How One Tech Hub City Is Grappling With Digital Equity

Austin (TX) for years has been one of the nation's most desirable tech hubs. Yet despite this, some of Austin's most vulnerable populations still lack digital literacy, internet access and digital exposure. City officials said the demand for digital devices in Austin continues to surpass the number of devices available. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters such as the February freeze, which caused widespread power outages across the state, have exposed digital access gaps in the Austin area. For years those gaps have disproportionately affected communities of color, older people, immigrants, low-income people and other underrepresented populations. According to digital equity and inclusion advocates, city and state officials must address the need for digital literacy by increasing access to devices, making peer-to-peer training for devices more available and exposing youths to technology as a fast-growing industry. Tech industry giants must also invest in local workforce development, promotion and retention. The city is conducting a study to "analyze the lived experience of Austinites with the digital divide." The findings of the study, which began in September 2021, will be released in early 2022.