The internet is critical to everyday life. Yet 1 out of 5 Californians lack access to affordable, reliable broadband service, devices, and the skills to use them.
As a result, millions in our state are unable to access essential government services and realize other social and economic benefits. This gap is referred to as the “digital divide” which most impacts rural residents, low-income households, seniors, the disabled, veterans, those with low levels of literacy and language barriers, and tribal communities, among other groups.
Broadband for All is the state’s overarching program to close the digital divide and foster digital equity in our communities. The state has invested billions of dollars to achieve Broadband for All and ensure that every resident has access to economical and dependable internet, devices, and skills-training. But more needs to be done.
CDFA is part of the State Digital Equity team led by the Department of Technology and the California Public Utilities Commission. The agencies are working together to offer a series of planning workshops. There will be 20 of them. The first ones are this week. Local organizations and community members are urged to attend and encouraged to make their voices heard in the development of a five-year action plan to determine how future federal dollars are allocated to address digital inequities.
Below is a list of workshops this month.
| Date | Location | Registration Link |
| April 14 | Merced – (Merced College – Library) | Register |
| April 15 | Fresno – (Fresno City College, Old Administration Building – Cafeteria) | Register |
| April 21 | San Diego – (San Diego Central Library) | Register |
| April 27 | Chico – (Chico Masonic Family Center) | Register |
| April 28 | Santa Rosa – (Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building) | Register |
Please reach out to digitalequity@state.ca.gov for more information.