Portland, Oregon launches Broadband Equity Study Story Map to highlight connectivity gaps

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability has launched the Broadband Equity Study Story Map, an interactive tool designed to visualize internet access disparities across the city. The Story Map combines data analysis with personal experiences from residents impacted by the digital divide, offering a comprehensive review of the challenges and opportunities for improving broadband access. The Broadband Equity Study Story Map aims to:

• Identify populations consistently impacted by limited internet access.
• Map geographic areas at greater risk of prolonged disconnectivity (barriers to consistent connectivity). 
• Highlight key themes from community insights that will inform digital equity policies.
• Strengthen the city’s efforts to secure funding for broadband affordability initiatives.