Madison Reporter

The City of Madison is launching an online resource hub to coincide with Digital Inclusion Week, taking place from October 7-11. The initiative aims to connect residents and city staff with resources such as workforce skills training, digital devices, Wi-Fi, and digital literacy training. This effort includes partnerships with local institutions, nonprofits, internet providers offering discount plans, and city-supported initiatives.

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway emphasized the city's commitment to providing essential tools for navigating the digital world. "The role of City government is to provide the infrastructure and basic services our residents need to thrive. Increasingly, that means having the tools and skills to navigate the digital world. I’m proud Madison is strengthening the partnerships and programs that ensure all of our residents have access to essential technologies," she stated.

Digital Inclusion Week, now in its eighth year and led by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, serves as a platform to highlight community-driven efforts aimed at overcoming digital barriers.

Cassandra Hill, City of Madison Digital Inclusion Coordinator, highlighted ongoing challenges: “Digital inclusion encompasses several critical areas: affordable internet, access to suitable and low-cost devices, digital skills, workforce and cybersecurity training, and accessibility. These remain out of reach for many in our city.”

One example of these efforts is the Madison Senior Center's recent grant from AT&T through the National Council on Aging. This grant supports $7,500 worth of digital skills training for older adults in Madison. By April 2025, it aims to assist 100 seniors with their digital needs.

Madison Public Library also plays a significant role by offering public computers and free Wi-Fi across its locations. In 2023 alone, more than 130,000 computer reservations were recorded at its nine branches. The library collaborates with local organizations to offer one-on-one computer assistance and courses covering basics like internet safety.

Hill further noted the impact of digital disparities: "There is a digital divide... It creates barriers to access in healthcare, jobs, education, and public transport."

The new resource page was developed in collaboration with Madison's Information Technology Department and Madison Public Library. It will be available on the library’s website at madpl.org/digitalinclusion.