PITTSFIELD, Mass. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named the City of Pittsfield as a 2023 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the city's efforts to close the digital divide.

 

"It is an honor for Pittsfield to be recognized for its digital inclusion efforts. This is more motivation to enhance what we have to continue to create access to the digital space for everyone," said Michael Obasohan, chief diversity officer.

 

This year, Pittsfield joins a record number of Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, with 47 total awardees representing municipal, county, and regional governments paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US.

 

"Nonprofits, libraries, churches, and other community organizations can't reach digital equity on their own. For everyone to thrive in today's digital world, we need all hands on deck," said Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director. "NDIA's Digital Inclusion Trailblazers exemplify the key role local governments have in building connected communities for all of their residents."

 

According to a press release, Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems. Pittsfield achieved Trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of their communities through:

 

• Municipal Digital Equity Planning process

• Hosting a Digital Resource Fair

• Public Engagement for State Digital Equity Plan and tabling at public events

• Interviews and planned programs with local media outlets

• Outreach to local schools, educators and covered population groups

 

"BRPC congratulates the city of Pittsfield for earning national recognition for its dedication to building a culture of digital inclusion. The Trailblazer award reflects the city's commitment to ensuring all residents have equitable access to the knowledge, skills, and devices they need to take full advantage of the new opportunities digital connectivity and emerging technologies provide," said Wylie Goodman, senior planner-economic development.

 

NDIA revised the seven-year-old Trailblazer program this year, identifying seven categories of current best practices. Each applicant's materials are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact, and posted in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA's website. By sharing materials with open-sourcing, NDIA provides community advocates and local governments ways to continue learning, connect with trailblazing peers, and plan their own digital inclusion solutions.