From State of New Mexico State Digital Equity Plan (December 2023)
The State of New Mexico envisions a future in which all residents, families, and communities have equal access to and meaningful use of digital tools, technologies, and information, regardless of their background, income, location, or abilities. This vision aims to bridge the digital divide, ensure inclusive participation in the digital age, and promote social and economic well-being for all residents.
In this vision, every household and community across New Mexico has access to affordable, high-speed broadband internet. This includes urban, rural, and underserved areas, as well as the sovereign territories of the Nations, Tribes, and Pueblos, ensuring that no one is left behind due to geographical location.
In this vision, all New Mexicans have the necessary digital skills to confidently navigate the digital landscape, access online resources, and engage in digital interactions. Digital skills education is integrated into schools, libraries, community centers, and lifelong learning programs.
In this vision, digital technologies and online platforms are designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, accommodating individuals with disabilities and catering to diverse linguistic and cultural needs. In this vision, New Mexico’s unique cultural heritage is respected and reflected in all elements of the digital experience.
In this vision, every student, household, and community have access to devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Programs are in place to provide devices to families in need, ensuring that no one is disadvantaged due to lack of hardware.
In this vision, government services, health care, education, job opportunities, and social support systems are accessible online, ensuring that residents can conveniently access essential resources and services.
In this vision, New Mexicans have confidence in the privacy and security of their digital interactions.
In this vision, there is support for populations that face barriers to digital equity, including low-income families, aging individuals, and individuals who are English language learners or who have low literacy levels.
In this vision, a digitally skilled workforce is cultivated through education and training programs that prepare individuals for technology-driven job opportunities.
In this vision, government, private sector, nonprofits, and educational institutions collaborate to develop innovative solutions and policies that ensure digital equity. Partnerships are formed to address challenges collectively and drive sustainable change.
To achieve the objectives set out in this vision for digital equity, OBAE has adopted the following four framework principles for its digital equity efforts:
- Respect, celebrate, and incorporate New Mexico’s unique diversity and cultural heritage. Respecting and incorporating the cultural and linguistic diversity of residents is essential for creating inclusive and effective programs that serve the needs of all members of the community. To achieve this, OBAE will ensure that outreach, materials, and data are provided in multiple languages commonly spoken in New Mexico; collaborate with community organizations and engagement with communities that reflect New Mexico’s unique cultural heritage; use multiple channels for ongoing dialogue, feedback, and collaboration; develop programming initiatives that reflect the cultural preferences, values, and traditions of all of New Mexico’s many communities; and collect data that accurately represent the cultural and linguistic diversity of New Mexico’s population to inform policy-making.
- Prioritize data and rigorous information gathering. As it has done in awarding broadband infrastructure grants, OBAE will adopt a data-driven approach to grantmaking in the digital equity area, making awards based on data regarding both the need for the work and the capacity of the grantee that seeks to do the work. OBAE will use data as the basis for measuring needs and achievements over time and it will continue to lead in data collection through the New Mexico Broadband Map, which it will update at least annually, and digital equity surveys, which it will undertake periodically. This will enable progress toward digital equity to be measured on an ongoing basis using data on access, usage, skills, and outcomes. Regular evaluations will ensure that programs are effective, adaptable, and responsive to evolving needs.
- Engage and collaborate. Digital equity work will require collaboration and partnerships. As it has done in consulting with Tribal authorities and local stakeholders, OBAE will continue to engage with its local government, ISP, and CAI stakeholders to solicit ideas, insights, priorities, and lessons learned. OBAE will similarly continue its efforts to collaborate with Tribal Nations, Tribal colleges and universities, and Minority-Serving Institutions.
- Build on existing achievements and collaborations. The State of New Mexico will coordinate with other entities that have spent years developing expertise and capabilities in digital equity to leverage their efforts. Rather than attempt to replicate or recreate those capabilities, OBAE will provide data, support, and resources to entities that already have developed—and proven the efficacy and efficiency of—existing programs to address digital equity. In this way, the State of New Mexico will respect local and community experience and know-how, working to support its local government and nonprofit stakeholders that have proven capabilities in digital equity.