Seattle’s Equity-Based Approach to Digital Inclusion

The City of Seattle’s Information Technology department (Seattle IT) supports digital equity programs and services as a coalition organization. The City began its digital equity work in the mid-1990s in response to community advocacy concerning access to information technology. Today, the City supports digital equity work through a variety of programs and initiatives including, but not limited to, supporting public access sites and training, providing broadband for community organizations, conducting research on local technology use and access, and providing funding for community organizations. A digital equity and broadband manager oversees digital equity efforts and the Office of Cable Communications, which oversees the regulatory aspect of cable operators in the city. The City employs three digital equity advisors to support digital equity work. Digital equity advisors partner closely with community members and organizations on coordination, design, and funding for digital equity programs. The City’s Internet for All Action Plan, created and enacted into law in 2020 and updated in 2021, has the mission of “enabling all Seattle residents to access and adopt broadband internet service that is reliable and affordable.”