PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named the City of Pittsfield as a 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the city's efforts to close the digital divide. 

 

This is the second time Pittsfield is being recognized with this designation. Recognizing the array of interests and unique barriers of its community members, Pittsfield joins a record number of Digital Inclusion Trailblazers this year. NDIA awarded a total of 60 awardees representing municipal, county, and regional governments, paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US.

 

In an increasingly connected society, digital inclusion—access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training—is essential not only to participate in today's world but also to finding greater opportunities to thrive using tools to navigate the internet confidently and independently, stated a press release.

 

"The City of Pittsfield is honored to be recognized as a Digital Equity Trailblazer for the second consecutive year," said Michael Obasohan, chief diversity officer. "This acknowledgment underscores our city departments' commitment to ensuring equitable access to digital resources for all residents. We remain dedicated to closing the digital divide and fostering inclusive digital opportunities that empower our entire community."

 

"In the past decade, we've seen local governments step into the important role of building digital inclusion ecosystems, where organizations that provide services can connect and thrive," said Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director. "NDIA's Digital Inclusion Trailblazers celebrates these critical efforts to bring digital opportunities to all residents."

 

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:

NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 1,900 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support.