additional information and applications for services and devices are expected to be announced toward the end of July.
Sacramentans in need of internet access can use the Sacramento Public Library’s free mobile Wi-Fi hotspot program and access free Wi-Fi at 27 public city parks.