Digital Equity Forum
Access to broadband services is essential and Washington residents are still struggling to get online. The state’s goal is to provide all residents access to high-speed broadband – 150 Megabits per second download and upload – by 2028.
The Washington State Office of Equity and the Washington State Broadband Office are partnering to convene and co-chair a Digital Equity Forum. The forum will include representation by:
- Tribal governments
- Underserved and unserved communities, including historically disadvantaged communities
- State legislators
- State Agencies
Digital Equity Forum Member list
The Digital Equity Forum expects to meet through October 2022 and is holding community listening sessions to ensure that community stories and voices are heard. Community listening sessions will reflect different community perspectives and interests for broadband access, affordability, and digital literacy. Information on how to participate in listening sessions will be provided through our email distribution list. Community listening sessions will be focused on the following key questions:
- Have you experienced anything that kept you from feeling connected to the internet? If yes, what are the challenges?
- What do you need to be able to use the internet for your personal life?
- What do you need to be able to use the internet for your work or job?
- What could state government do to help support your needs for using the internet?
By January 2023, the Digital Equity Forum will develop recommendations for the Legislature. The forum will consider all voices in developing recommendations that:
- Advance digital equity statewide
- Promote strategies to meet the state’s speed goals
To learn more about the work of the Digital Equity Forum and how to become involved, email us at: digitalequity@commerce.wa.gov
The Digital Equity Forum is committed to hosting accessible events that promote belonging, justice, and dignity. To request communication services (interpreters, written information in other languages, or other services) or accommodations, please call (360) 688-3472 or 711 (Telephone Relay Service), or email digitalequity@commerce.wa.gov. Please make requests at least 14 days in advance of the event to allow time to make the proper arrangements.
Upcoming Community Feedback Sessions
The Department of Commerce and Office of Equity are hosting three community feedback sessions to hear your feedback on the 2022 Digital Equity Forum meetings to help shape the vision for 2023. All Digital Equity Forum community members are welcome.
American Sign Language interpretation and Real-time captioning will be provided. Please email digitalequity@commerce.wa.gov if you would like additional accommodations.
Digital Equity Forum Meetings
Due to the statewide emergency related to COVID-19 meetings are planned to be held virtually. If in-person meetings become possible, the time and location will be updated on this project website. The schedule is subject to change.
The meeting agenda and recording for the December 9th meeting can be found below.
The WSBO and the Office of Equity are partnering to hold a Digital Equity Forum. The forum will include representation by tribal governments, underserved and unserved communities, including historically disadvantaged communities, state agencies, and state legislators. The public is invited to participate in meetings and listening sessions, which will be scheduled through November 2022. The Forum will consider all voices in developing recommendations to advance access, affordability, and digital literacy in Washington state.
Information on how to participate and attend these meetings, as well as any changes to the schedule will be provided on this project website as well as sent out to a distribution list.
Subscribe
To receive email updates, please email DigitalEquity@Commerce.wa.gov and ask to be added to our distribution list.
Contact
DigitalEquity@Commerce.wa.gov
Digital Equity Forum, Care of Washington State Broadband Office, PO Box 42525, Olympia, WA, 98504
Dr. Karen Johnson
Director, Washington State Office of Equity
Karen.Johnson@Equity.wa.gov
360-480-7453
Mark Vasconi
Director, Washington State Broadband Office
Mark.Vasconi@Commerce.wa.gov
360-918-1241