Digital Equity & Inclusion

The Office of Digital Equity & Inclusion (DEI) provides solutions and resources to close the digital divide across the City of Detroit; while providing affordable quality high-speed internet, access to devices, digital literacy training, tech support, and upgraded city-wide internet infrastructure.

What Issue Are We Solving

Digital inequities have been an issue across the City of Detroit for decades. COVID-19 has amplified the digital divide, as tens of thousands of Detroit residents didn’t have access to a device, home internet, and tech skills training. They invest in digital inclusion, access to devices, internet, and tech training built around tech support and upgraded internet infrastructure. We will help Detroit rebuild its economy post-COVID-19 by increasing racial equity as Black and Brown residents get connected and gain the opportunity to build IT skills and IT Workforce Development training as the City of Detroit continues to transition into one of the top connected cities in the United States.

Defining The Issue

The digital divide is the gap between those with affordable access, skills, and support to effectively engage online and those without. As technology constantly evolves, the digital divide prevents equal participation and opportunity in all parts of life, disproportionately affecting people of color, Indigenous people, households with low incomes, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, and older adults.

Aligned with the mayor’s transparency initiative, an interactive digital dashboard defining the needs of residents of the City of Detroit, from areas identified as low-income neighborhoods, connectivity, access to devices to opportunities for digital literacy skills building, and IT workforce training.

Resources

Quality Affordable Connectivity

WiFi connectivity options

Access To Devices

Loaner and affordable options

Basic Digital Literacy Skills

Building & IT Workforce Training

Digital Connectivity Assessment

Resident Digital Equity & Connectivity Assessment 2023-2025

Locate City of Detroit “Certified Tech Hub Near Me!”

To ensure the residents of the City of Detroit have access to tech hubs providing safe, clean, open WIFI, tech programming, devices, device loaner programs and tech support as well as accessibility. We launched the City of Detroit Certified Tech Initiative. Local tech hubs/computer labs can apply to receive the City of Detroit Certified Tech Hub Seal. When residents see this seal at a tech hub, they know it has been certified and they offer digital resources and tools. The interactive map below and mobile app, residents can click and find the closest tech hub to their location with icons identifying what resources are available and hours of operation.

SIGN-UP TODAY To BE A City of Detroit Certified Tech Hub. Use the City of Detroit “Certified Tech Hub Near Me” seal below to access the application.

“Find The Certified Tech Hub Near Me” interactive map is under development and it is coming soon.

DEI Interactive Data State of Digital Equity in Detroit

Focused on driving decisions the residents of Detroit, we are analyzing vital demographic data points, some of which are clearly defined as digital equity data points. The interactive dashboard allows us to be transparent with the residents of the City of Detroit and how we allocate resources and services to close the digital divide in the City of Detroit. We are taking a data driven approach allowing us to create customized digital equity plans for each district and neighborhood to meet the needs of the community.

This interactive dashboard provides residents with a transparent view of the DEI digital equity resource allocation. A data-driven approach will allow the DEI team to create customized digital equity rollout plans for each district and neighborhood.

Click the picture below to access the interactive dashboard to see what DEI resources will be allocated to your neighborhood.

Sign-Up Today for DEI Resources

Your voice is important to us!

DEI Survey – Your voice is important to us! Click the link below to help us meet the needs of our community. Together we can close the Digital Divide.

Take Survey!

Affordable Home Internet, Made Easy.

You may be eligible for a $30 per month discount off your internet bill. Visit GetACP.org to see if you qualify, what documents you will need to apply, and how to connect to home internet plans that are free with ACP.

Get Qualified