Addressing Digital Equity Needs in Iowa

In early January 2024, the Iowa Department of Management (DOM) released the draft State of Iowa Digital Equity Plan for public comment. The Digital Equity Plan outlines the results of extensive research and outreach efforts to set baseline conditions and goals for addressing digital equity opportunities in Iowa. The deadline for public comments is February 2, 2024. The State of Iowa developed a vision statement for the Digital Equity Plan to serve as a north star for digital equity initiatives for the life of the plan and beyond: "All Iowans will have access to affordable high-speed broadband internet, useful devices, and the training and support in order to participate, contribute, and thrive in society." Digital equity in Iowa cannot be solved by a single organization acting alone. However, collective and coordinated efforts can shrink and close the digital divides separating Iowans from better opportunities in the classroom, the workplace, and at home.