Eliminating Language Barriers and Developing Trusted Partnerships in Cuyahoga County, Ohio

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a critical component of the nationwide effort to bridge the digital divide. Established on a bipartisan basis by Congress, the ACP provides subsidies that enable low-income households to get – and stay connected – with monthly broadband subscriptions. Despite its success in reaching over 35% of eligible households, the ACP faces a funding shortfall by 2024. Inadequate funding could not only jeopardize progress toward universal service goals but could also undermine the success of other federal broadband access initiatives that rely on the ACP to fill in adoption gaps. Federal, state, and local resources are critical for supporting outreach programs and building public awareness. Still, even in areas where funding has been scarce or nonexistent, local leaders are working to build capacity and digital equity ecosystems. Cuyahoga County, located in northeastern Ohio along Lake Erie, is home to the city of Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs. Community leaders have recognized the importance of closing the digital divide and made it a key priority. Approximately 1 in 8.5 households in Cuyahoga County still need an in-home internet connection. ACP is a critical component of digital equity efforts in Cuyahoga County, providing low-cost or no-cost home internet to eligible households. Leveraging existing public and private sector partnerships, the County developed a targeted outreach campaign that focuses on 13 zip codes chosen based on current ACP enrollment figures and the percentage of disconnected households. Additionally, the County will use in-person events supported by the Greater Cleveland Digital Navigators to build public awareness. Direct mail, strategic advertising, and the valuable support of digital navigators are key elements of a campaign that will connect hundreds of thousands of low-income residents with the digital resources they need.