Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Publishes Just Communities Baseline Report

Information on racial disparities in Maryland housing and neighborhood conditions, as well as the current and ongoing work of the Department to address inequities. Highlights efforts toward reducing digital redlining in Maryland through statewide investments and the Maryland Digital Equity Plan. A lesser-known consequence of disinvestment, “digital redlining” refers to the underdevelopment of broadband infrastructure in low-income neighborhoods. Maryland’s rural counties are particularly hard hit by digital redlining, since Internet service providers, directed by the profit motive, are unlikely to build infrastructure in outlying areas without government support. A second, equally pernicious form of digital redlining is common in Maryland. Without the skills and devices required to connect to the Internet, low-income households – in all geographies and of all races – lack the consistent access to jobs, education, medical care, and more that the Internet confers.  Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Office of Statewide Broadband has invested over $100 million to redress both forms of digital redlining. Recently published, DHCD’s Statewide Digital Equity Plan will direct DHCD’s efforts to grant nonprofits, local jurisdictions, and “anchor institutions” such as prisons and libraries monies for the skills training and device distribution that are required to achieve high-speed, affordable Internet for all.